Irrespective of religious beliefs, we all agree on death. It is inevitable, even if we tend to forget about it. Death will reach us sooner or later.
Last Friday, I lost one of my beloved ones. It was the day I stood by my grandfather's death bed; it was the day I saw my mother broken.
The Holy Quran constantly reminds us that one day, we will all depart this worldly life alone, leaving behind family, friends and materialism. At the end, the rich and the poor end up returning to the same dust.
"Everyone shall taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. (3:185)"
We sometimes get so wrapped up in this life we forget to pay attention to what will happen in the afterlife.
Allah commands us to do good deeds whether they're big or small and abstain from wrongdoing. He reminds us to seek his forgiveness and be grateful for all the blessings we enjoy on a daily basis.
As Muslims, we pray for an eased death, and for an eternal abode in paradise with our beloved ones.
As I stood by, watching my cousins scattered around my grandfather's bed, I heard the heart monitor beeping furiously before it finally stopped, indicating his death. I realized how lucky he was to have his entire family around him while he took his final breath.
One by one, we went to hold his cold hands, and kiss his relaxed forehead. Tears streaming down humbled faces, we all prayed to Allah to grant our grandfather forgiveness, mercy and the highest rank in paradise.
His death reminded me of the value of a day. Whenever a day passes, a part of me has gone.
Omar Bin Al Khattab, the closest companion of the Prophet once said: Every day, it is said that so-and-so has died. One day, it will be said that Omar has passed away.
Even though it was time to let him go, he will be forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. But question remains: how have we prepared for the Day of Judgment?