Death (1/2)

This topic is very important, as each and every one of us will experience it one day and that is Death.

Almost every day we hear of the death of someone, yet most people ignore the fact that one day they will die too, they go on with their life as if nothing has happened feeling that their time has not yet come for them to die.

Allah says in the Qur’an, "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, this person is indeed successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception;" (Qur’an, Surah Al-Imran, 3:185)

And "Every soul shall have the taste of death." (Qur’an, Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:57)

In an authentic Hadith Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, "Remember the destroyer of pleasures-death, for not a day passes upon the grave except it says “I am the house of remoteness; I am the house of loneliness; I am the house of soil; I am the house of worms.”" (Authentic- Tirmidhi)

The knowledge of the reality of death helps people understand it and prepare themselves for its coming.

Death is simply a transition state from one world to another, as birth is. No one knows when and where he will die or knows how.

In this respect Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Luqman, "Nor does anyone know what it is that he will earn tomorrow; Nor does anyone know in what land he is to die. Verily with Allah is full knowledge and Allah is acquainted with all things." (Qur’an, Surah Luqman, 31: 34)

Islam is the only religion that explains death in full detail, how it happens, and what Muslims should do before, during, and after the death of a Muslim.

Allah has assigned angels responsible for taking our souls out of our bodies. In the Qur’an Allah mentioned the Archangel name "Angel of Death."

Allah says in the Qur’an, "Say The Angel of Death put in charge of you, will (Duly) take your souls, then you shall be brought back to your Lord." (Qur’an, Surah As-Sajdah, 32:11)

Death involves agony and hardship as mentioned in an authentic Hadith, "When Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was dying, he put his hands in a large cup of water which was close to him and wipe his face with it, saying, “O Allah help me over the hardship and agony of death.”" (Authentic -Tirmidhi)

For the faithful believers Allah says in the Qur’an, "Those who have said “Our Lord is Allah”, and then have become upright, the angels will descend upon them saying, ‘Do not fear nor be sad, but receive good news of the paradise which you have been promised. We are your protectors in this life and in the Hereafter; therein you shall have all that you desire; therein you shall have all that you ask for.’" (Qur’an, Surah Fussilat, 41:30-31)

Allah also says, “When the angels take the lives of the righteous, the angels say to them, ‘Salaamun Alikum, enter paradise, because of the good deeds that you used to do (during your life.)’" (Qur’an, Surah An-Nahl, 16:32)

For the unbelievers, Allah says in the Qur’an, "If only you could see when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieved, striking their faces and their backs, and saying, ‘Taste the punishment of the fire. That is for what your own hands have put forth (Of evil deeds.)’" Qur’an, Surah Al-Anfal, 8:50-51)

Allah also says, "If you only could see when the transgressors are going through the agonies of death, and the angels stretching forth their hands saying ‘Deliver your souls; this day you shall be recompensed the torment of degradation because of what you use to utter against Allah other than the truth, and you used to reject Allah’s signs with disrespect.’" (Qur’an, Surah Al- An'am, 6:93)

The grave is the first station of the stations of the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, “When the deceased is placed in his grave and when his friends depart and leave him, he hears their footsteps, and then two angels will make him sit and ask him. What did you say about this man (Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) The Believer will say, I bear witness that he was the servant and Messenger of Allah.

They (The two Angeles) will say to the deceased, Look to your place in Hell. Allah has substituted it with a place in paradise. They see it all together.

However, the unbeliever or the hypocrite will be asked about Muhammad (Peace be upon him). He will say, “I don’t know! I used to say what people used to say”. The two angels say to him, “How come you did not know and you did not read about him”. Then they beat him heavily with a metal hammer. This causes him to scream painfully and all his surroundings will hear him except human beings and Jinns.” (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim)

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