The Transience of the World and the Reality of Death
Death is a certain reality that every living being will taste, closing the curtain of this world and opening the abode of the afterlife. Imam Ghazali dedicated the final section of his book “Ihya Ulum al-Din” to the topic of “Remembering Death” (Muraqabah of Death), indicating that true awakening for a person is only possible through this contemplation. 1, 45 Mankind, asleep in the slumber of heedlessness, clings to the world and transient positions as if they will never die. Yunus Emre poignantly expresses how absurd pride and arrogance are in this world when he visits graves, sees decaying bodies, and delicate flesh mingling with black soil.
Beyond Death and True Resurrection
For those who possess true insight, death is not an annihilation but a gateway to reunion (meeting) with the eternal Beloved from the transient prison. Great saints have divided death into two categories: outward (zahiri) and inward (batini). Outward death is the return of the body to dust; inward (spiritual) death is when the servant sheds their egoistic desires and bad habits while still alive, attaining the secret of “Die before you die.” Those who taste this spiritual death are those who find life by transcending their own existence and uniting with God. For them, physical death is merely a change of realm, a step into the beauty (jamal) of the Creator and endless blessings.
Living Life Focused on the Hereafter
Frequently remembering death reins in the insatiable ambitions in the heart of a servant, increases their resistance to sin, and leads them to repentance. The believer who keeps death before their eyes knows how precious the time at hand is. The warning, “Will God ask you about tomorrow’s prayer if you die today? So do not seek your sustenance for tomorrow from today!” is a great lesson for those who forget the Hereafter due to worries about livelihood. A person who desires eternal bliss should adorn this transient life with righteous deeds, worship, and good character so that they can migrate to the abode of the Hereafter with their bag full.