A summary of the concepts held by the people of the Sunnah.
A blessed end awaits the one whose final words in this world are the declaration of oneness.
The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
"Whoever’s final words in this world are 'La ilaha illa Allah' (there is no god but Allah),
shall enter Paradise."
It was narrated by Abu Dawud and al-Hakim,
and authenticated by al-Dhahabi, who concurred with him.
The secret of this, and Allah knows best,
is that the testimony of 'La ilaha illa Allah' at the moment of death
has a profound effect in expiating sins and nullifying them.
This is because it is a testimony from a servant who is certain of it,
cognizant of its implications,
whose base desires have withered away,
whose rebellious soul has softened,
and which has turned toward its Lord after having turned away.
Its greed for this world and its superfluous attachments have departed from it,
and it has surrendered before its Lord, Creator, and true Master,
in its most humble state before Him and its most hopeful state for His pardon.
Thus, that testimony, sincere for the sake of Allah, becomes the seal of his deeds,
cleansing him of his sins,
and bringing him before his Lord and Master with his outward state in harmony with his inward,
and his hidden self in accord with his public appearance.
A summary of the concepts held by the people of the Sunnah.