DEATH: INEVITABLE FOR THE LIVING

By OYEWUNMI KAFAYAT OLASEYI

The concepts “life and death” are in opposition to each other same as light and darkness, cold and heat.

The Arabic word (Al- Mawt ( الموت ) death) core meaning is stillness, as everything that has life come to an end.

sleep is similar to death, believers termed it the “lesser death.” Going to sleep is death, and waking up is a resurrection.

And it is He who takes your souls by night and knows what you have committed by day. Then He revives you therein that a specified term may be fulfilled. Then to Him will be your return; then He will inform you about what you used to do (Quran 6:60)

souls are taken while they are sleeping, and if Allah ( سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) wants to keep them while they are asleep, He does so; if He wants them to remain alive, He returns their souls till the time He set.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) takes the souls at the time of their death, and those that do not die [He takes] during their sleep. Then He keeps those for which He has decreed death and releases the others for a specified term. Indeed, these are signs of a person who gives thought. (Quran 39: 42)

The Prophet (“ﷺ”) said, “The person among you who recalls death the most is the wisest person among you who is most prepared for death is the most cautious”. (Alam al-Din, no. 333)

Allah mentions two deaths, the death which signals the end of life, and the death of sleep.

Everything will be destroyed except His Face. His is the judgment, and to Him, you will be returned. (Quran 28:88)

The Prophet (“ﷺ”) said, “Do not abuse the dead, for they have reached the result of what they have done.” – (Sahih Bukhari)

 

The Quran also mentions that Sakarat al-Mawt would eventually track down anybody who avoids death.

Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish. And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor. (Quran 55:26-2)

An individual who is about to pass away is said to be in an agonizing state of death (Sakr al-mawt). “Muskir” or “musakkir” refers to substances that generally make people feel sleepy in their minds. Agony, love, grief, carelessness, and fainting brought on by pain are also described by this word, and we also use it to refer to those emotions in this context. In other words, “Sakarat,” the plural version of “Sakr,” refers to the suffering and fainting that occur just before death.

Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing). (Quran 3:185)

If anyone were to have been saved from death, the best of creation – Muhammed would have been saved from it:

Verily, you (O Muhammad (“ﷺ”) will die and verily, they (too) will die. (Quran 39:30)

This is His law of decree

And We granted not to any human being immortality before you (O Muhammad (“ﷺ”), then if you die, would they live forever? (Quran 21:34)

The angel of death will take you who has been entrusted with you. Then to your Lord, you will be returned.” (Quran32:11)

The angels are not Allah’s children, partners, associates, or adversaries, but one must nonetheless respect and adore them.

Allah says: “And they say: ‘The Most Beneficent (Allah) has begotten a child [from the angels].’ Far removed is He from every imperfection! They (the angels) are but honored slaves. They speak not until He has spoken, and [then] they act on His Command.” (Quran 21:26-27)

They spend their time worshiping and obeying Allah, glorifying Him, and praising Him. Allah says: “They (i.e. the angels) glorify His praises night and day, (and) without slackening (to do so).” (Quran 21:20)

The Prophet (“ﷺ”) said, “When a man dies, his good deeds come to an end, except three: Ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous son who will pray for him.” – (Sahih Muslim).

Oh Allah count us among those who you will be blessed with Jannah, make us among who will be honored with a good legacy, guide us right protect us in this world and hereafter

Aameen