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Showing posts with label Death. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Death. Show all posts

Thursday, 15 October 2026

Does Death End Everything, or Is It the Beginning of Our Final Journey? The Qur'an Explains

Every human being, regardless of religion, nationality, wealth, or social position, must eventually confront one unavoidable reality: death. But is death the end of human existence? This question is answered differently in different religions. For many the life ends after death and there is nothing beyond. While Islam calls death a temporary halt of worldly life for there is a permanent life beyond it. But many do not reflect over death despite much has been said about  resurrection, judgement day and the after life.

We spend much of our lives building careers, accumulating wealth, raising families, pursuing ambitions, and securing our future. Yet, despite extraordinary advances in medical science, no human being has succeeded in eliminating death. So the question remains: What happens when life comes to an end?

Does human consciousness disappear forever? Does everything we have done become meaningless? What happens to those who suffered injustice without receiving justice, or those who committed terrible wrongs and escaped punishment?

Islam offers a profound answer: Death is not the end of human existence. It is the passage from a temporary earthly life toward an eternal existence in which every human being will be resurrected and held accountable before Allah.

Belief in the Hereafter (Al-Akhirah) is one of the six articles of Islamic faith. The Qur'an repeatedly links belief in Allah with belief in the Last Day because, in Islam, human life cannot be fully understood without recognizing its eventual accountability.


The Qur'an declares:

كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ  "Every soul will taste death." — Surah Aal Imran 3:185

But the verse does not stop there. It continues by declaring that human beings will receive their full recompense on the Day of Resurrection. This raises an extraordinary possibility: What if everything we consider the end of life is actually the beginning of our final accountability?

Let us examine how the Qur'an describes this journey.

1. Why Does Islam Teach That There Must Be Life After Death?
The Qur'an does not present resurrection as an isolated religious doctrine. It connects it with the very purpose of human existence.

Allah asks: "Did you then think that We had created you without purpose, and that you would never be returned to Us?" — Surah Al-Mu'minun 23:115

This verse challenges the idea that human existence is merely an accidental journey ending in permanent extinction. If life had no purpose beyond temporary enjoyment, what would become of the distinction between justice and injustice, honesty and dishonesty, kindness and cruelty?

Throughout human history, many innocent people have suffered without obtaining justice. Equally, many powerful wrongdoers have died without answering for their actions. The Qur'an teaches that worldly circumstances do not represent Allah's final judgment.

In Surah Al-Jathiyah 45:21, Allah challenges the assumption that those who commit evil and those who believe and perform righteous deeds should ultimately be treated alike.

The Hereafter, therefore, represents the fulfilment of divine justice.

Explanation of Abul A'la Maududi In Tafhim al-Qur'an, particularly his introduction to Surah An-Naba (78), Maududi identifies resurrection and final accountability as central themes of the early Makkan revelation. He explains that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was conveying not only the Oneness of Allah, but also the certainty that human beings would be raised again and judged according to their beliefs and actions.

The lesson: Our earthly life is the period in which we make moral choices; the Hereafter is where their ultimate consequences become apparent.

2. The First Stage: Death and the Departure of the Soul
Islam teaches that every person's earthly life has an appointed duration known to Allah. 

Surah Az-Zumar 39:42 states that Allah takes souls at the time of death and also describes His taking of souls during sleep, returning those whose appointed time has not yet arrived. This establishes that life and death remain under Allah's authority. The Qur'an also refers to the angels responsible for taking human souls (32:11; 6:61).

What happens at the moment of death? Surah Al-Waqi'ah 56:83–87 describes the helplessness of those witnessing a person's final moments. Family members may stand nearby, medical professionals may provide assistance, and every possible effort may be made to preserve life. Yet ultimately death cannot be prevented when its appointed time arrives. The Qur'an reminds us that human beings possess neither independent control over life nor unlimited power to delay death.

The lesson: Death is not something to be remembered only during funerals. Its certainty should make us more conscious of how we use the life we have been given.

3. What Happens Between Death and Resurrection? Understanding Barzakh
A common question is whether a person immediately enters the final life of Paradise or Hell upon dying. The Qur'an describes an intermediate condition known as Barzakh (برزخ).

Consider Surah Al-Mu'minun 23:99–100. It describes a person who, upon approaching death, begs Allah to return him to earthly life so that he may perform the good deeds he previously neglected. The request is refused.

The Qur'an then declares: وَمِن وَرَائِهِم بَرْزَخٌ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ "And behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected." — 23:100 - The word Barzakh literally conveys the meaning of a barrier or intervening separation. In Islamic theology, it refers to the intermediate existence between death and the Day of Resurrection.

What do scholars say about Barzakh?
  • Ibn Kathir, commenting on 23:100, explains Barzakh as the intervening condition separating earthly existence from the final resurrection. He cites early authorities who describe it as a barrier between the two lives.
  • Mufti Muhammad Shafi, in Ma'ariful Qur'an, similarly explains that Barzakh separates the deceased from the world and that the opportunity to return for further worldly deeds has ended.
  • Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, in Tazkirul Qur'an, emphasizes the moral significance of this passage: the life granted to a person is an opportunity that cannot be recovered after death.
Is there awareness in Barzakh? Authentic Hadith describe questioning in the grave and an intermediate experience of comfort or punishment.

In Sahih al-Bukhari 1338, the Prophet ﷺ describes angels questioning the deceased concerning his testimony about the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

In Sahih al-Bukhari 1379, the Prophet ﷺ explains that the deceased is shown his or her eventual place in Paradise or Hell until the Day of Resurrection.

