Neither has the angel of death given anyone extra time before, nor will he give us it. He who remembers death whilst still alive and prepares for it is truly intelligent.

Allah states in the Quran:

الَّذِیْ  خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَ الْحَیٰوۃَ لِیَبْلُوَکُمْ  اَیُّکُمْ  اَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ؕ

He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is better in virtue.^[1]

Regarding one meaning of this sacred verse, the scholars of Islam explain how Allah created life and death as a test. This test centres around who remembers death and prepares for it properly.^[2]

Prepare for death

The Companion Ṭāriq Muḥāribī رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ  narrates how the Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم advised him by saying, یَا طَارِقُ اِسْتَعِدَّ لِلْمَوْتِ قَبْلَ الْمَوْتِ – “O Ṭāriq! Prepare for death before you die.”^[3]

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                                     صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Fear the day of return

Allah states: