PREPARATION FOR MAUT (DEATH)
Allah Ta’ala states: “Every soul shall taste death.” [Qur’aan]
Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam was asked: ‘Who amongst the Mu’mineen are the most intelligent?’ Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “Those who remember death the most and make the best preparations for what is after it (i.e. after death). Those are the intelligent ones.” [Sunan Ibn Maajah]
ARE YOU IN ANTICIPATION OF A GIFT?
Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “The gift of a Mu’min is Maut (death).” [Mustadrak Haakim]
THE DEMOLISHER OF PLEASURES AND ENJOYMENT
Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “Excessively remember the destroyer of pleasures, i.e. Maut.” [Tirmizi]
A SIGN OF A BEAUTIFUL MAUT
Hazrat Anas Radhiyallahu Anhu states that Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “When Allah intends goodness for His servant, then He ‘utilizes’ him.’ It was asked: ‘How does Allah ‘utilize’ him?’ Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “Allah Ta’ala grants him the Tawfeeq to perform virtuous deeds before Maut.” [Tirmizi]
DON’T WAIT FOR THE LAST MINUTE
Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “O Taariq (Radhiyallahu Anhu)! Prepare for death BEFORE death arrives.” [Mustadrak Haakim – Tabraani]
PERFORM YOUR SALAAT AS IF IT IS YOUR LAST
A person came to Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam and requested a brief naseehat. So amongst the advices Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam gave, was: “When you stand to perform Salaat, then perform that Salaat as if it is your farewell (last) Salaat.” In other words, beautify and perfect your next Salaat as much as you can as if it is your last Salaat before death. What a beautiful way to remind us of Maut!!!
THE QABR IS THE FIRST STATION OF THE AAKHIRAT
When Hadhrat Uthmaan Radhiyallahu Anhu used to stand by a grave, he used to cry so much that his Mubaarak beard used to get wet. So it was said to Hadhrat Uthmaan Radhiyallahu Anhu: ‘You relate about Jannat (Paradise) and Naar (The Fire of Hell) but you do not cry as you are crying from (looking at) a Qabr (grave).’
So Hadhrat Uthmaan Radhiyallahu Anhu mentioned that Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “Verily, the grave is the first manzil (station) from amongst the stations of the Aakhirat (Hereafter). So if one is saved from it (i.e. the terrors and punishment of the grave), then whatever is after it (i.e. the stages after the grave) will be easier than it (i.e. grave). And if one is not saved from it (i.e. the horrors of the grave), then whatever is after it (such as Qiyaamat, etc.) is more severe than it (i.e. if a person does not attain salvation and protection from the difficulties and Athaab of the grave, then further ahead, what redemption will he have?).” Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: “I did not see a scene ever except that the Qabr (grave) is more horrifying/atrocious/abominable than it.” [Mishkaat]