Surah Ghafir 40:46 describes Pharaoh's people being exposed to the Fire before the establishment of the Last Hour. Ibn Kathir regards this as important Qur'anic evidence supporting punishment during Barzakh. Nevertheless, the precise nature of this existence belongs to Al-Ghayb — the unseen. We should therefore avoid claiming to know every detail of how the soul experiences the period after death.

The important distinction is that Barzakh is not the final resurrection or the complete final judgment. Those events are still to come.

4. Resurrection: Can Human Beings Really Be Brought Back to Life?
This is perhaps the most intellectually challenging aspect of the Islamic doctrine of the Hereafter. When a human body decomposes, its physical remains gradually return to the earth. How could someone whose body disappeared centuries ago be recreated?

Interestingly, this objection is not new. The Qur'an records essentially the same question being asked during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. 

The remarkable argument in Surah Ya-Sin 36:78–79 Allah describes someone challenging the possibility of resurrection: "Who will give life to bones while they are disintegrated?" — 36:78. The Qur'an replies: قُلْ يُحْيِيهَا الَّذِي أَنشَأَهَا أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ "Say, He will give them life who produced them the first time." — 36:79 

This answer is central to the Qur'anic reasoning about resurrection. If Allah brought human beings into existence in the first place, why should their recreation lie beyond His power? The argument is developed further in 36:81–83, which refers to Allah's creation of the heavens and earth and His power to bring creation into being.
  • How Ibn Kathir interprets these verses He explains that the questioner overlooks his own creation. The person considers the restoration of decayed bones impossible while forgetting that Allah originally brought him into existence. Thus, the Qur'an directs attention from the apparent impossibility of resurrection to the divine power responsible for the original creation.
  • How Maududi explains the argument Maududi, in his commentary on 36:77–79, observes that the objection assumes Allah to be limited by the same inability that human beings experience. Human beings cannot ordinarily restore the dead to life. But the Qur'anic argument is that the Creator's ability cannot be measured by the limitations of His creation.
An important clarification
The Qur'an is making a theological and philosophical argument based upon Allah's existence, knowledge, and power. It is not claiming that bodily resurrection has already been demonstrated through reproducible scientific experiments.

For someone investigating Islam, the underlying question is whether there are persuasive reasons to believe in the existence of an all-powerful Creator and the authenticity of His revelation. If those premises are accepted, resurrection becomes consistent with the divine attributes affirmed by the Qur'an.

5. The Qur'an Points to Creation as a Sign of Resurrection
The Qur'an repeatedly uses familiar examples to help human beings reflect upon the possibility of life being restored.
  • Human development 
    • Surah Al-Hajj 22:5–7 describes human development from its earliest stages through birth, maturity, old age, and death. The same passage refers to barren earth becoming fertile after rainfall.
    • It then declares: "And that the Hour is coming — no doubt about it — and that Allah will resurrect those in the graves." — 22:7
    • Ibn Kathir explains that the creation and development of human life, together with the revival of barren land, are presented as signs of Allah's power.
    • The revival of vegetation is an analogy, not a scientific demonstration that human resurrection takes place through an identical biological process.
  • The example of Prophet Ibrahim
    • In Surah Al-Baqarah 2:260, Prophet Ibrahim asks Allah: "My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead."
    • Allah asks whether he believes.
    • Ibrahim replies: بَلَىٰ وَلَٰكِن لِّيَطْمَئِنَّ قَلْبِي "Yes, but [I ask] only that my heart may be satisfied."
    • Allah then provides him with an extraordinary demonstration involving four birds. The significance of this account extends beyond the event itself.
    • It shows that a sincere believer may seek a deeper understanding of something already accepted in faith.
    • Mufti Muhammad Shafi, in Ma'ariful Qur'an, explains that Ibrahim's request was motivated by a desire for reassurance and deeper certainty, not a rejection of belief in Allah's power.
    • This is an especially valuable lesson for Muslims and non-Muslims who ask difficult questions about life after death.
6. The Day of Resurrection: When Humanity Will Rise Again
The Qur'an describes a future event when the present order of the world will come to an end and human beings will be resurrected.

The Last Day is referred to by several names:
  • Yawm al-Qiyamah: The Day of Resurrection.
  • Yawm al-Ba'th: The Day of Raising the Dead.
  • Yawm al-Hisab: The Day of Reckoning.
  • Yawm ad-Din: The Day of Recompense.
  • Yawm al-Hashr: The Day of Gathering.
These names emphasize different dimensions of the same ultimate reality.

The blowing of the Trumpet Surah Az-Zumar 39:68 describes the blowing of the Trumpet, the collapse of the existing order, and a subsequent blowing after which people rise.

The Qur'an declares: ثُمَّ نُفِخَ فِيهِ أُخْرَىٰ فَإِذَا هُمْ قِيَامٌ يَنظُرُونَ "Then it will be blown again, and they will rise up at once, looking on." — 39:68

The Qur'an also describes humanity emerging from the graves and proceeding toward the gathering in Surah Ya-Sin 36:51–52.

Classical scholars have discussed the number and sequence of trumpet blasts. Some distinguish a blast of terror, a blast of death, and the blast of resurrection; others explain the principal events through two blasts. However, the essential Qur'anic teaching is not dependent upon resolving every detail of that sequence. All human beings will eventually be raised and brought before Allah.

