Have any of you ever seen a funeral?
Do you know a man who, when he walked, the earth trembled beneath him? When he spoke, ears were filled with his voice, and when he grew angry, hearts shuddered in fear? Then came a moment—and he was but a lifeless body, unable to swat away a fly or fend off a stray dog.
Have you heard of a girl who was the enchantment of hearts and the delight of eyes, overflowing with beauty and youth, exuding charm and allure? Fortunes were spent for a single kiss from her lips, sealed like a red rose, and pride was humbled before the elegance of her legs, standing like pillars of marble. Then came a moment—and she was reduced to decay and rot, worms feasting on the body that was once worshipped by admirers of beauty, devouring the lips whose kisses were once bought with treasures of wealth.
Have you read in history books of a tyrant whose very name made the hearts of heroes quake, whose presence terrified the mightiest of men? None dared raise their gaze to meet his, nor look into the whites of his eyes. His word was law, his command was fate. Then came a moment—and his body became dust beneath people’s feet, his grave a playground for children, or a place to relieve oneself.
Have you passed by those places where small plants grow, marked by stone slabs—the places called graveyards?
So why, after all this, do you still not believe that death exists in this world?
Why do you read admonitions and hear warnings, yet think they are meant for others?
Why do you walk in funeral processions, yet chatter about worldly affairs, weaving dreams of hopes and desires—as if you will never die like those whose funerals you attend? As if those dead were never alive like you, with hearts that held greater hopes than yours and ambitions far beyond your own?
Why does the powerful ruler grow arrogant and tyrannical, as if his reign will last forever? This world does not last for anyone. Had it endured for those before him, it would never have reached him.
Many have trodden this earth—far mightier in strength, greater in power, and more formidable in authority. Yet where are they now? The earth has swallowed them, and people have forgotten their names.
The wealthy are deluded by their wealth, the strong by their strength, the young by their youth, and the healthy by their well-being—they think it will last. But how far from the truth!
Is there anything in existence that death does not claim?
The grandest structures will one day crumble and return to dust. The towering tree will one day wither and become firewood. The fierce lion will one day be devoured by dogs. And a day will come when the mountains will turn to dust, the sky will split, the stars will explode, and all will perish—except the Face of the Almighty.
On that day, a caller will cry out: "To whom belongs the dominion this day?"
And the answer will come: "To Allah, the One, the All-Dominant."
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) commanded us to frequently remember death.
So remember death—so that its remembrance may help you restrain your worldly desires and soften your hardened hearts. Remember it so that your heart may become more tender, your hand more generous, your soul more receptive to advice, and your faith stronger. Remember it so that you may prepare for it.
This world is like an inn where you are staying—you are called to depart at any moment, without warning. If you are prepared—your bags packed, your affairs in order—you will answer the call and depart with ease. But if your clothes are scattered and your belongings disorganized, you will leave with no provisions and no proper attire.
So prepare for death: purify your account with Allah through repentance, fulfill the rights of others, and redress any wrongs—so that your dealings with people may be cleared.
Do not say: "I am young."
Do not say: "I am mighty."
Do not say: "I am wealthy."
For when the Angel of Death comes on his mission, he does not distinguish between young and old, great and lowly, rich and poor.
And you do not know when he will knock at your door.
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Source: "Articles in Words" Book