FRIDAY KHUTBAH

Death the Destroyer of Desires

Death is not the absolute end. It is just the discontinuation of unity between
the body and soul. It is a change from one state to another and a transition from
this present life to that of the hereafter.
The purpose of our existence is the worship of Allah as mentioned in the Book
of Allah:

"And I [Allaah] created not the Jinns and Men except that they should
worship Me [alone]" Soorah az-Zariyat (51): 56

This life, which we are living, is the testing ground for which there shall be only
two consequences, Paradise or Hellfire. Unfortunately more than often we disregard
death, as we are so attached to this world and the love of which has been
established in our hearts.

"Certainly, they see it as distant, but We see it as near" Soorah al-

Ma'arij (70): 6-7

Death only becomes a reality when a close beloved one dies. The heart feels
heavy, the eyes shed tears and there is, at that moment, a present fear of death. If
we were to spend even a single moment each day thinking about death, it would
bring forth many concerns? The greatest being our Hereafter:

"He Who has created death and life, that He may test you, which of
you is best in deed."
Al-Mulk (67):21

So we stop and consider what we are doing with our time and where we are
heading, and then realize that much of it is wasted in light talk, in laughing, in
pursuing that which is not going to benefit our Hereafter. One of the Salaf said:

"Three characteristics are from Eemaan: Modesty, Chastity and

Withholding of the tongue, not the withholding of the heart and actions.
These are things which cause gain in the Hereafter and loss in this life,
and what is gained in the next life is greater than what is lost in this
world."
[Reported by Abdur-Razzaaq in his Musannaf from A'oon ibn 'Abdullaah]
 "This World in comparison with the world to come is just like one of
you putting his finger in the sea... Let him consider what it returns with.”
Saheeh Muslim (eng. trans. vol.4 p.l486 no.6843)

The Prophet Muhammad (sallahu alaihi wa-sallam) explained how this world is
not even worth the wing of a mosquito! And how small is a mosquito, and then the
wing of a mosquito- so what is the worth of the world we run after and are dearly
attached to?
The Messenger of Allaah (sallahu alaihi wa-sallam) referred to death as 'the
destroyer of desires."
[Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah & Nasaai and authenticated by Sheikh al-Albanee in
al-Mishkaat (1/1607)]
Because when each one of us remembers the awesome reality of death and
what is to follow after that, our present desires and wordy concerns seem so
insignificant and futile, and the life of the Hereafter becomes our goal and we
become interested in the means to attain that goal. We find that the Companions of
the Prophet (sallahu alaihi wa-sallam) excelled on this point and were not deluded
by the amusements of this world, knowing that love for this world would injure their
Paradise.
Hence, they faced trials and every hardship with the knowledge that a weighty
judgment was yet to come and a full compensation yet to be paid - so they had
hope and fear in Allaah, without exaggerated optimism or disparity.

"O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that when you are
asked to march forth in the cause of Allaah [i.e. Jihaad] you cling heavily
to the earth? Are you pleased with the life of this world rather than the
Hereafter? [Soorah at-Taubah (9):38]

Regarding the shaheed (martyr), the Prophet (sallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said:

"Nobody who enters Paradise will (ever like to) return to this world,
even if he were offered everything on the surface of the earth, except the
martyr who will desire to return to this world and be killed ten times for
the sake of the great honor that has been bestowed upon him." [Saheeh
Muslim (eng. trans. vol.3 p.1045 no.4635)]

Let us see how these words affected the hearts and lives of the Companions,
as we reflect upon one Companion in particular, who was guaranteed Paradise,
Talhah ibn ‘Ubaidullaah.
"Whoever wishes to look upon a martyr walking the face of the earth
then let him look upon Talhah ibn ‘Ubaidullaah. . ."[Sunan at-Tirmidhi & al-
Haakim. Authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee in his as-Saheehah (no.126)]
 The Prophet (sallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said to Talhah when his fingers were
struck by arrows in protecting the Prophet (sallahu alaihi wa-sallam) at Uhud, as he
let out an exclamation of pain:

"If you had said, 'In the name of Allaah', then the Angels would have
raised you up while the people were looking on at you." (And in another
narration he added): until they entered you into the sky."
[Sunan an-Nasaai. The addition is from al-Baihaaqee. Authenticated by al-Albaanee
in his as-Saheehah (no.217)]

"Talhah is one who has fulfilled his term." [Sunan at-Tirmidhi and
authenticated by Sheikh al-Albani in as-Saheehah (125)].

