Life and death are
in the Hand of Allah. In the Qur’an, Allah says: “Kullu nafsin zaa-i-qatul mawt; thumma ilayna turja‘uun” Every soul shall taste death; then unto Us you shall be
returned. (Al-Ankabut 29: 58)
This is a fundamental reminder showing that
life on earth is only a passage; death is not an end in itself but a transition
towards eternity. What is truly decisive is the state in which a person leaves
this world, for as our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Every
servant will be resurrected upon that which he died.” (Muslim)
This saying of the Prophet (pbuh) opens for us a profound reflection. Death is not a coincidence; it is a seal upon the spiritual condition of a person. If someone dies in obedience to Allah, he will be resurrected in an honourable state; if he dies in disobedience, he will be resurrected in humiliation. Therefore, a believer must be vigilant in preserving his faith and maintain this vigilance at every moment of his life so that he does not slip in his faith and fall into loss.
Life may appear long, but in truth it is short
and fragile. The Qur’an says: “And do not follow
the footsteps of Shaytan; surely he is an open enemy to you.”
(Al-Baqara 2: 209)
If someone dies under the shadow of the enemy
of Allah and humanity (Shaytan), it is indeed a great loss; but if he dies in
the divine light, the light of faith, with the pleasure and mercy of Allah upon
him, it is indeed a great victory.
Authentic narrations in Hadith show how the end
of a person can reflect his future condition. For example, in a Hadith reported
by Bukhari, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Actions are judged by their
endings.” This means that even if someone committed errors, if he ends his
life in sincerity and faith, he will be judged upon his end. Conversely, one
who neglects his faith and dies in heedlessness will be resurrected in that
very state.
A powerful example is the story of the man who
killed a hundred people. Despite his crimes, he sincerely sought Allah’s
forgiveness and undertook a journey towards a land of piety. He died on the
way, and the angels of mercy took his soul, for his intention was turned
towards Allah. This shows that sincere repentance can transform the end of a
life and the condition of resurrection.
It is therefore essential to understand that
death can come at any time. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Live in this
world as though you are a stranger or a traveller.” (Bukhari)
This Hadith carries deep meaning. It invites us
not to be too attached to the pleasures of this world, but to remain in
constant preparation for the Hereafter. Death does not warn; it surprises. One
who lives in heedlessness may die in heedlessness; one who lives in the
consciousness of Allah has hope to die in His mercy.
There is also a warning in another Hadith: “The
example of a scholar who teaches people what is good but forgets himself is
like a lamp that gives light to others but burns itself.” (Tabarani)
This shows that personal responsibility is of paramount
importance. It is not enough to improve others; each person must improve his
own state. If someone dies neglecting his obligations, even if he taught them,
it is a loss.
The Qur’an also warns believers where it says: “O you who
believe, fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except in
submission.” (Al-Imran 3: 103)
This verse is a clear injunction: death must be
sought in a state of submission to Allah. This requires daily discipline,
constancy in prayer, sincerity in actions, and vigilance against temptations.
A moving narration reported by Ibn Umar (ra)
tells that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) used to deliver sermons leaning on the trunk
of a palm tree. When he was given a pulpit, he left the trunk, and the trunk
began to weep. The Prophet (pbuh) placed his hand upon it to calm it. This
shows that even trees had love and respect for the Messenger of Allah (pbuh).
If a palm trunk wept out of love for the Prophet (pbuh), imagine how much more
a believer must have love for Allah and His Prophet (pbuh) and prepare to die
in love and obedience to them.
Keep in mind that death is a mirror of life.
One who lives in prayer, sincerity, and repentance has hope to die in that
state. One who lives in negligence risks dying in negligence. Therefore, a
person must keep his faith alive through Tawba (repentance). Sincere
repentance can change a person’s destiny. The Qur’an instructs: “O you who believe, turn to Allah with sincere
repentance.” (At-Tahrim 66: 9).
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever loves
to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him; and whoever dislikes to meet Allah,
Allah dislikes to meet him.” (Bukhari, Muslim). Thus, dying in the love of
Allah is a grace; dying in forgetfulness of Allah is a loss.
It is necessary to remember every day that
death can come at any time. Preparation does not consist in accumulating wealth
or honours, but in purifying the heart, multiplying prayers (Salat, Zikr,
Duahs), seeking forgiveness, and doing good. The Qur’an teaches: “And hasten towards forgiveness from your Lord and a
Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the righteous.”
(Al-Imran 3: 134).
Therefore, bear this well in mind that every
soul will be resurrected upon that which it died. A person may have many
possessions throughout his life, but at the last moment he may lose everything
if he lets his faith slip; likewise, someone may have committed much evil, but
at the last turn of his life he reforms, regrets his past sins, and firmly
establishes himself in faith in Allah and all that Allah has commanded to
believe. Life on earth is a test that demands constant vigilance. Vigilance is an
obligation, and repentance remains open until the last breath. Prayer is a
light that accompanies a person to his grave. Sincerity is a key that opens the
doors of the Hereafter. If someone dies in obedience to Allah, it is a great
victory; but if he dies in disobedience, then his whole life becomes a waste.
Therefore, each of us must prepare for this meeting, for there is no doubt that
it will come.
May Allah grant each of us the grace to die in faith, sincerity, and submission to Him, and may we inherit His eternal love and mercy. May Allah accept our repentances, illuminate our graves, and grant Paradise (Jannah) to all who die in His obedience. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 12 June 2026~25 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al-Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius.