ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Jurisprudence Made Easy Dialogue on death related matters I was tense, apprehensive, and agitated when my father started the discussion on the topic of death. He approached the subject with due care and serenity that was expressed in his look and the intonation of his voice. This seemingly unusual way of starting the discussion and the somewhat death charged atmosphere scared me, causing my heartbeat to go faster with a shiver down my spine.

Finally, the drops of sweat that gathered on my forehead gave my true feeling away. When my father noticed the signs of fear in my eyes and on my face, he asked me: - Are you afraid? * Why should I not be afraid? - Are you afraid of death or the dead? * Although I am afraid of death more than the dead, yet I said, “the dead”. It was a terrifying fear that I admitted to today, for I have never witnessed a person dying. I did not know how I would face the experience of someone dying before my eyes.

Before today, when I witnessed a funeral procession, a state of melancholy would force me to turn away. * Yes, I am scared of the dead. I said it for a second time to reinforce my state of mind. - Are you scared of the dead more than death? What is there after death to be afraid of? My father explained. He added: Are you scared of a person who just moments before death was like you; he used to eat, drink, laugh, cry, go for a stroll, have dreams, sleep etc.

Then surrendered to death which does not spare anyone. Why not be more realistic and admit that you are afraid of death more than you are of the dead? Haven’t you asked yourself where all those bygone nations and their generations have gone. “The day when their abodes became graveyards and their wealth inherited; the day they could no longer respond to a call nor hear anyone who bemoaned them”. ”How many of the gardens and fountains they have left! And cornfields and noble places!

And goodly things wherein they rejoiced; thus (it was), and We gave them as a heritage to another people.” (44/25-28). And where have those you know gone when they passed away? Where are your ancestors? “They exchanged the face of the earth for its depth, vastness for a very limited space, light for darkness, and parting with their loved ones to solitude”. He then reminded me of the words of Imam Ali (a.s.) at the hour of his death, “Yesterday, I was your companion.

Today, I am an example to be pondered. Tomorrow, I shall leave you.