In a world that constantly bombards us with distractions and fleeting pleasures, it's easy to forget a fundamental truth: our time on this earth is finite.
Arabic: وَجَآءَتْ سَكْرَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ بِٱلْحَقِّ ۖ ذَٰلِكَ مَا كُنتَ مِنْهُ تَحِيدُ
Translation: ˹Ultimately,˺ with the throes of death will come the truth. This is what you were trying to escape!
Ayah: 50:19
The Quranic verse above serves as a stark reminder of our mortality.
Many of us fall into one of three traps: living on autopilot, paralyzed by the fear of death, or tragically, longing for an end. This blog post explores a different path—one inspired by both Islamic teachings and Stoic philosophy—to help us live a fulfilling and purposeful life.
The Sleepwalkers: Life on Autopilot
In our consumer-driven world, many live on auto-pilot, constantly seeking the next hedonistic pleasure—be it a fancy car, a house, a great vacation, the latest gadget, or a better job title. This cycle of desire and temporary bliss is interrupted only by reminders of mortality, often when we hear of someone else's sudden death.
How strange and foolish is man. He looses his health in gaining wealth. Then to regain health he wastes his wealth. He ruins is present while worrying about his future - but weeps in the future by recalling his past. He lives as though death shall never come to him - but dies in a way as if he were never born – Ali Ibn Abi Talib
The Fearful: Paralyzed by Death's Shadow
Then there are those that have a paralyzing fear of death or dying. They avoid taking risks and are obsessed with clinging on to something that is not going to last. Thanatophobia is an intense fear of one's own death or the process of dying. People may also refer to it as death anxiety. It could be driven by trauma or terminal diagnosis but it doesn’t have to be. A paralyzing fear of death can lead to risk aversion and a desperate attempt to cling to a fleeting existence.
We miss out on opportunities for growth and meaningful experiences.
The Escapists: Longing for an End
Sadly, many people today long for death, driven by anxiety, depression, and societal pressures, particularly among the youth.
How do we reconcile this with the Authentic Hadith below:
Narrated Thawban: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The people will soon summon one another to attack you as people when eating invite others to share their dish. Someone asked: Will that be because of our small numbers at that time? He replied: No, you will be numerous at that time: but you will be scum and rubbish like that carried down by a torrent, and Allah will take fear of you from the breasts of your enemy and last enervation into your hearts. Someone asked: What is wahn (enervation). Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): He replied: Love of the world and dislike of death. (Abu Daud Chapter: 39 Hadith: 4164 LK id: 3_39_1591_4164)
In today's world, we face a troubling paradox: many, especially the young, are seeking relief in death, seemingly preferring it over life. However, this longing often stems not from a spiritual desire to meet their Lord or hope in the afterlife, but from the overwhelming pressures of modern society.
This despair is rooted in:
Social Media Pressures: The constant comparison and unrealistic standards promoted online.
Information Overload: The stress of processing an ever-increasing flood of information.
Disconnection: Despite being more 'connected' than ever, many feel profoundly alone.
Economic Uncertainties: Fears about job security and financial stability in a rapidly changing world.
Environmental Anxieties: Concerns about the future of our planet.
While genuine mental health issues exist, many of these challenges are inflicted by our modern lifestyle. Ironically, it's often an immense attachment to worldly ideals - the desire to fit in, to be 'successful' by society's standards - that leads to this depression and longing for escape.
This mindset contradicts the Islamic perspective on life as a precious gift and trust (amanah) from Allah. Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught:
"Let none of you wish for death. If he is a good-doer, he might increase his good deeds. If he is an evil-doer, he might make amends." (Sahih al-Bukhari 7235)
This hadith reminds us that life, regardless of its challenges, is an opportunity - for growth, for good deeds, for redemption. It encourages us to face life's difficulties with resilience and hope, rather than seeking escape.
The Balanced Path: Wisdom in Remembrance
In both Islamic teachings and Stoic philosophy, we find a profound wisdom: remembering death can lead to a more meaningful life. This concept, known in Stoicism as "Memento Mori" (Remember you will die), aligns beautifully with Islamic perspectives on mortality.
Let's engage in a thought-provoking exercise:
If you had only three months to live:
• How would your priorities shift?
• What spiritual goals would suddenly become urgent?
• Who would you seek forgiveness from or reconcile with?
If you knew you had ten years:
• What long-term projects would you undertake?
• How would you balance worldly pursuits with spiritual growth?
• What legacy would you aim to leave behind?
Now, consider a five-year timeframe:
• This often strikes the right balance between immediacy and foresight.
• How would you allocate your time between ibadah, family, career, and personal growth?
• What unnecessary activities would you eliminate?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler" (Sahih al-Bukhari). This hadith encourages us to live with purpose and detachment, much like the Stoic ideal.
By adopting this mindset:
We prioritize what truly matters, both for this life and the next.
We become more present and grateful for each moment.
We prepare for our ultimate return to Allah while still engaging meaningfully with the world.
Remember, the goal isn't to obsess over death, but to use its inevitability as a compass for living a life of purpose, kindness, and spiritual fulfillment.
Reflection Question: How can you incorporate this "five-year mindset" into your daily life? What would change in your routines, relationships, and aspirations?
The Path Forward:
This blog aims to guide us on a journey towards a more meaningful life, balancing worldly responsibilities with spiritual aspirations. It's about living purposefully, recognizing our limited time and unique opportunity to make a positive impact.
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught:
"The wisest of believers are those who remember death most and prepare best for it."
Let's embark on this journey together, embracing the wisdom of both Islam and Stoicism to live a life that truly matters.
Bismillah. To a new beginning...