REMEMBRANCE OF DEATH
Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, assalamualeykum warahmatullah!
This is a reality from which there is no escape for anyone. Death appears to be the most certain phenomenon on earth ever known to every soul, regardless their wills. Death reaches each and every living creature according to a limited time decreed by the Almighty Allah, the Creator. It does not make any difference whether you are young or old, nor does it do between the reach and the poor, between the strong and the weak, nor any race distinction. It is a certainty to be tasted by all creatures. The occurrence of death is mentioned in the Qur’an as follows: “Everyone shall taste death….” S3, V185.
Truly, every human being will go through death with no exception made for anyone. Even the dearest souls to Allah such us His Prophets, Messengers and the Saints beloved people have all experienced the phenomenon of death.
However, although inescapable, some people (ignorant) still believe to flee from the destiny of death. For that reason they are willing to give away all their wealth, properties and other belongings in order to escape it. But all this action remains in vain, for neither their fortune, nor their properties and offspring can save them from the fate of death. To these people Allah said: “ Say (to them) verily, the death from which you flee will surely meet you, then you will be sent to back to (Allah) ,the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen , and He will tell what you used to do” .S3,V8.
In this world we have the choice to travel to any destination we desire, either for having good time, going for summer holidays (beaches, yacht, Surfing), Snowboarding ( in winter) or to contemplate some big cities in the world. Still, the choice belongs to us. On the contrary, we must know that death is passage for reaching our final destination. And this destination could be the Paradise or the Hellfire. Thus, dear brothers and sisters, having had the certainty about the fate of death and the day of resurrection (to account for our deeds before Allah), it is of capital importance that we start meditating profoundly and constantly over our meeting with the Creator. In clear, as believers, we must be pondering over death and the life after death. By doing so, we will be able to rethink our mission on earth, and therefore, behave consequently in our daily lives. Again, once we have come to understand the reason of our existence on earth; we will certainly refrain from all evil actions to the benefit of our religion and build a good relationship with the Lord. As the prophet Muhammad (S.AW.) said: “He is intelligent and wise he who gives up his lusts dictated by his soul and prepares what is after death”. This hadith teaches that man should not be too attached to this ephemeral life; rather he must prepare the Hereafter, which is after death; that is the eternal life.
Once again, whether we accept it or not our stay on earth is just for a little while, whereas death is and remains a certainty, ineluctable that follows us every day. The last day of judgment is also a certainly, the Paradise is a certainty and the Hellfire is also a certainty. That said; let us pull ourselves together before the day where there will be no respite for anyone and where no remorse will be helpful.
Allah knows best!
May Allah make pious and sincere Muslims, may He make the death remembrance profitable for us and guide us on the Right Path.
Wassalamualeykum!
Translated by AK
