Topic: Islam and death 

In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful. (Part 1)

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all that exists. Peace and blessings be upon the final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, his companions, and all who follow them until the Last Day.

Death is among the most certain and universal truths of existence. It is not an accident, nor an end to life, but part of the divine plan. Allah reminds us:

“Every soul will taste death. And you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire].” (Qur’an, 3:185).

The nature and purpose of death in Islam

Islam describes death as a divinely ordained transition, not the annihilation of the human soul. It marks the completion of our temporary assignment on earth and the commencement of our eternal existence in the Hereafter. It is a passage from the realm of worldly trials (dār al-ibtilā’) to the realm of recompense (dār al-jazā’).

Death is decreed by Allah

Life and death are both in the exclusive control of Allah, they are not random events.

“It is He who gives life and causes death; and to Him you will be returned.”(Qur’an, 10:56)

“No soul can ever die except by Allah’s permission, at a destined time.”(Qur’an, 3:145)

“Every soul will taste death, and we test you with evil and with good as trial; and to us you will be returned.” (Qur’an, 21:35)

From the Islamic perspective, death is not determined by chance, disease, or accidents — these are merely the apparent causes. The real cause is Allah’s decree (Qadr), and it comes at the exact moment written for every soul before creation.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Know that if the whole nation were to gather to benefit you with something, they would not benefit you except with what Allah had already decreed for you. And if they were to harm you with something, they would not harm you except with what Allah had already decreed against you.” (Tirmidhi)

Death as a means of accountability

Death signals the end of the test of life and the beginning of judgment.

“He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed — and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.” (Qur’an, 67:2)

The purpose of this test is not to determine who lives the longest, but who lives the most righteous and God-conscious life. Every moment after birth is an opportunity to write our record of deeds — and death seals it permanently.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The one whose last deeds were good will enter Paradise.” (Ahmad)

This is why scholars such as Imam al-Ghazali stressed that we must live every day as though it could be our last, ensuring our hearts are in a state of faith (īmān) and our hands in righteous action (ʿamal ṣāliḥ).

Death as a Reminder of Life’s Shortness

One of the profound wisdoms of death is that it constantly reminds the believer of the temporary nature of this world and the certainty of the Hereafter.

“And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, will you not reason?” (Qur’an, 6:32)

“Wherever you may be, death will overtake you, even if you should be within towers of lofty construction.” (Qur’an, 4:78)

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Remember often the destroyer of pleasures — death.” (Tirmidhi)

By remembering death, the believer remains humble, detached from excessive love of worldly possessions, and motivated toward deeds that will matter in the eternal life.

Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه said:

“When you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive till the morning, and when you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive till the evening. Take advantage of your health before your sickness, and your life before your death.”
(Bukhari)

Death as a Mercy for the Believer

While death is often feared, Islam also teaches that for the faithful, it is a mercy — an end to worldly hardship and the beginning of eternal peace.

The Prophet Mohammed s.a.w. said: “The gift to a believer is death.” (Ahmad)

This is because it delivers the soul from trials and transports it to the mercy of Allah, provided it lived in obedience.

Summary of Lessons from death:

• Humility — we are powerless before Allah’s decree.
• Accountability — every moment is part of our test.
• Urgency — time is a non-renewable resource.
• Perspective — worldly life is a brief stop on the eternal journey.

How Muslims should prepare for death and face loss

In Islam, preparing for death is both an inner journey of purification and a practical readiness for the inevitable. It is not about living in fear, but about living with awareness, purpose, and readiness to meet Allah. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged his companions to remember death frequently because it softens the heart, detaches one from worldly greed, and inspires righteous living.

Spiritual preparation

Preparation for death begins in the heart. A believer must constantly strive to purify their soul and strengthen their relationship with Allah.

Repentance (Tawbah)

Allah commands: “And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers that you might succeed.”(Qur’an, 24:31).

True repentance means leaving sins, feeling remorse, and making a sincere intention never to return to them. The Prophet said: “Allah accepts the repentance of His servant until the throes of death begin.”(Tirmidhi).

Righteous deeds

Good deeds done with sincerity are the best investment for the Hereafter.

The Prophet Mohammed s.a.w. said: “The most intelligent among you is the one who remembers death often and prepares for it well.” (Ibn Majah).

Every act of worship such as prayer, charity, fasting, helping others — is a provision for the eternal journey.

Living as a traveller

The believer should not attach themselves permanently to this world. The Prophet ﷺ advised:

“Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler.”(Bukhari).

A traveller only carries what is necessary, and a Muslim should live similarly — taking from this world only what is needed for the journey to Allah.

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author