The Prudent Gives Every Moment its Due

The prudent should be prepared for death, as he knows neither when Allah’s decree of his death will overtake him, nor when he will be called to his death.

I have seen many people deluded by their youthfulness; they forget the death of their fellows; and they are diverted by hope for long life.

A scholar who does not act according to what he knows may say, ‘I will attain knowledge today, and then I will act according to it tomorrow.’ Thus, he indulges in errors under the pretext of seeking comfort. He delays preparation for repentance, he does not avoid committing or listening to backbiting, he does not refrain from suspicious earnings that he hopes to erase its negative effect by piety, and he forgets that death may come suddenly.

The prudent gives every moment its due by performing what is obligatory on him.
Thus, if death comes suddenly, he is prepared, and if he attains long life, he attains happiness in abundance.