The Great Benefit of Remembering Death

There is nothing that will set your priorities in order like remembering that this life is so short and every day you are coming closer and closer to meeting Allah. Remembering that often reminds you of the real purpose of life and allows you to see your issues in a much more wholesome perspective. Our Prophet, peace and praise be upon him, advised us:

أكثروا ذكر هادم اللَّذات: الموت

“You should frequently remember the destroyer of pleasures — death.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hasan)

Abu Ali Al-Hasan Al-Daqqaq, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

‎من أكثر من ذكر الموت أُكرم بثلاثة أشياء: تعجيل التوبة، وقناعة القلب، ونشاط العبادة، ومن نسي الموت عوقب بثلاثة أشياء: تسويف التوبة، وترك الرضا بالكفاف، والتكاسل في العبادة

“Whoever remembers death often is gifted with three things:

_*being quick in seeking forgiveness,_

_*a content heart,_

_*and enthusiasm in worship._

Whoever is neglectful of remembering death is punished with three things:

_*procrastination in repentance,_

_*not being content with what should suffice him,_

_*and laziness in worship.”_

(At-Tadhkira by Qurtubi)