Why Are We Afraid of Death?
Death is a truth that will certainly arrive and there is no way to escape it. “Every soul shall taste death, and to Us you shall be returned.” (Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 57)
The way we deal with death hinges on our worldview and lifestyle; some people embrace death and some others are afraid of it.
The reason behind our fear is that we are busy with transient issues; we are involved in things that will end sooner or later and when that happens, all our wishes and dreams will end too. Therefore, we should pursue issues that are eternal.
Even if we know that we can live for 100 or 200 years, it is to our detriment to only plan for this period because we should follow eternal life and happiness.
It is evident that making plans just for a couple of decades will bring losses and leads to our fear of death because our time will end and we will eventually possess nothing. However, if we pursue eternal life, we will not only be afraid of death, but we will embrace it with enthusiasm.
Planning for the Akhirah (Hereafter) does not mean abandoning worldly life and issues, rather, we should find our life purpose and recognize that this world is not an aim but a tool to reach the final goal.
Once a person came to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and said he was afraid of death. The Holy Prophet asked: “Do you have properties?” He said yes. The Prophet then asked whether the man had given away part of his properties for the sake of God and for his afterlife. The man said no. “This is why you are afraid because you have been attached to your properties,” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) added.
No one should forget that this world is an introduction to the Akhirah. Therefore, every step and measure that we adopt should be aimed at gaining God’s consent; this is how all our deeds and behaviors will turn into acts of worship and assets for a better life in the Hereafter.
