When there is a death in his surroundings...

When there is a death in his surroundings, one should give a thought that his turn might be around the corner when everything he has strived to acquire would be left behind. When one looks around himself, he finds people with failing health, diminishing eye-sight, debilitated bodies. One should therefore have recourse to studying the sayings of the Prophet (S) and the Imams (as) of the transitory nature of this life.

Another way of overcoming these traits is to visit the grave yard occasionally which will remind one of the ultimate destination and the futility of running after worldly things. It is narrated that a youth by name of Ababa bin Rubai Ansari used to regularly visit Abd Allah bin Abbas. He used to treat the youth with respect and give him a place near himself to sit.

People told to Abdullah bin Abbas that the youth was a thief of the shrouds from the fresh graves in the community graveyard and that he must not give him so much respect. Abdullah bin Abbas wanted to confirm this matter by himself. He therefore visited the graveyard in the darkness of nights. One night he found the youth coming there. From his hiding he saw the youth lie down in an empty grave and say, “O Allah! I am a sinful person.

I know that one day I will be brought to this place and buried in one of the graves. At that time only You can help me! I have unnecessarily troubled innocent people! On the Day of Reckoning, who else but You can help me? O Munificent Allah! I resolve now that I shall not let sin ever come near me from now on!” The youth thus cried for some time. When he emerged from the grave, Abd Allah bin Abbas ran towards him and embraced him. From that day he had more respect for the youth.

Amir’ul-Mu’mineen ‘Ali (as) says, “One should always remember death. When one thinks of the grave and of the Day of Judgment, then the hardships of life seem easier to bear. The person who counts ‘tomorrow’ as an essential part of his life, he is, in fact, oblivious of the fact of death.” He wrote to the people of Egypt, “O Creations of Allah! None can avoid death! Fear death before it catches you unawares! If you don’t run away from it, it will get you!

Even if you try your best to avoid death, you can’t! Death, you must know, is closer to you more than your own shadow!” The Prophet of Islam (S) has said, “O people! If animals had known about death as much as you do, then they wouldn’t have been so strong and sturdy as they are!