Which means that he has exhausted his allotted time in the path of Allaah
there remaining nothing between him and death - thus he is as one killed already,
although still alive. These are the best of people, those whose belief is manifest in
their actions, to whom Allaah and His Messenger (sallahu alaihi wa-sallam) are more
beloved than the world and all it contains.

"But truly the home of the Hereafter is the actual life, if only they
knew." [Soorah al-Ankabut (29):64]

"We have reminder upon reminder, about how nations before us were
destroyed and a common sickness which they were plagued with was 'love of this
world'. Regarding the Jews, who claim to be the best of all people and inheritors of
the Promised Land, Allaah says:

"And verily you will find them the greediest of mankind and [even
greedier] than those who do not believe in Resurrection [i.e. the
idolaters]. Every one of them wishes that he could be given a life of a
thousand years. But the grant of such life will not save him even a little
from [due] punishment. And Allaah is all-Seer of what they do. "Soorah al-
Baqarah (2):96

If these people who spend their time in heedlessness and negligence, and
futile desires, and the best part of their time being when they sleep or are inactive -
then death is better than life. And we say to them:
'Time is the most precious thing which you take care of, and I see it to
be the easiest for you to lose" [Taken from The Call to Islaam and the Caller of
Shaikh 'Alee Hasan.]

" ….. And the worst regret is regret on the Day of Resurrection. ...and
the fortunate one is the one who takes admonition from others...”
 [From the famous khutbah (sermon) of the Companion, Ibn Mas'ood t which
has been recorded in al-Musannaf of Ibn Abee Shaibah (vol.7 no. 106)]

"Live in this world as if you are a stranger or a traveler." [Saheeh al-

Bukhari vol.8, p.284, no.425]

Does a traveler waste his time in gathering that which is of no benefit for his
journey? Or does he immediately select that which shall facilitate him to reach his
goal? In the same way, we too must get into the good habit of striving to do as
much as we can today and every day, not putting off things for tomorrow, or after
exams, or marriage, or the age of sixty. . !

"If you survive till the evening do not expect to be alive in the
morning and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive in
the evening. And take from your health for your sickness and [take] from
your life for your death." [Saheeh al-Bukhari vol.8, p.284, no.425]

"And die not except in a state of Islaam" Soorah al-Imran (3):102

So we keep our hearts moistened and alive with remembrance of Allaah, and
we remember death in order to remember the Hereafter, and finally we close with a
citation from Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee,

“O my soul, it is not except a few days patience, as if her extent was a few
dreams. O my soul, pass quickly on through this world, and leave it, for
indeed life lies ahead of it.”

All praise is due to Allaah alone, Who decreed death upon every soul
and is the only One Who is Eternally Everlasting; may He send salutations
and exalt the mention of the seal of all Prophets and Messengers, our Prophet
Muhammad, his family and all his companions and those who follow in their
footsteps until the Day of Resurrection.

Death is an indisputable fact; Allaah says what means: "And the stupor of
death will come in truth; this is what you have been avoiding!" (Qaaf: 19) Who can
argue about death and its agonies after hearing these words? Who can dispute the
pressing of thegrave? Who can delay his death from its appointedtime? Allaah says
what means: "When their term comes, neither can they delay it nor can they
advance it an hour (or a moment)." (Al-A'raaf:34)

O mankind! Why are you so arrogant when you will soon be consumed by
worms? Why do you transgress when you will eventually be throwninto a ditch
under the ground? Why the delay and heedlessness when you know that
death comes suddenly, without any warning? Allaah says what means:

"Every soul shall have a taste of death; and only on the Day of Judgment shall
you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and
admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life). For the life of
this world isbut goods and chattels of deception." (Aal 'Imraan: 185)

He also said, “Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish." (Ar-Rahmaan: 26) He

also says: "And invoke not any other ilaah (deity) along with Allaah, Laa ilaaha illa
Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He)." (Al-Qasas: 88)

The Reality of Death

Dear Muslims! He who thinks that death is the final stage of his existence,
after which there will be no accountability, no Paradise or Hellfire and no life after
that is in serious error. If this was the case, there would have been no wisdom
behind creation and existence to start with, and all people would have been equally
at rest after death. The believer and the infidel would have been the same: the
murderer and his victim, the oppressor and the oppressed, the obedient and
the disobedient, the adulterer and the one who guarded his prayers, and so on. This
is the belief of the polytheists who are worse than animals. Only one who
is shameless and senseless would utter such a statement. Allaah says what means:

