To most people this makes sense but Islam is not most people.
(Qur’an Al-Munafiqun 63:9-11)
The Messenger of Allah (saws) said:
Life in this World
Many humans live the life of this world, seeking the best that it has to offer, while ignoring what lies ahead of them upon death.
Believing in death is part of belief in the unseen and is an essential part of faith.
As Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
(Qur’an Al-Baqarah 2:1-3)
“Seek Allah’s help with patience and prayer.
(Qur’an Al-Baqarah 2:45-46)
Death is a harsh and fearful reality faced by everyone who lives.
So in Allah’s hand alone is the granting of life, and in His hand is the return of what He gave at the appointed time, and after the allotted life span, whether the people are in their houses amongst their families, or striving to seek provision or striving for;Aqeedah (correct belief).
As Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Everyone shall taste death. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing).”
(Qur’an Al-Imran 3:185)
Everyone’s soul will taste it and will depart from this life. The difference between these souls is their final destination: Paradise or Hell.
There are many ayah’s in the Qur’an that mention Death:
(Qur’an Al-Anbiyah 21:34-35)
(Qur’an Al-Mulk 67:2)
The Angel of Death comes and sits by his head and says: “O foul soul, come out to Allah’s displeasure and anger.” Then Allah’s Messenger (saws) recited:
(Qur’an Al-Araf 7:40)
So Allah (swt) says: “write his record in Sijjeen (a name signifying constriction) within the lowest earth.”
(Qur’an Al-Hajj 22:31)
Death is Pre-Established
Death will occur at a fixed time. The place, the time, the way in which each of us will die is known only to Allah. The death of each of us has been pre-recorded in a book by Allah. Allah (swt) tells us:
“Nor can a soul die except by Allah’s leave, the term being fixed by writing…”
(Qur’an Al-Imran 3:145)
This is where belief in Al-Ghayb(unseen) plays a big role. We see the signs of Allah throughout the world before our eyes… the sun, the moon, day and night.
Dying
The stupors of death, called Sakaraatul Mawt, will be painfully felt by all. This fact is related in the Hadith concerning the death of the Prophet (saws). Aa-ishah (ra) related about the events before his death:
No doubt death has its stupor’s.” Then he raised his hand and started saying: “O Allah, with the highest companions!”
The Prophet (saws) was shown his place in Paradise and given the choice of living or dying and joining those “Highest Companions”.
Another inevitable occurrence at death is the desire to return back to life just to do one more good deed.
“Until when death comes to one of them (those who join partners with Allah), he says: “O my Lord!
(Qur’an Al-Mu’minun 23:99-100)
(Qur’an Al-Waqi’a 56:83,87)
It is then that the dying person sees the angels and he realizes Death is at hand.
“Allah accept the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and repent afterwards; to them will Allah turn in mercy,;for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
Many people don’t repent or seek refuge in Allah, until they face difficulty.
(Qur’an Yunus 10:12)
Incredibly, many people today feel no need for Allah at all. As sincere Muslims, we should turn to Allah at all times, not just at times of trouble. I am of those who submit (to Allah in Islam).”
(Qur’an Yunus 10:90)
At his moment of death he declared his belief in Tawheed, which is the key to Paradise.
(Qur’an Al-Anbiyah 21:87)
Prophet Yunus (as) also sought refuge in Allah through his belief in Tawheed and was saved. Allah (swt) said:
(Qur’an Al-Anbiyah 21:88)
Fir’awn was not of true faith, therefore his repentance was rejected by Allah. True faith is always present, not simply in times of distress. When Yunus (as) supplicated to Allah the angels responded saying: “A familiar voice from a well known slave.” By remembering Allah in easy times He will remember you in difficult times just as He did Yunus (as).
Related by Dr. Umar Al-Ashqar Al-Yawn Al-Aakhir – Al-Quyaam As-Sughraa p.29
This is the time when the weak in faith may fail. Allah holds our hearts between His fingers.
Even those of great knowledge never consider themselves of unwavering faith.
(Qur’an Al-Imran 3:7-8)
At his death, his son was beside him telling him: “Say Laa illaaha illallaah.” Imam Ahmad reply was: “No!, No!, not until I die.”
Life in this world is of many types yet death is only two.
Of course there are stories of those who, Insh Allah died with Husnul Khaatimah:
** A young man helped a stranded elderly couple repair their car, which had broken down on the freeway.
Suu-ul Khaatimah (A Bad Ending)
1) Corrupt Beliefs
(Qur’an Al-Kahf 18:103-104)
Man may know the truth and live in accordance with it for some time.
“Like the Shaytan when he says to man: “Disbelieve!” But when man disbelieves, Shaytan says: “I am free of you, I do fear Allah, Lord of the Worlds.”
(Qur’an Al-Hashr 59:17)
4) Deterioration of Faith
Though spiritual worship is rewarded, often the practical deeds are of more benefit to a Muslim in life and may even be of greater reward.
Evil is the similitude of a people who falsify the signs of Allah; And Allah guides not those who do wrong.”
(Qur’an Al-Jumu’ah 62:5)
5) Weakness in Faith
Faith to many people is a matter of the heart, an inner belief. However, Islamic faith is much more.
Faith in Islam cannot simply be an inner belief, nor words from the tongue, it must be backed up by deeds. Often times, such weaknesses in faith are caused by one’s love for Dunya, the worldly life. The love of Dunya can become excessive causing faith to become so weak that one lives for this world only, dreading death, as it represents the end of worldly life, that he loves so much. If Sakaraatul Mawt reaches him whilst in this state, he will find himself doubtful in faith and can end with Suu-ul Khaatimah.
The manners and behaviour with which they impressed people so much in this life will be of no help to them when they face Allah. Muslims may die with Minor and Major Suu-ul Khaatimah.
Al-Kahf 18:103-104
Those of the Minor category are those who have faith yet die upon sin.
If I Die in the State I Am Today, Will I Die with;
Suu-ul Khaatimah Or Husnul Khaatimah??
References: Death by Shaikh’ Alee Hasan ‘Alee Abdul Hameed
Lecture Eight on “Death and Dying” by an unknown Muslim (May Allah Accredit Him With His Efforts – Ameen)