Will resurrection be bodily or merely spiritual? The mainstream classical Islamic understanding affirms bodily resurrection, not merely the continued existence of an immaterial soul.

Surah Al-Qiyamah 75:3–4 explicitly challenges the assumption that Allah cannot reassemble human bones and refers even to the restoration of fingertips.

The Qur'an therefore presents resurrection as the restoration of human existence through Allah's power. However, it does not provide a scientific description of the mechanism by which this event will occur.

7. The Great Gathering: When Every Human Being Stands Before Allah
Following resurrection comes the gathering of humanity, known as Al-Hashr.

The Qur'an describes it in Surah Al-Kahf 18:47: "We will gather them and not leave behind from them anyone."

All worldly distinctions that once appeared so important — wealth, nationality, family prestige, profession, influence, and political authority — will no longer provide independent protection.

The Prophet ﷺ described the seriousness of this gathering. In Sahih al-Bukhari 6527, he said that people would be gathered barefoot, unclothed, and uncircumcised. When Aisha expressed concern about people seeing one another, the Prophet explained that the circumstances would be too overwhelming for such concerns. The purpose of this description is to emphasize humanity's complete dependence upon Allah.

No worldly achievement will exempt someone from accountability. A ruler and a laborer, a wealthy merchant and a poor farmer, a scholar and an ordinary citizen will all stand before their Creator. The final judgment will not depend on worldly prestige.

8. The Day of Judgment: Every Action Will Be Brought Forward
The Qur'an teaches that resurrection is followed by divine judgment. This is perhaps its most morally significant teaching.

Allah declares: "And We place the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all." — Surah Al-Anbiya 21:47

Even the smallest action will not escape Allah's knowledge.
  • The record of deeds
    • Surah Al-Isra 17:13–14 describes a record that will be presented to each person.
    • The individual will be told: اقْرَأْ كِتَابَكَ "Read your record." — 17:14
    • Surah Al-Kahf 18:49 describes the amazement of people discovering that their record contains both small and great deeds.
  • The weighing of deeds 
    • Surah Al-A'raf 7:8–9 and Surah Al-Anbiya 21:47 refer to the weighing of deeds and the establishment of justice.
    • Ibn Kathir explains that no one will suffer injustice during this reckoning, however small the matter may be.
    • The Qur'an declares: "So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it." — 99:7
    • And the following verse says that whoever does an atom's weight of evil will also see it (99:8).
  • The rights of other human beings
    • The Prophet ﷺ gave a particularly sobering warning about moral accountability.
    • In Sahih Muslim 2581, he describes a person who comes on the Day of Resurrection with prayers, fasting, and Zakat but has wronged others through abuse, slander, unlawful seizure of property, violence, or bloodshed.
    • The person's good deeds are then used to compensate those who suffered from the wrongdoing.
    • This Hadith conveys a profound message: Religious observance cannot be used to erase the rights of other human beings.
    • A person cannot cheat others, damage reputations, deprive orphans of their property, or abuse authority and assume that ritual worship automatically cancels these injustices.
The Hereafter gives meaning to Allah's repeated commands concerning honesty, compassion, justice, and the protection of human dignity.

9. What Happens After Judgment? Paradise, Hell and Allah's Mercy
The Qur'an describes the ultimate consequences of divine judgment through Paradise (Jannah) and Hell (Jahannam).

Surah Az-Zumar 39:71–73 describes groups being led toward their respective destinations.
  • Jannah — The ultimate success - Paradise is described as a place of peace, security, divine blessings, and lasting fulfilment.
    • Surah As-Sajdah 32:17 states that no soul knows the delights concealed for those who have acted righteously.
    • Surah Al-Bayyinah 98:7–8 also associates ultimate reward with faith and righteous deeds.
    • The descriptions emphasize that success in the Hereafter is greater than worldly wealth, possessions, or achievement.
  • Jahannam — The consequence of rejecting truth and wrongdoing
    • The Qur'an also contains solemn warnings about punishment in the Hereafter.
    • These passages emphasize the seriousness of rejecting divine guidance, arrogance, oppression, and persistent wrongdoing.
    • Theological discussions concerning the duration and scope of punishment have occupied Muslim scholars, although the mainstream classical tradition affirms eternal punishment for those who die in unbelief as understood within that framework.
    • Human beings, however, do not possess Allah's complete knowledge of an individual's circumstances, understanding, intentions, or final standing.
    • Ultimate judgment belongs to Allah.
Is salvation achieved by deeds alone? This is an important question. The Prophet ﷺ taught in Sahih al-Bukhari 5673 that entry into Paradise is not earned by deeds independently of Allah's grace and mercy. Thus, even the Prophet ﷺ emphasized dependence upon divine mercy.

This does not make righteous deeds unimportant. Rather, Islam joins human responsibility with Allah's mercy.

The Qur'an states: لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ "Do not despair of the mercy of Allah." — Surah Az-Zumar 39:53

Thus, Islamic teachings about the Hereafter are not intended to produce despair. They seek to cultivate a balance between accountability, hope, repentance, and trust in Allah.

