In the Name of Allāh.
It will happen at the due time – the sudden tragedy that strikes to alter one’s life for the afterlife. The traumatic trial instantly appears and the line seemingly grows short. Allāh says (in Sūrah An-Nisa[4] verse 78): “Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in fortresses built up strong and high!”
Subḥānallāh! The living is left to grapple, having words unsaid and matters unsettled with the deceased. With no time wasted, the next home is the grave. What a fake life! Trying to come to terms with the sudden disappearance, one thus needs to recognize that it’s just the time. Allāh says (in Sūrah Al-A’raf [7] verse 34): “To every person is an appointed term; when their term is reached, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment).”
When the last breath escapes the lips, there ends the opportunity to do any more good deeds, be it observing prayer, showing affection to one’s parents, doing charitable work, helping the sick, or even making a supplication or a little positive action. Only the good deeds accrued before leaving remain.
Inside the grave is Al-Barzakh (i.e., the barrier between this life and the later life), and the deceased will no longer be reached. Thus, as the living are always reminded to do the lawful and shun the unlawful before the inexorable knocks, one should take heed.
I beseech Allāh to grant us a better understanding of His Words and make us better Muslims. (Aameen)
