Many times, we tend to forget or avoid thinking about it, but it’s an undeniable fact that our existence in this world is temporary. Death is the only certainty we all share and the only thing we can be sure of in this life. Yes, it can be a scary notion, but there’s no need to fear it. Once you come to truly grasp the concept of death, it won’t hold the same fear over you. You must realize that Allah (SWT) designed this worldly life as a test for believers. It’s not our true home where we can find genuine inner peace!
Verses In The Quraan About Death
Every Soul Shall Taste Death
“Every self will taste death. You will be paid your wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who is distanced from the Fire and admitted to the Garden has triumphed. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of delusion.”
(Quran, 3:185)
In this passage, Allah reminds us that death is an inevitable fate for all of humanity, and no one can evade it. Our responsibility, therefore, is to live lives that reflect genuine devotion and love for Allah. Also, we must not be lured into thinking that this temporary world is worth jeopardizing our relationship with Allah.
There Will Be No Delay When A Soul’s Time Has Come
“And spend [in the way of Allah ] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you, and he says, ‘My Lord if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.’ But never will Allah delay a soul when its time has come. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.”
(Quran, 63:10-11)
The Quran consistently reminds us not to take this life for granted and not to overestimate our time. Besides, we must continually work towards becoming better Muslims, lest we regret it when it’s too late.
No One Knows Where They Will Die
“Indeed, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.”
(Quran, 31:34)
Understanding the concept of Tawheed, the Oneness of Allah, is an ongoing journey. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of our complete dependence on Allah. None of us can predict when our time of death will arrive, and we must truly believe in, accept, and surrender to His divine plan for us.
Death’s Unchanging Appointment
“When their specified time arrives, they cannot delay it for a single hour, nor can they bring it forward.”
(Quran, 16:61)
This lets you always keep the inevitable encounter with death in your mind. It is an event we have no power to alter despite our belief in controlling various aspects of life. We must ultimately submit to Allah’s time and accept death as a predetermined and blessed culmination of our earthly journey.
O Soul, Return to Your Creator
“O soul that are at rest! Return to your Lord, well-pleased (with him), well-pleasing (Him), So enter among My servants, And enter into My garden.”
(Quran, 89:27-30)
Despite our inherent apprehensions about death, we should find solace in the idea that embracing it might be the ultimate comfort in this world. It signifies our return to Allah and, God willing, His promised blessings. Besides, our only prayer should be for the strength to welcome death as Allah’s final blessing bestowed upon us on this earthly path.
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What To Do When Someone You Love Dies?
While we understand that loss is an inescapable part of life, it’s natural for humans to feel sorrow. The grieving process may be even more challenging for individuals who don’t believe in an afterlife. On the other hand, Muslims recognize that this separation from loved ones is temporary, as they will be reunited hereafter. Nevertheless, it’s perfectly acceptable to grieve as long as it follows the guidelines prescribed by Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him).
Having Trust in Allah’s Plan
Difficult moments, such as the loss of a loved one, can feel like tests from Allah. Acknowledge that Allah’s wisdom is supreme, and every death occurs by His decree. Also, Allah’s decisions are always the best, and placing our trust in Him can strengthen our faith. For example, Surah Kahf’s story recounts the tragic loss of a child from a righteous family.
In this tale, Moses (peace be upon him) embarked on a journey with a knowledgeable man guided by Allah. During the journey, the man unexpectedly killed a child, understandably causing distress to Moses (peace be upon him). The parents of the child would undoubtedly mourn over this incident. We later find out the reason for this murder.
“And as for the boy, his parents were true believers, and we feared that he would pressure them into defiance and disbelief. So we hoped that their Lord would give them another, more virtuous and caring in his place.
Quran [18:81]
This revelation provides insight into the underlying reason for the child’s death—knowledge that only Allah possesses and selectively shares with certain individuals. The child, an innocent soul, would have led his parents astray from Allah, so Allah spared the child (as innocent souls enter heaven) and blessed them with another child. Also, a verse from Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) emphasizes how limited our understanding is in comparison to Allah’s knowledge:
“And it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows, but you do not know.”
Quran [2:216]
Supporting the Deceased and Nurturing Our Faith
Before the Day of Judgment, deceased individuals reside in a realm known as Barzakh. Those who have passed away cannot change their fate regarding the Day of Judgment. However, there are actions that the living can undertake to benefit their departed loved ones and all deceased Muslims.
- Duas (Supplications)
Making dua (supplication) is one of a Muslim’s most potent acts. Through dua, one can implore Allah for forgiveness and ease for their deceased loved ones in their graves. Besides, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offered various supplications for the deceased.
- Sadaqa (Charity)
Giving sadaqah or charity for the sake of Allah is a noble act. In Islam, a believer can offer charity on behalf of someone else to earn rewards for both parties. Additionally, this practice enables two good deeds to occur simultaneously. The act of donating benefits the living individual by expressing kindness toward their deceased loved one, while the departed soul receives rewards during their time in the grave.
- Honouring Relationships
Even though you may have lost a loved one, you still have the connections they held dear. Visiting their relatives, offering prayers for them, extending a helping hand, and displaying kindness are all beautiful acts.
*Following the death of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) wife, he made an effort to visit her loved ones, setting an example for others.
Expression of Sorrow
Grief is a natural response to losing a loved one, and it is permitted in Islam. However, Allah set limits on how one should express this grief. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained that while crying and feeling sadness is acceptable, one should avoid excessive displays such as screaming, wailing, or self-inflicted harm. Further, such reactions indicate a lack of trust in Allah and a weak faith.
This means that tears and inner sorrow are considered signs of Allah’s mercy. Therefore, they should be accepted. Even the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shed tears upon losing his loved ones.
A Reminder of Our Mortality
These situations serve as a reminder to the living of their own mortality!
Embracing the concept of death is a powerful means to appreciate life and to evaluate one’s actions. Individuals facing terminal illnesses often shift their focus away from material possessions and towards amending relationships and leading a more meaningful life. Well, this perspective change (although not limited to Muslims) highlights the importance of non-material aspects of life.
There is a saying that encourages increased focus during prayer: “Pray as if this is your last prayer.” Recognizing that this could be one’s final prayer fosters heightened concentration. Further, people tend to value what they have less, and witnessing the passing of a loved one can strengthen one’s faith and strive for personal growth.
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Takeaway
In dealing with the challenges of death, Islamic teachings offer valuable insights. The Quranic verses mentioned underscore the importance of living a life that aligns with faith and devotion to Allah. When a loved one passes away, it’s okay to grieve, but we must do so within the guidelines set by Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him). Allow the Quran tutor to impart the teaching of our religion to you and to the next generations. Sign up to Quraan Teacher for online Quran classes now!