10. What Do Eminent Scholars Consider the Central Lesson of Resurrection?
Although Muslim scholars have devoted extensive attention to the details of the Hereafter, their explanations also carry broader lessons.
  • Ibn Kathir: Resurrection Demonstrates Allah's Power and Perfect Justice In his interpretations of 36:78–79, 39:68–70, and 21:47, Ibn Kathir emphasizes Allah's power to recreate humanity and the certainty of a judgment in which nobody will be wronged. The Creator who brought life into existence possesses the power to restore it. For Ibn Kathir, resurrection and accountability are central expressions of Allah's sovereignty.
  • Abul A'la Maududi: The Hereafter Gives Moral Purpose to Human Life In Tafhim al-Qur'an, particularly his discussion of Surah An-Naba, Maududi places great emphasis on the relationship between resurrection and moral responsibility. Human beings are not independent of Allah's authority simply because they possess temporary freedom in the present world. The Hereafter establishes the ultimate consequences of how that freedom is used.
  • Mufti Muhammad Shafi: Earthly Opportunities End at Death In Ma'ariful Qur'an, commenting on Surah 23:99–100, Mufti Shafi explains the barrier of Barzakh and the impossibility of returning to worldly life to make up for neglected obligations. This interpretation gives particular urgency to repentance and righteous conduct before death.
  • Maulana Wahiduddin Khan: Death Reveals the True Importance of This Life In Tazkirul Qur'an, discussing Surah 23:99–104, Wahiduddin Khan emphasizes that the period before death represents a unique opportunity for moral preparation. After death, the individual recognizes what truly mattered, but the opportunity to begin life again has passed. His explanation reminds readers that possessions, influence, and worldly achievements are not ends in themselves.
What unites these explanations? The scholars differ in emphasis, but each connects belief in resurrection with the responsibility to live meaningfully before death. The Qur'an does not teach resurrection merely to satisfy curiosity about the unseen. It teaches resurrection to transform the way human beings live in the present.

11. What Does Belief in Resurrection Mean for Us Today?
This belief becomes especially meaningful when we connect it with the pressures and moral challenges of modern life.
  • It changes our understanding of success 
    • The world often measures success through money, status, property, influence, or recognition.
    • Islam does not prohibit lawful achievement, but it challenges the assumption that worldly success is the ultimate measure of a person's worth.
    • Surah Aal Imran 3:185 identifies the greatest success as being saved from the Fire and admitted into Paradise.
  • It strengthens moral accountability
    • A person who believes that every action will ultimately be examined has an additional reason to avoid corruption, injustice, cruelty, and dishonesty.
    • Whether dealing with a neighbour, an employee, a customer, a domestic worker, or a stranger, the believer remembers that the rights of others matter.
  • It helps us face personal loss
    • Death brings genuine grief. Islam does not discourage mourning, nor does it suggest that belief in the Hereafter removes the pain of separation.
    • But resurrection provides the believer with hope that earthly separation is not necessarily the end of existence.
    • The precise circumstances of individual reunions and final destinies remain under Allah's judgment.
  • It reminds us not to postpone repentance
    • Many people assume they will eventually find time to improve their lives, settle disputes, seek forgiveness, or become more religiously observant. Yet none of us knows how much time remains.
    • Surah Al-Mu'minun 23:99–100 warns against discovering the importance of righteous living only when the opportunity has passed.
  • It teaches us to leave something beneficial behind
    • The Prophet ﷺ said that when a person dies, their deeds cease except through three continuing sources of benefit: (Sahih Muslim 1631)
      • Ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah).
      • Beneficial knowledge left behind.
      • A righteous child who supplicates for the deceased.
    • This Hadith is particularly important in today's world.
      • Teaching someone useful knowledge, establishing a beneficial charitable project, or raising morally responsible children can leave a positive legacy beyond one's lifetime.
      • For those engaged in education, writing, or communicating religious knowledge, it offers a particularly meaningful motivation to pursue accuracy and sincerity.
12. Some Important Questions About Resurrection
  • Will every human being be resurrected? The Qur'an describes the resurrection and gathering of humanity without limiting these events to Muslims. See 18:47 and 39:68–70.
  • What if someone's body has completely decomposed or been destroyed? The Qur'anic answer is that Allah, who created human beings initially, possesses the power and knowledge necessary to recreate them. This is the central argument of 36:78–83 and 75:3–4.
  • Can we know the date of the Last Day? No. Surah Al-A'raf 7:187 teaches that knowledge of its appointed time belongs to Allah.
  • Does a deceased person return to earthly life before resurrection? Surah 23:99–100 describes a barrier preventing return for another period of worldly action.
  • Can we know exactly what Barzakh feels like? No. The Qur'an and authentic Hadith provide certain descriptions, but the complete nature of this unseen existence is not accessible to ordinary human observation.
  • Is there any scientific proof that bodily resurrection will occur? Resurrection is a religious teaching about a future divine act. It has not been established through reproducible scientific experimentation. The Qur'an offers arguments based on original creation, Allah's power, and the moral purpose of human life.
  • Should belief in the Hereafter make us neglect worldly life? No. Islam commands honesty, justice, family responsibility, kindness, and beneficial conduct in the present world. Belief in the Hereafter is intended to strengthen these responsibilities, not replace them.
13. Five Questions We Should Ask Ourselves Before Death
After studying the Qur'anic description of the Hereafter, perhaps the most important step is to examine ourselves.
  1. If today were my last day, what important obligation would I regret neglecting?
  2. Have I wronged someone whose forgiveness I should seek while I still have the opportunity?
  3. Am I earning and spending my wealth in ways that I could confidently account for before Allah?
  4. What beneficial knowledge, kindness, or lasting contribution am I leaving behind?
  5. Am I preparing for the Hereafter with the same seriousness with which I prepare for my worldly future?
These are not questions intended to create constant anxiety or fear of death. They are reminders that a meaningful life requires conscious priorities. Islam teaches believers to combine preparation for the Hereafter with responsible participation in the world.