"The disbelievers pretend that they will never be resurrected (for the Account).
Say (O Muhammad: Yes! By my Lord, you will certainly be resurrected, then you will
be informed of (and recompensed for) what you did; and that is easy for Allaah." (At-
Taghaabun: 7)

He also said: "And he puts forth for Us a parable, and forgets his own
creation. He says: 'Who will give life to these bones after they are rotten and have
become dust?' Say (O Muhammad: 'He will give life to them Who created them
for the first time! And He is the All- Knower of every creation!' “(Yaa Seen: 78-79)

Death is the stage at which the soul becomes disconnected from the
body. As it departs, man moves from one world (life) to another (the Hereafter).
One's records of deeds are closed and the opportunity for repentance comes
to an end. The Prophet said:

"Allah accepts the repentance of His slave until the time of death (i.e. When
the soul is departing)." (Tirmithi)

Death is the Greatest Affliction

Death is the greatest affliction, and Allaah has called it a disaster; Allaah says
what means:

"And the great affliction of death befalls on you."(Al- Maa'idah:106)

If the slave was obedient, he regrets that he did not do more righteous
deeds at the time of his death, but if he was disobedient, he regrets his
shortcomings and wishes to return to this life so that he could repent and act
righteously - but at this point it is too late, Allaah says what means:

"And if they seek to please Allaah, yet they are not of those who will ever be
allowed to please Allaah." (Fussilat: 24)

He also says:

"Until when death comes to one of them (those who join partners with Allaah),
he says: ‘My Lord! Send me back so that I may do good in that which I have left
behind!' No! It is but a word that he speaks; and behind them is Barzakh (a barrier)
until the Day when they will be resurrected." (Al-Mu'minoon:99- 100)

An Admonition of Death

It is narrated that a Bedouin was on a trip and his camel dropped dead. So the
Bedouin descended fromthe camel's back and circled it saying: "Why don't you get
up? Why do you not come back to life? Your limbs are fine and your body is
sound; what is the matter with you? What used to keep you going? What caused
you to die? What made you stop moving?" Then he left the camel in
amazement, wondering about what happened to it.

Ibn Sammaak, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: 'While a fisherman was
fishing, he threw his net in the sea and it came back with a human's skull. He looked
at it and started crying and said: 'If you were honorable, your honor did not delay
your death! If you were wealthy, your wealth did not delay your death! If you were
poor, your poverty did not delay your death! If you were generous, your generosity
did not delayyour death! If you were strong, your strength did not delay your
death! If you were a scholar, yourknowledge did not delay your death!'
He kept repeating these words and crying."

Remember the Destroyer of Pleasures Honorable Muslim! The Prophet

encouraged us to always remember and mention death saying: "Profusely
mention the destroyer of pleasures (i.e., death)." (Tirmithi)

Imaam Qurtubi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: 'Our scholars, may
Allaah have mercy upon them, said that this statement from the Prophet is short
but inclusive of a great reminder, because remembering death and
mentioning it frequently is likely to destroy any pleasure one might feel and
prevent him from wishing for any other enjoyment in the future, making him
indifferent to pleasures which he previously craved. But since people’s hearts
have become heedless, we now require longer admonitions with more decorated
words; otherwise the words of the Prophet , "Profusely mention the destroyer of
pleasures," and the saying of Allaah (which means):

"Every soul shall have a taste of death, and only on the Day of Judgment shall
you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and
admitted to the Garden will have attained theobject (of Life), for the life of this
world is but goods and chattels of deception." (Aali 'Imraan: 185) is enough
for those who listen and reflect."
 Ibn 'Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him and his father, said: 'I came to the
Prophet alongwith nine other people, when a man from the Ansaar
(residents of Madeenah) stood up and asked: 'O Prophet of Allaah! Who is
the wisest person?' He replied, The one who mentions and contemplates death the
most, and the one who prepares for his death the most. These are the wise
ones; they gain the glory of this life as well as the honor of the
Hereafter.' “(At-Tabaraani & Al-Munthiri)

Benefits of Mentioning and Contemplating Death

Beloved Muslim! There are many benefits to be gained from mentioning and
contemplating death, such as the following:

• It encourages one to prepare for death before it strikes.

