There is a very famous Hadith regarding the 7 categories of individuals who will be given shade on the Day of Judgement. In certain narrations, it has been described as a day where people will be drowning in their own sweat due to the widespread fear and anxiety. The sun will be brought in close proximity to us. حت تكون منهم كمقدار ميل to the distance of 1 ميل away. Scholars have interpreted this to be either the distance of one mile or ميل (equal to the length of the small stick one uses when applying kohl to the eyes). We ask Allah for His mercy on that day!
One of the seven categories of people who will be given shade on that day have been described as “Youth who spent time in the remembrance and worship of Allah”. The Arabic word for a young man or youth is shabab that stems from the word ‘shabba’ which means to burst into flames or to be extremely active. Linguistically, it implies energy, vigor, a dynamic phase of life. It is a time in a persons life where passion and energy lead the way to many decisions. A time of physical peak and vitality. A time when ones natural human desires are also at peak. With these beautiful and dynamic qualities, it is also the time in many people’s lives where they come across and face many temptations and distractions. These temptations and surrounding challenges have only been amplified with the advent of social media, an increasingly liberalized non faith based society and overall lack of the pursuit of sacred knowledge. Hence through this Hadith, we come to understand that the ibaada, steadfastness to faith and consciousness of Allah during ones years of youth are so highly regarded by our Merciful Creator. Under the tafseer of Verse 201 of Suratul Aaraf, Hafiz Ibn Kathir (R) has mentioned an incident during the time of Umar ibn Khattab R.
There was a young man who would frequent the masjid to make ibaadah. He would spend time there in seclusion. One day, a women came in close proximity to him with desire and called him towards sin. He abstained but eventually, his desire overcame him and he started towards a place of seclusion to act upon his feelings. As he entered a place of seclusion, A verse of the Quran flashed before him. إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوْا۟ إِذَا مَسَّهُمْ طَـٰٓئِفٌۭ مِّنَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ تَذَكَّرُوا۟ فَإِذَا هُم مُّبْصِرُونَ (Indeed, when Satan whispers to those mindful of Allah, they remember their Lord then they start to see things clearly). The effect of the verse was so immense upon his soul, he fell unconscious. He then woke from his unconsciousness and shortly thereafter passed away. He was taken away and his father was informed of what had happened. He was buried that night and his janaza salah was performed. That night Umar (R) returned from an expedition and he was informed of the incident. He made his way over to the young mans grave at night with those who were with him and prayed his janaza and made dua for him. Umar (R) than spoke to him while he was already in his grave, “Oh youngster, وَلِمَنْ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِۦ جَنَّتَانِ (And whoever is in awe of standing before their Lord will have two Gardens).” In miraculous fashion, the young man responded from his grave saying “يا عمر قد اعطانيهما ربي عز و جل في الجنة مرتين“ (Oh Umar, verily my Lord has given me those two gardens promised in Jannah in the Quran)!
Allah bestowed upon him the beautiful gardens of Jannah! All of this was due to his fear and devotion to Allah in his youth! May Allah keep us all steadfast upon the deen and eternal guidance to be his subservient slaves in our youth and our old age!