Conclusion: Death Ends Our Earthly Opportunities, Not Our Ultimate Existence
The Qur'an presents death not as the permanent extinction of human existence, but as the transition from a temporary life toward resurrection, judgment, and the final reality of the Hereafter. Between death and resurrection lies Barzakh, an unseen intermediate existence. When Allah wills, humanity will be raised again, gathered, and judged with perfect justice. Every act of goodness, every injustice, every sincere repentance, and every neglected responsibility will matter in ways that worldly success alone cannot measure. Classical and modern Muslim scholars consistently emphasize that the purpose of these teachings is not merely to describe events beyond the grave, but to awaken human consciousness while there is still time to act. Belief in resurrection gives moral significance to our choices, reassures us that ultimate justice belongs to Allah, and encourages us to live with faith, compassion, honesty, and accountability. The most important question, therefore, is not simply what will happen to us after death, but what we are doing with the life Allah has given us before death arrives.

The Qur'an brings this entire discussion to a powerful conclusion:

"Every soul will taste death. And you will only receive your full reward on the Day of Judgment." — Surah Aal Imran 3:185

A final reflection: We spend much of our lives preparing for a future we may never experience, yet the Qur'an reminds us to prepare for a meeting with Allah that no human being can ultimately escape.

Selected References for Further Study

1.    Essential Qur'anic passages
  • 3:185 — Death, accountability, and true success.
  • 22:5–7 — Creation, the revival of barren earth, and resurrection.
  • 23:99–100 — Regret at death and the reality of Barzakh.
  • 36:51–83 — Resurrection and Allah's power to recreate humanity.39:68–73 — The Trumpet, resurrection, judgment, and final destinations.
  • 40:46 — Pharaoh's people and the intermediate punishment.
  • 75:1–40 — The Day of Resurrection.
  • 78:1–40 — The great news of resurrection and the Hereafter.
  • 99:1–8 — Every deed will be brought forward.
2.    Authentic Hadith
  • Sahih al-Bukhari 1338 — Questioning in the grave.
  • Sahih al-Bukhari 1379 — The deceased shown their eventual destination.
  • Sahih al-Bukhari 6527 — The gathering of humanity.
  • Sahih Muslim 2581 — Accountability for wrongdoing against others.
  • Sahih Muslim 2955b — A description of bodily recreation.
  • Sahih Muslim 1631 — Deeds that continue to benefit a person after death.
  • Sahih al-Bukhari 5673 — Allah's mercy and entry into Paradise.
3.    Scholarly explanations
  • Ibn Kathir — Commentary on 23:100: Barzakh and the period before resurrection.
  • Ibn Kathir — Commentary on 39:68: The Trumpet and final resurrection.
  • Maududi — Commentary on 36:78–79: The rational argument for recreation.
  • Maududi — Introduction to Surah An-Naba: The importance of resurrection in the Makkan message.
  • Mufti Muhammad Shafi — Commentary on 23:100: The meaning of Barzakh.
  • Wahiduddin Khan — Commentary on 23:100: Death as the end of worldly opportunity
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

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Thursday, 2 October 2025

State of dead man’s mindset at the time of his funeral

No man was ever borne to be mortal - the prophets, saints, the demagogue, the mighty kings and the powerful and the men in rag tags - all tasted the taste of death and will continue to die and await their final disposal after the Divine Judgement is made on the Day of the Judgement.

While attending funerals, many are in a hurry to attend funeral prayers or even attend the burial, they are in a hurry to go to attend their daily chores. But there are always some, may be a few, who keep pondering the meaning of death, and whether the dead man is listening to us or is wondering over his life thereafter. Science has yet o find out whether a dead man listens to his mourners or can even see them. But there is a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which does give an indication of the mindset of a man who has died. Let us read this hadith and ponder over its meaning:

The Hadith
Narrated by Abu Saʿīd al-Khudrī (RA):
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “When the funeral is ready and the men carry it on their shoulders, if the deceased was righteous, it will say: ‘Take me forward quickly!’ But if he was not righteous, it will say: ‘Woe to me! Where are they taking me?’ Its voice is heard by everything except man, and if man were to hear it, he would fall unconscious.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1316)

Explanation
1. Reality of the Soul After Death: The ḥadīth shows that death does not end consciousness. The soul is aware of its fate when the body is carried to the grave. A righteous person longs to meet Allah, while a sinful soul dreads it.

2. Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked
  • Righteous soul: Eager for burial, because the grave will be the “garden of Paradise.”
  • Wicked soul: Terrified, because the grave will be the “pit of Hell.”
This matches another ḥadīth: “The grave is either a garden from the gardens of Paradise, or a pit from the pits of Hell.” (Tirmidhī 2460).

3. Why Humans Cannot Hear It: Animals and other creatures hear the cry of the soul, but humans do not — out of Allah’s mercy. If humans heard it, they would collapse in terror and life would become unbearable.

4. Connection to Qur’an
Qur’an emphasizes that death is not the end, but the start of accountability:
  • “And behind them is a barrier (barzakh) until the Day they are resurrected.” (23:100).
  • “Every soul shall taste death, and you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection.” (3:185).
In one of our next posts, we will dwell on what Barzakh is and how a man in grave sees what may be his future destination.

