Hawzah News Agency- Expressing concern over the atmosphere being manufactured against Islam and Muslims, Hafezi said: "In the current circumstances, more than ever, the Islamic Ummah must prevent internal divisions and rifts and not allow these differences to serve the interests and objectives of external currents."
Condemning terrorism, extremism, and attempts to pit Muslims against one another, the Pakistani cleric stated: "The Islamic Ummah must not react to events and developments merely on the basis of emotion. Rather, it must examine the facts with research, awareness, unity, and insight, and make decisions on various issues accordingly."
Referring to the story of the Children of Israel in the Holy Quran, Hafezi noted: "No matter how hard a person tries to conceal the truth and cover up realities, divine will shall ultimately bring the truth to light, and the facts will become manifest."
The Journey to the Hereafter: A Journey No One Can Escape
In the continuation of his remarks, the Friday prayer leader of Skardu addressed the etiquettes and purposes of travel in human life, saying: "Throughout life, a person experiences numerous journeys for various purposes — Hajj, pilgrimage, medical treatment, trade, and other matters. But there is one journey that no human being can escape: the journey to the Hereafter."
He added: "Just as society requires schools, hospitals, and other essential facilities for human life, necessary grounds for support and social cooperation must also be provided for poor, needy, and vulnerable believers at the time of death and funeral ceremonies."
Hojatoleslam Mohammad Javad Hafezi emphasized: "Religious teachings are not merely for hearing and knowing — they must be translated into behavior and action in individual and social life."
Funeral Processions: A Religious Duty and an Opportunity to Remember the Hereafter
Underscoring the importance of participating in the funeral processions of believers, he stated: "Informing others about the death of a believer, attending the funeral procession, and seeking forgiveness and mercy for the deceased are among the important Islamic duties and traditions."
Citing Islamic narrations, the religious scholar added: "For the steps a person takes in a funeral procession, reward, divine forgiveness, and elevation of ranks have been promised. Therefore, a funeral procession should not be regarded merely as a social custom — it is a valuable opportunity to remember the Hereafter and reconsider one's path in life."
He continued: "When a person participates in the funeral of a believer, he must ponder this truth: one day, his own body will be carried on the shoulders of others, and he too will depart for the abode of the Hereafter."
Hojatoleslam Mohammad Javad Hafezi further pointed to some of the etiquettes of funeral processions, emphasizing the remembrance of God, sending blessings upon the Prophet and his family, observing simplicity and dignity, and avoiding inappropriate behavior during these ceremonies.
He said: "It is fitting that the body be carried on the shoulders of mourners as much as possible, and those present should participate in carrying the body from different sides and in turns if the opportunity arises."
The Necessity of Empathy with Bereaved Families
The Friday prayer leader of Skardu described empathy and solidarity with the family of the deceased as an important manifestation of Islamic ethics, stating: "Believers must not leave a bereaved family alone in such difficult circumstances. Rather, through their presence, sympathy, and assistance, they must reduce part of their suffering and burdens."
He also emphasized the necessity of observing the dignity and sanctity of funeral ceremonies, saying: "It is fitting that individuals avoid unnecessary conversations and worldly matters during funerals, and attend these ceremonies with calm, dignity, and attention to religious teachings."
Attention to the Reality of the Hereafter and Preparation for Meeting the Lord
Hojatoleslam Mohammad Javad Hafezi noted: "Wealth, riches, material possessions, and worldly appearances will not accompany a person to the abode of the Hereafter. Therefore, a person must not have excessive attachment to worldly manifestations. Rather, he must focus his primary attention on reforming his life, performing righteous deeds, and preparing for the journey to the Hereafter."
In conclusion, he emphasized: "Participation in funeral ceremonies can be a great lesson in life for a person, because these ceremonies remind him that the opportunity of life is limited, and every individual must prepare himself for meeting his Lord and entering the abode of the Hereafter before the final journey arrives."
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