The fragility of life

 On both macro and micro levels, we are reminded of the fragility of life, that what we take for granted now will be out of our hands at any moment. People die every day, from both natural and unnatural causes, at times when it is expected as well as sudden (and seemingly) random. 

Seeing certain things on the macro and micro levels recently have made me think about this, even my own particular life circumstances, and on top of this an unexpected death of a longtime friend occurred, and by the time I learned of it, it was too late to make arrangements to attend the janazah (funeral prayers).

The local press had published details of his death, and surprisingly very little biographical information. His work in the religious realm, even translating classical and modern texts from Arabic to English, as either head or worker in various organizations that dealt with the serious issues of society, was unmentioned. Only his age and a handful of comments showing his generosity was shared. 

Perhaps in recent years he has not emphasized his past accomplishments, or there were limitations to what can and can't be published in a death notice.  We would often speak on books, theological points, politics and a host of other topics. Hè was a very intelligent and articulate believer in Allah and in Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the messenger of Allah. 

There are some lessons I have derived from this news (of his death), lessons that are applicable to everyone. It should be noted that death is NEVER an accident, at least in the sense of Allah's power. In other words, death happens when God has meant or willed for it to happen. Qur'an asserts that None can delay it or advance it, it happens as God wills it to happen ( Q 16:61).

(1) Do not delay in keeping up with loved ones

Tomorrow is not guaranteed. All of us can easily depart from this world. Thus, it is important to keep up with your loved ones. There will be so much regret when those persons are gone. This world is very busy and stressful, but nonetheless we have to make time to maintain good ties with them. It could be something as simple as a weekly phone call or text message.  The friend in question sent me a text message the day before he died, but because of my own neglect I didn't reply, and now feel a bit of guilt. Thus. the lesson! 

(2) Drop the grudges

There are families broken apart over largely inconsequential items. This way of operating is quite unhealthy and leads to a stagnation whose impact can be felt for centuries. Some issues are necessary to "hold a grudge", but most are not. For those things which are not that weighty, a by-product of human error and the like, we should at least try to resolve them. One of the interesting teachings in Islam is that in Paradise, disputes, "vain talk" and the like are not present. (Q 19:62). In other words, the conflicts of the dunya should not (and actually will not) be transferred to the Akhirah. 

(3) Live your life

Enjoy life while you have it. This does not mean to be hedonistic, but rather to have wholesome life, in which you need not be a slave to the past. Many of us have been so burdened by trauma that we think we cannot escape it. We create excuses and even can engage (unknowingly) in self-sabotage, creating (illogical) excuses not to go forward with life. The famous Arab poet and philosopher Khalil Gibran has articulated this lesson succinctly: "Travel, and don't inform anyone. Live a real love story, and don't inform anyone, because people (tend to) ruin beautiful things".

There are always changes of failure in particular endeavors, however fear from doing anything makes failure a guaranteed outcome! 

Indeed, with the recently deceased friend, this was something he was very much doing in the months preceding his death. 

(4) Keep up with your spiritual life

The main avenue for spiritual maintenance is of course the five daily prayers as observed by Muslims. This activity is the main vehicle by which we connect to Allah. Avoid the prohibited actions as articulated in the Islamic sources, and keep with other practices such as reciting "None deserves worship except Allah" (Laa elaaha ill Allah) before sleeping. After all, if we do indeed pass away in sleep, having our last words be the words of testimony of faith is actually a blessing. 

(5) Goodly company

Death is guaranteed, and as believers we believe in the power, existence and authority of God. Thus, while here, we should have in our circle those who help in the development of our souls, our character and morals. This is particularly important in the romantic realm. 

This article concludes with a prayer that Allah grant our friend (whose name I will omit), the Shaikh, paradise, forgiveness for any faults, Divine Mercy and provision. Indeed, we pray this same wish reaches all believers, men and women, old and young, who depart from this world. Ameen.