5. Lessons for Believers
  • Prepare for death: Since the soul’s state at death reflects its deeds.
  • Hasten funerals: Prophet ﷺ said, “Hasten the funeral; if it was righteous, you are taking it to good; and if otherwise, then it is an evil you are removing from your necks.” (Bukhārī, Muslim).
  • Reminder of accountability: The unseen world (Barzakh) is real, even if hidden from human senses.
Relevance Today
The ḥadīth teaches us to live so that our soul will long for Allah at death, not fear Him. And that Funerals should remind the living of their own return to Allah. It also emphasizes Taqwā, righteous deeds, and sincere Tawḥīd as the best preparation for the grave.

In summary:
This hadith is a vivid reminder that the grave is not silence but the beginning of the Hereafter. The righteous soul welcomes death, while the sinful soul dreads it. Though humans cannot hear it, it is a reality we are urged to prepare for through faith and good deeds.

So my dear sisters and brothers, time is now to take decision so that after we die we do not have to worry about our future destination. Belief in one true God what all is needed to keep ourselves steered to the righteous path. If ever the Evil tries to distract us from the righteous path, we should be prompt in listening to our conscious and get back on the right track. Do not let the wrongs piling up for one never knows when the clock stops for us. 
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadiths on the General Subjects.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo: Drawn by Gemini AI | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing. one may also consult local Muslim Imaan of the masjid for more clarification.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to "force" preach, convert, or criticize any belief system. The views shared are meant to inspire dialogue, understanding, and reflection. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for those navigating sensitive religious experiences. Always seek knowledge with an open heart and mind.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Tuesday, 23 September 2025

Why man is reminded of death time and again in Al Qur'an

Many critics of Islam blame "Allah" of scares the man of His wrath and chastisement in Qur'an and give them no hope of good. This assertion is altogether incorrect and based on baseless assumptions for at many places Allah reassures men who follow the path of the righteous treasures of Paradise in the life of the Hereafter. As for death, it is not mentioned to create a scary parable but to tell the man that his present life is transitory and death is only a cutoff point from the life in this world and beginning of a new life of the Hereafter.

There are many verses in Qur'an about death:
  • 3:185: “Every soul shall taste death, and you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection…”
  • 62:8: “The death you flee from will surely meet you, then you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and seen…”
  • 21:35: Repeats the same wording, linking life’s trials with certainty of death.
Relevant Hadith: 
  • The Prophet ﷺ said: “Remember often the destroyer of pleasures — death.” (Tirmidhī, 2307; Nasā’ī)
  • When passing by graves, he ﷺ would remind: “Peace be upon you, O dwellers of the graves. You preceded us, and we are to follow you.” (Muslim, 975)
These hadith emphasize awareness of mortality as a way to stay humble and focused on the Hereafter.

However, one of the oft referred verses is from Surah Al-‘Ankabūt (29:57)  given herein under:

كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ۖ ثُمَّ إِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ
“Every soul shall taste death. Then to Us you will be returned.”

In order to under the verse completely, let us link it with previous and following verses in its full Qur’anic flow, to see how it fits with what comes before and after.

The Verses (29:56–60)
We begin with the verse 56 and go up to verse 60 as these are inter woven and present the context:
  • 29:56
    • “O My servants who have believed, indeed My earth is spacious, so worship only Me.”
    • Addressing persecuted believers in Makkah who faced hardship for their faith.
    • If they can’t freely worship in Makkah, Allah reminds them His earth is wide — they can migrate (Hijrah) for the sake of religion.
  • 29:57: Now coming over to the verse specifically about death and what death means: “Every soul shall taste death. Then to Us you will be returned.”
    • Universality of Death:
      • No exception: There is no exception to who tastes the death. Even prophets beside sinners, rich or poor — have all  tasted death and this cycle will go on till the Day of Resurrection.
      • In the verse, “Taste” (dhawq) means an inevitable, personal experience. 
    • Return to Allah:
      • Death is not the end; it is the beginning of accountability.
      • The verse shifts focus: not just dying, but returning to your Lord.
      • Life is a test, not the final destination.
    • Encouragement to Believers:
      • For the persecuted Muslims in Makkah, this was a reminder: hardships end, but reward awaits.
      • For disbelievers: worldly power and pleasure won’t save them from returning to Allah.
  • 29:58–59 
    • “Those who believe and do righteous deeds – We shall lodge them in lofty dwellings of Paradise, beneath which rivers flow… those who are patient and upon their Lord they rely.”
    • This verse is in the form of Consolation: For hardships in this world are temporary; eternal reward awaits.
    • It links patience (ṣabr) and reliance (tawakkul) with success.
  • 29:60 
    • “And how many a creature carries not its provision! Allah provides for it and for you, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing.”
    • This verse is of Reassurance: Don’t fear poverty or hunger in migration. Just as Allah provides for birds and animals, He will provide for you if you strive for His sake.
Contextual Flow
  • 29:56 (Hijrah command): If oppressed, move for Allah’s worship.
  • 29:57 (Death reminder): Don’t cling to dunya or fear leaving home — death will come regardless.
  • 29:58–59 (Promise of Paradise): Your patience will be rewarded with eternal dwellings.
  • 29:60 (Provision): Don’t fear hunger or loss, Allah sustains all creatures.
Why Man is Reminded of Death Here
  • To break fear of sacrifice: People often hesitate to migrate or struggle for faith out of fear of losing comfort, wealth, or life. Allah reminds them: life itself is temporary — death will come anyway.
  • To shift perspective: Death is not the end; it’s the return to Allah, where real reward or punishment begins.
  • To encourage courage: If death is certain, better to die obeying Allah than living comfortably in disobedience.
  • To strengthen patience: Hardships of migration and persecution are momentary compared to eternal reward.
Lessons for Today
  • We fear losing jobs, wealth, or social standing for practicing Islam — this verse reminds us that death is inevitable; compromise won’t delay it.
  • Migration for faith isn’t only geographical — sometimes it means leaving sinful environments or changing lifestyles.
  • Reliance on Allah’s provision (29:60) gives courage to pursue righteousness even if it seems risky.
  • This passage is a full manual for resilience under trials:
    • Worship Allah alone (29:56).
    • Accept mortality (29:57).
    • Be patient and rely on Allah (29:58–59).
    • Trust His provision (29:60).
Surah Al-‘Ankabūt 29:57 sits at the heart of a passage guiding persecuted believers: worship Allah alone, migrate if needed, remember death is inevitable, be patient for Paradise, and trust in Allah’s provision. Man is reminded of death here to remove fear of worldly loss and anchor the believer’s focus on the eternal return to Allah.
Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer for more Selected Verses from Sürah 29. Al-‘Ankabūt "العنكبوت" (The Spider) already published.

