I just learned about Al-Qantarah - frightening but strangely freeing
As-salaam alaykum everyone. I came across a description of Al-Qantarah (copied below) and wanted to share my reaction. It's honestly scary to think we'll be asked to make amends with everyone we've wronged in life, even for things we kept secret. But that fear has pushed me to be more mindful now, trying to treat people with as much kindness and respect as I can. At the same time, there's a relief that comes with this: I can let go of the resentment I hold toward those who've hurt me. I don't have to keep hoping they'll own up, apologise, or change. I can leave it to Allah SWT and the akhirah. That thought eases my mind at night and stops me from replaying things over and over. Let it be-Allah will handle what I cannot. ----------------- Al-Qantarah: The Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam said: “When the believers cross [the traverse over] Hellfire, they will be stopped at a small arched bridge, Qantarah, before entering the Garden, and will be given retribution for injustices between them until they become purified. Then they will be permitted to enter Jannah or Paradise. So, by the One in Whose Hands is my soul, they will know their way to their homes in Jannah, better than they know their ways to their homes in this world.” [Al-Bukhari] So Al-Qantarah is a small bridge after the Sirat that believers cross before entering Jannah. Allah will have the believers settle their disputes there, right before the gates of Paradise. Your good deeds will go to the person you wronged until they forgive you; and if your good deeds run out, their bad deeds may be transferred to you. Makes you wonder-was that argument really worth it?