The Bid`ah of the so-called Shaykh Ahmad

Q: We always receive anonymous letters urging us to pay Sadaqah (voluntary charity) as the end of the world is imminent. I wonder: Is the payment of Sadaqah the only thing that protects us from the punishment in the Hereafter; or can it delay the Resurrection Day? Recently, we have received an unsealed letter written in French, from the Republic of Senegal with no sign indicating its issuing authority. In this letter it is written that the Imam of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Shaykh Ahmad, saw (Part No. 3; Page No. 112) the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) in a dream after reciting the Noble Qur'an on Friday morning in Al-Masjid Al-Nabawy (the Prophet's Mosque). He claims that the Prophet (peace be upon him) told him that six thousand people had died that week and none of them entered Jannah (Paradise). This is because the rich do not pay Zakah or Sadaqah to those who deserve it; women do not obey their husbands and children are not dutiful to their parents; Muslims do not mention Allah often nor do they perform Hajj. The Prophet also, allegedly, added that the Hour has approached, gates of forgiveness are closed, and the world has come to an end; therefore it is strongly recommended that we regularly fast on Mondays for one month and recite the Qur’an for it will eventually disappear. The sign of its disappearance is the appearance of a star different from the other stars and that the sun will stay in the middle of the sky. The letter further recommends whoever reads it to pass the message on to others. As a reward, Allah will provide them from sources they can never imagine. If the person is in debt, Allah will make it easy for him to repay it and on the Day of Judgment he will be in Jannah (Paradise) with the Prophet (peace be upon him). It also promises whoever passes this message on with peace of mind and fearlessness of death, if they are truthful. The letter also stresses that Jannah cannot be attained without effort, labor and obedience to Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him). It warns whoever does not pass on this message against a life of poverty and indebtedness, their dying as hypocrites and being close to the people of the Hellfire. We believe that entering Jannah and our worldly provision are due to Allah's (Exalted be He) Bounty and Mercy. We believe that He may punish us in this worldly life and the Hereafter by His Justice. It is not due to our beauty, wealth or children that Allah provides for us and shows us mercy. It is rather through our fear of Allah that induces obedience to Him and urges us to recite (Part No. 3; Page No. 113) the Qur'an. Comprehending the meanings of the Qur'an is what makes us hope for Allah's Mercy in this worldly life and the Hereafter. Allah says, O you who believe! Endure and be more patient (than your enemy), and guard your territory by stationing army units permanently at the places from where the enemy can attack you, and fear Allâh, so that you may be successful. He also says: This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islâm as your religion. Materials of this nature could divert willing non-Muslims from embracing Islam, not to mention our inappropriate attitudes towards them which contradict Islamic humane teachings. At present, some Muslim countries lack the application of the true spirit of Islam, which non-Islamic countries unknowingly apply.