3: Valuing Life
"Value five things before five;
Value youth before old age,
Health before sickness,
Free time before being occupied,
Wealth before poverty, and
Life before death."
(Prophet Muhammad(pbuh))
- Life is an amaanah, a trust and a test of deeds
Allah has granted us death and life in order to test us through our deeds (Q 67:2)
and remember
that the test of life may incorporate fear, hunger, loss of property, loss of life and loss in the fruits of labor;
all of which can be borne by those who patiently persevere; acknowledging that we are from Allah and unto Him is our return.(Q 2:155) - Death is Inevitable
Each living thing must eventually die (Qur'an 3:185)
There is no avoidance of birth or death except to utilize the interval effectively. Our existence in this world seems like a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness. Death is certain and wherever you are death will reach you
But as certain as we are about the occurrence of death, so uncertain are we about its timing and we are instructed to act as if every act could be our last - We are fully accountable for our lives
If we do good, it is to our own benefit; if we do wrong, it is to our own detriment (Q 17:7),
and we will be rewarded according to our deeds (Q 99: 7-8).
Deeds are of course dependent upon intentions
Of all the things in life it is sincere, good deeds that are most beneficial and in fact most valuable (Q 18:46)
The Prophet (pbuh) said:
"Three things follow the deceased to his grave; his family, his wealth and his deeds; his family and wealth return, only his deeds remain with him."
Our accountability extends to all dimensions of our lives; whether it be ...- Our responsibility towards those in our care
"Each one of you is a caretaker and each will be held responsible for those under his/her care." - Our responsibilities regarding ourselves
"Each person will be held accountable regarding how life was spent, how knowledge was utilized, how wealth was acquired and spent, and how the body was used or abused."
- Our responsibility towards those in our care
- Let not materialism divert you from your purpose in life
We are so caught up in the pursuits of the material until we reach the grave
and seem to be fast asleep until awakened by the reality of death - Part of a story
Our lives are but footnotes on the page of history; each has his/her own life and each life is a unique story. Sometimes we enter into each other's lives and become a temporary or permanent part of each other's stories. All our lives are but part of a larger story.
The fundamental question remains: How do we contribute to the larger story?
Hadrat 'Ali advised:
" Socialize with people in such a way that when you die, they mourn for you and when you live, they desire your company." - Do not wish for death
Life could be meaningful, death is certain yet peaceful; it is the transition from life to death (dying) that is traumatic.
Living a righteous life makes death much easier
For as the Prophet said :
"the best of lives are those long ones filled with goodness."
None should wish for death
"None should wish for death; if you are good it is possible that you may increase in goodness; and if you are sinful you may rectify your ways and improve yourself."
Rather pray
"O Allah, make life for me a means for increased goodness and make death for me a prevention from doing any evil."