The beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم replied, “Death.”^[1]

Sayyidunā ꜤAbdullāh b. ꜤUmar رَضِیَ الـلّٰـهُ عَنْهُمَا narrates:

I was the tenth person present in the blessed gathering of the Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم when an Anṣārī companion       رَضِیَ الـلّٰـهُ عَنْهُم asked, “O Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, who is the wisest and most honourable among people?”

The beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم replied, “The one who remembers death most frequently and prepares for it most. These are the wise ones who depart from this world with honour in matters of the world and Hereafter.”^[2]

Dear Islamic brothers, you heard how the blessed Aḥādīth announce the glad tidings of being raised with martyrs for those who frequently remember death. Such individuals are considered wise and honoured. Therefore, we too must prove our wisdom by frequently reflecting on death and preparing for it through consistent observance of prayers, fasting, abstaining from sins, and striving to perform good deeds in abundance.

Today, we have the opportunity, yet our hearts are not inclined towards righteous actions. Tomorrow, when we pass away, we will regret not performing good deeds in this world. Our hearts will yearn to return to life for another chance to do good deeds, but it will be too late. All that will remain is regret and sorrow.

Thus, we must prioritise the present over tomorrow, beginning our journey of righteous deeds today. Always keep the reality of death before you, for remembering death plays a vital role in preparing for it.