Download PDF: [S] Prepare for Death

Imam Abid Dunya (Abdullah) has stated that he was informed by Ishaq bin Ebrahim and he by Abu Daud Ja’feri and he by Sufyan bin Sa’eed who narrates:

 

Nabi ‘Isa – peace be upon him – used to say that love for the world is the root of all evil and the wealth of the world is a major illness.

 

The companions asked him, “What is its illness?”

 

He replied, “When it is present (wealth), a person cannot protect himself from pride and arrogance. He was then asked that if a person protects himself from pride and arrogance then what does he say. He replied that even busying oneself in trying to cure it makes one oblivious of the Dhikr of Allah.”

 

Imam Abid Dunya (Abdullah) reports that he was informed by Shurayjh bin Yusuf and he was informed by Waleeb bin Muslim and he was informed by Awzaa’i and he was informed by Yahyah Katheer who narrates that, “During his khutbah, Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr – may Allah be pleased with him – used to declare, ‘Where have the good looking people gone who used to boast about their young age. Where the Kings that inhabited huge cities and built a large wall around it to protect it. Where are those who were always victorious in battle? The calamities of the world have obliterated them. All of them have arrived inside the dark hole of the grave. Therefore, make haste seek salvation, seek salvation.’” (Hulyatul Awliyah, Safwatul Safwah)

 

Mohammed bin Husain narrates that he was informed by Khalid bin Yazeed Qarni who was informed my Abu Shihaab who was informed by Abde Qais who narrates from someone who had stated that, “Hadrat Sayyiduna Huzayfah – may Allah be pleased with him – states that that, ‘Every morning and evening as caller calls out, ‘O people! Depart, depart and this is also proven from the Qur’an that Hell is indeed a mighty place and for humans, it is a very frightening place. (It will come for everyone) for those before and for those after.’” (Kitab Al Zuhud, Ibn Abid Dunya)

 

A servant of Bani Tameen, namely Shaheem, who narrates: “Once Aamir bin Abdullah was reading his Salaah and I came and sat near him. He then shortened his Salaah and then asked me, ‘What do you need. Please mention it quickly and let me be free because I am in a hurry.’ I then asked him why was he in a hurry and he replied, ‘May Allah have Mercy on you, I am in a hurry because of Malikul Maut.’ When I heard this,  I awoke and left that place and he continued his Salaah.” (Al Ihya, Al Ittihaaf)

 

Mohammed narrates that he was informed by Ubaidullah bin Mohammed who was informed by Salamah bin Saeed who states that, “Once Daud Ta’i became very ill and someone came to inquire about a certain Hadith. However, he replied that the person should leave him alone at this moment because he is preparing for his soul to leave his body.” (Hulyatul Awliyah, Al Ihya)

 

Abu Bakr Sufi informs us that, “I heard Abu Mu’awiyah Aswad state that, ‘O Abu Mu’awiyah! If you wish for immense wealth and property, then do not sleep at night and do not be oblivious and send good deeds before you. Desist from busy in (wordily activities). Whatever you fear and have dread for (death), prepare for it before it appears. Do not trouble yourself with sustenance of those who will come after you because you are not responsible for it.” (Al Ittihaaf)

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him – has stated that every action should be done slowly and deliberately, this is better. This is besides the deeds of the Hereafter. In this, one should be hasty (or one should do it quickly).” (Haakim, Bahiqi)

 

Saleh Mirri narrates from Hasan who states that, “The support of a believer in the grave is his actions and deeds which he had sent before him. If it is good, then he is treated in a good manner and if it is bad, then he is treated badly. Allah have mercy on you. Consider spare time as extremely valuable.”

 

Jafer bin Sulayman states that he heard from Abu Mohammed Habeeb Al Ajami – may Allah be pleased with him – who stated, “Do not sit idle (and busy yourself in preparation) because death searches for you.” (Hulyatul Awliyah)