THE EXPIATION

 FAJR REMINDER: THE EXPIATION!

By: Umm Affān

Dhū al-Qa'dah 3, 1447 (21-April-2026)

Do you know how to live a good life and die upon goodness? I mean the deeds of expiation that help a person meet Allāh free from sins, as pure as the day they were born. Some people may imagine that this is achieved by repeating Astaghfirullāh a million times, praying hundreds of Rak‘āt without even facing the Qiblah, or locking themselves in a dark room for a year while engaging in invented forms of Dhikr. No—this is not the way. Rather, the path is what the Prophet (ﷺ) taught.

Ibn Abbās (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhuma) said Allāh’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “My Lord came to me tonight in the most beautiful form (I think he said, in a dream). He (Allāh) said, ‘O Muḥammad, do you know what the chiefs on high (the Angels) disputed about?’ I said, ‘No.’ He put His Hand between my shoulder-blades and I could feel its coolness on my chest (or just beneath my throat), then I knew everything that is in the heavens and on earth. He said, ‘O Muḥammad, do you know what the chiefs on high disputed about?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ He (the Prophet) said, ‘About expiation, and the expiation is staying in the Masjid after prayers, walking to join congregational prayers, and doing Wuḍūʼ properly in adverse conditions. Whoever does that will live a good life and die a good death, and will be as sinless as the day his mother bore him…’” [Jami‘ At-Tirmidhī 3233]

How excellent is the Sunnah, for in it we find true success and goodness. Dear brethren, these three acts should be part of our identity as Muslims, for they are among the deeds that lead to Jannah (Paradise).

The first is remaining in the Masjid after Ṣalāh for the remembrance of Allāh. Do not be quick to leave immediately after prayer. Stay behind for a while, remember your Lord, make Du‘ā, and ask Him for your needs.

The second is walking to the Masjid for congregational prayers, including Jumu‘ah, whenever it is within walking distance, for Islām does not bring hardship where there is no genuine difficulty. Every step taken toward the Masjid carries reward and wipes away sins.

The third is performing Wuḍūʼ properly even in difficult conditions—such as during cold weather, late at night, or in the early hours of the morning. This sincerity and effort in purification is beloved to Allāh and serves as a means of expiation.

These simple but sincere acts are not difficult for the one whom Allāh grants ease. Through them, a believer can live a blessed life, die upon goodness, and meet his Lord in a state of purity.

I beseech Allāh to be Merciful to us, forgive our shortcomings, and make it easy for us to perform the deeds that please Him. Aameen.