Time passes, days and years go by, and suddenly we find ourselves aged, with time having taken its toll. We begin to await departure moment by moment, as if we can see it approaching, about to collide with us. Then, the endless questions arise: How far have we come? What have we achieved? How has our life been? Is there any lasting benefit from our deeds after death? Or a legacy that keeps our memory alive in the hearts of our loved ones first, and then others?
Amid the hustle and bustle of life, a person strives, runs, works hard, and exerts effort to succeed and perfect their deeds—whether those deeds are personal, benefiting only themselves, or extend to others. The latter is the most beneficial, as its impact and goodness reach others during their lifetime and continue after their death.
In the traditions of the prophets (peace be upon them), we find the most profound lessons and the best conduct. They spent most, if not all, of their lives leaving marks and impacts on their people—through calling them to guidance, correcting and reforming them. Their ultimate goal was to please God first, then to guide their people, enlighten them, and lead them from darkness to light. Thus, their legacies and virtues deserved immortality, and God immortalized them in His Noble Book until the Day of Resurrection.
The Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), the best of humanity after the prophets, also dedicated their lives to this noble purpose. They raced to do good deeds, especially those whose benefits extended to others. For instance, Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) would compete with Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) in every act of charity. During the expedition of hardship, Umar brought half his wealth, thinking he had surpassed his brother Abu Bakr—only to find that Abu Bakr had brought all his wealth. Then Umar realized he could not outdo him. He heard Abu Bakr respond to the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) question, "What have you left for your family?" by saying, "Allah and His Messenger."
Leaving a beautiful legacy is no easy task—it is the most challenging mission for the soul in life, even if the act itself is simple. Yet, we all dream of being that person remembered fondly for the good they left behind in people’s hearts. If any of us sits alone, reflecting on the reel of our life and memories, countless moments and beautiful impacts we’ve made will undoubtedly come to mind—whether as a brother, friend, teacher, traveler, or otherwise. Or perhaps we were the ones who left that mark on others mentioned or unmentioned.
A legacy could be an endowment left by the wealthy, continuing to benefit people after their death—thus prolonging their reward and earning them ongoing prayers, praise, and good remembrance from others. It could also be scholarly work that benefits people during their life and beyond, or teaching someone—even a single verse of the Quran, a hadith, a skill, or a craft—that becomes a source of income and protection for their family. Or it could be raising a righteous child whose good manners, ethics, and dealings with others bring prayers that reach you before God, increasing your record and granting you what others may not attain.
This legacy can also be simple and cost-free, yet leave behind something more precious than the treasures of the earth. When a brother or friend comes to you in hardship or distress, and you extend whatever help you can—or when you smile at someone whom life has turned its back on, opening doors of hope and relieving their sorrow—that is a legacy. It could even be making space for someone in a crowded gathering, preserving their dignity and sparing them embarrassment.
We were not created in this life to remain or live forever. From the moment we became conscious of ourselves, we knew that one day we would die—whether that day comes sooner or later. This is the most ever-present truth in people’s lives, for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. It compels us to strive with all our might to leave a beautiful mark in the hearts of those around us—even those we meet only briefly. A beautiful legacy is what will keep us alive, extend our lifespans, and prolong the rewards of our deeds long after we depart this life.
I conclude with the words of the master of all creation, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them."
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A Yemeni writer and researcher.
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