For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  
    In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

    Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

    If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

    Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

    Monday, 14 April 2025

    How much time a dead is to be mourned by women (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

    Every ling being is destined to perish one day - and humans are no exception. Despite the bitter reality, one finds it extremely difficult to comprehend the death of a near and dear one, specially the women who are emotionally more sensitive than men. It is often seen that women wear black or white clothes to mourn the dead for a long time. 

    Since one cannot die with the dead and has to live on, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ specially asked women not to mourn more than what is required and then carry one with their lives as normal beings. The time period specified for women to mourn for their husbands and others is mentioned in a Hadith, as mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 23:  Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz) / كتاب الجنائز / Chapter 30:  The mouring of a woman for a dead person other than her husband / باب  إِحْدَادِ الْمَرْأَةِ عَلَى غَيْرِ زَوْجِهَا / as Hadith 12807, given herein under:

    Narrated Zainab bint Abi Salama:

    When the news of the death of Abu Sufyan reached from Sham, Um Habiba on the third day, asked for a yellow perfume and scented her cheeks and forearms and said, "No doubt, I would not have been in need of this, had I not heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying: "It is not legal for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to mourn for more than three days for any dead person except her husband, for whom she should mourn for four months and ten days."

    Arabic Text:
    حَدَّثَنَا الْحُمَيْدِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، حَدَّثَنَا أَيُّوبُ بْنُ مُوسَى، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي حُمَيْدُ بْنُ نَافِعٍ، عَنْ زَيْنَبَ ابْنَةِ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، قَالَتْ لَمَّا جَاءَ نَعْىُ أَبِي سُفْيَانَ مِنَ الشَّأْمِ دَعَتْ أُمُّ حَبِيبَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ بِصُفْرَةٍ فِي الْيَوْمِ الثَّالِثِ، فَمَسَحَتْ عَارِضَيْهَا وَذِرَاعَيْهَا وَقَالَتْ إِنِّي كُنْتُ عَنْ هَذَا لَغَنِيَّةً، لَوْلاَ أَنِّي سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ لاَ يَحِلُّ لاِمْرَأَةٍ تُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ أَنْ تُحِدَّ عَلَى مَيِّتٍ فَوْقَ ثَلاَثٍ، إِلاَّ عَلَى زَوْجٍ، فَإِنَّهَا تُحِدُّ عَلَيْهِ أَرْبَعَةَ أَشْهُرٍ وَعَشْرًا ‏"‏‏.‏

    The ruling on the mourning (ḥidād) period of women is well covered in both Qur'an and the hadith after someone passes away, especially concerning how long women are to mourn, which is a matter of Islamic ethics, law (fiqh), and social norms.

    The above stated Hadith clearly lays the time period for women both in case of death of her husband and others. 
    This hadith is directly grounded in a clear command from the Qur'an:
    • Surah Al-Baqarah (2:234): “And those who are taken in death among you and leave wives behind — they (the wives) shall wait four months and ten days. And when they have fulfilled their term, there is no blame upon you for what they do with themselves in an acceptable manner. And Allah is [fully] aware of what you do.”
    Key Points of Hadith
    • The ḥidād period for a widow is four months and ten days, exactly as stated in both the Qur’an and the hadith.
    • During the period of "Mourning" (Ḥidād) one must abstain from:
      • Beautification (e.g., perfume, kohl, jewelry, adornment)
      • Marriage proposals or remarriage (in case of widows)
      • Social events or excessive interaction (depends on culture and scholars' views)
    The hadith specifies:
    • For non-husbands (e.g., parents, children, friends): mourning up to 3 days
    • For a husband: mourning is obligatory for 4 months and 10 days
    This applies specifically to Muslim women. For men, Islam does not prescribe a specific mourning period but encourages patience (ṣabr), duʿāʾ, and good deeds for the deceased.

    Wisdom Behind the Mourning Period (For Widows (4 months 10 days):
    • To honor the marital bond and grieve properly
    • To ensure there’s no pregnancy before remarriage (practical and protective wisdom)
    Wisdom Behind the Mourning Period For Others (3 days): Islam respects emotional needs but sets limits to avoid excessive grief that can harm faith or mental health

    Balancing Between Emotion and Faith
    The Prophet ﷺ allowed a woman to grieve, but discouraged extreme or prolonged mourning beyond what is prescribed. This is part of Islam's balanced approach between:
    • Human emotion
    • Faith in Allah’s decree
    • Living life with dignity even after loss
    This shows how the Sunnah (hadith) explains and complements the Qur’an, especially in matters of law and practical life. It also highlights how mourning is respected, but not allowed to become excessive or culturally superstitious. It also educates the Muslims to show obedience to the commands of Allah and surrender to His will, for He knows them better than they know themselves.

    You may like to watch an informative video lecture on the subject given herein under:
    While death is inevitable and every one has to encounter this one day in one's life, the others should not die along with the dead. Rather they must accept the inevitably of the death, the wisdom of which is only know to Allah, our Creator, Who created us for specific purpose in His overall plan, and takes us back to Him when our part has been played. So let us abide by the time period laid down in Islam and continue to live on so that we are able to play our part of the plan and be ready to leave for death comes unannounced, even for the most affluent and the rich as well as the poor.
    May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 
    وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 
    (36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
    That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

    May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

    Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

    Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

    Please refer to our exclusive reference page Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

    For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

    Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

    Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

    If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

    Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

    Thursday, 30 January 2025

    Why to fear death?

    No one on earth is ready to listen to the dreadful word: Death. No matter how old one may be, yet thinking of dying leaves shudders of fear and one prays to live yet a little longer. But the question is when everyone has to die one day, why then be afraid of it? The simple answer is that we are not really ready to die for we are afraid of entering into our graves with load of sins and wrongdoings. But do we do anything about it it or just keep fearing of dying?

    In fact, death is not the worst thing, for it is a reality and will befall at the appointed time. The worst thing is dying without Imaan, dying without righteous deeds, dying without having repented, dying without having your heart attached to Allah, dying without having lived your life upon Islam, dying in a state that is displeasing to Allah. This is the worst thing.

    In Islam, the concept of death is approached with a deep spiritual and philosophical understanding, and the fear of it is not seen as something inherently wrong, but rather it depends on one's relationship with Allah (God) and the way they approach life and the afterlife. Let us examine the fear of death in more broader terms:

    Fear as a reminder of accountability: 
    The Qur'an and the Sunnah emphasize the importance of being mindful of one’s actions because everyone will eventually face judgment after death. A righteous fear of death can serve as a reminder of the inevitable meeting with Allah and the accountability for one's deeds.

    The Qur'an mentions: "Every soul will taste death" (Qur'an 3:185). This verse serves as a reminder that death is certain and inevitable for all.

    Fear of death as an opportunity for self-reflection: 
    Fear of death can motivate a believer to reflect on their life and their relationship with Allah. It encourages one to live in accordance with the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah, constantly striving to purify their soul, increase their good deeds, and avoid sinful behavior.

    The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Remember often the destroyer of pleasures (death)" (Sunan Ibn Majah). This hadith encourages believers to remember death regularly to inspire them to live with a sense of purpose and mindfulness.

    Fear of death due to lack of preparation: 
    Those who have not prepared for the afterlife through good deeds, repentance, and striving to follow Allah’s commands may fear death. This fear is often linked to the anxiety over facing the consequences of one’s actions on the Day of Judgment.

    Allah says in the Qur'an: "But as for he who feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from [its] desire, then indeed, Paradise will be his refuge" (Qur'an 79:40-41). This verse suggests that fear of Allah and striving to live a righteous life is essential for those who desire to attain Paradise.

    The believer’s relationship with death: 
    For a true believer who has faith in Allah, death is not necessarily something to fear. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described death as a transition to a better state for the righteous, who will be rewarded in the afterlife. For such a believer, death is seen as a release from the hardships of this world and a step toward eternal peace.

    The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Death is the bridge that connects the believer to his or her reward" (Sahih Muslim).

    The non-believer’s fear of death: 
    On the other hand, those who disbelieve or live heedlessly without contemplating the afterlife may have a greater fear of death, as they are uncertain about what lies beyond it. The Qur'an highlights that those who reject faith live in fear and uncertainty about the end.

    "And those who disbelieve say, 'When we have become dust, will we then be in a creation revived?'" (Qur'an 32:10).

    Striking a balance between fear and hope: 
    The Qur'an and Sunnah teach that while it’s natural to fear death, believers are also encouraged to balance this fear with hope in Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. The fear of death should not paralyze a person but should encourage them to live rightly. Additionally, they should trust in Allah’s compassion and hope for the best outcome in the afterlife.

    Allah says: "Say, 'Indeed, my Lord is the Forgiving, full of mercy. But His punishment is the painful punishment.'" (Qur'an 18:58).

    In conclusion, fear of death can be healthy if it drives one to live a life of righteousness and preparation for the afterlife. The Qur'an and Sunnah do not encourage paralyzing fear of death, but rather a mindful awareness of it, which helps in leading a life that is pleasing to Allah and in striving for the eternal rewards that await in the hereafter.

    May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎)  help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 
    وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 
    (36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
    That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

    Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

    May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

    Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

    You may like to know more about Islam and its impact on various facets of our lives from our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently Asked Q&A

    You may also like to read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
    Photo | Resources: For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

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