• It makes man lose hope in living longer, which is a hope that causes heedlessness.

•It makes a person content with very little, as narrated by Anas, may Allaah be
pleased with him, that the Prophet passed by a group of people who were
laughing and said: "Profusely mention the destroyer of pleasures," and then
hesaid: "It is never mentioned during the time of need but would make one feel
content, and never mentioned during prosperity but would make one feel
restricted." (Al- Munthiri & Al-Bazzaar)

• It makes one inclined towards the Hereafter and the obedience of Allaah.

• It makes worldly hardships seem insignificant.

• It prevents one from greed and extravagance.

• It encourages one to repent and make up for what he missed in the past.

• It softens the heart, makes the eyes shed tears, assists one in becoming
committed to Islaam and expels base desires.

• It makes a person humble and prevents arrogance and oppression.

• It makes a person kind and forgiving towards his fellow Muslims.

Limited Breaths

Ibn Mas’ood said: ‘The Prophet drew a square and in the center of it he drew a
line, the end of which extended beyond the square. Further across the center line he
drew few smaller lines, then he said: "This illustrates man (i.e., his ambitions),
and the encircling square is death which encompasses him; the center line
represents his desires and the smaller lines are the adversities he faces through life;
if one of them misses him, another one distresses him and if that one misses
him another one strikes him." (Bukhaari)
 Imaam Al-Qurtubi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: "The Muslim
scholars have unanimously agreed that death is not restricted to a certain
age, time or sickness, so that man would always be ready to receive death and be
prepared for what comes after it."

Yazeed Ibn Ar-Riqaashi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, used to address
himself saying: "Who will pray on your behalf after you die? Who will fast on
your behalf after you die? Who will please your Lord on your behalf afteryour
death?" He used to say to people: "O people! Why do you not cry for the rest of
your lives? How can one's situation be when death is seeking him … the grave is his
abode …the earth is his mattress … worms are his companions … and besides
this, he is waiting for the greatest horror to befall him (the Hereafter) …
how will his state be then?" And he then would burst into tears.

At-Tameemi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: "Two things prevented
me from enjoying life: remembering death and remembering the questioning in
front of Allaah."

Ad-Daqqaaq, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: "He who frequently
remembers death will be granted three things: a rapid repentance, a content heart
and enthusiasm to worship Allaah; and the one who neglects remembering
death will be afflicted with three things: delay in repentance, discontentment and
laziness in worshipping Allaah."

An Admonition

O you who is heedless! Ponder over the agonies of death and its bitter
difficulties. Death is a promise which will definitely come true; the thought of
death is enough to wound the heart, wet the eyes, disunite people, destroy
pleasures and prevent ambitions for this life. O you who is hoarding wealth, eager
to build and prosper in this life! The only wealth you have is your shroud. Your riches
will eventually vanish; your body will become ruined. What will happen to the
treasures you accumulated? Will they rescue you from the agonies of death?
Indeed not! You will be leaving them all behind.

Indeed those who interpreted the saying of Allaah which means: "And forget
not your portion of lawful enjoyment in this world," (Al-Qasas: 77) to mean the
shroud have done well. It is connected to the previous part of the verse where
Allaah says what means: "But seek with that (wealth) which Allaah has bestowed on
you the home of the Hereafter." (Al-Qasas: 77) This means, 'seek the rewards in
the Hereafter (Paradise) by utilizing what Allaah has granted you in this life'. It is a
duty upon the Muslim to utilize what Allaah granted him in this life to gain the
benefit of the Hereafter; so it is just like saying: 'Do not leave all your wealth behind
to be used for your funeral.'

Dear brother! Where is your preparation for death and its agonies?
Where is your preparation for the pressing of the grave? Where is your
preparation for answering the two angels in the grave? Where is your
preparation for the meeting with Allaah, the Most High, the All-Competent?
 Al-Hasan, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: "There are some
people whose hope to be forgiven made them heedless until they departed from
this life having no rewards. If you asked one of them about his delay in repentance,
he would say: 'I have positive thoughts about my Lord (i.e., He will not punish
me).' How he lies! If he thought positively about his Lord he would act accordingly
(i.e., perform good deeds)," and then he recited the saying of Allaah which means:
"And that thought of yours which you thought about your Lord has brought you
to destruction; and you have become (this Day) of those utterly lost!"
(Fussilat: 23)

Sa'eed Ibn Al-Jubayr, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: "It is a great
deception to disobey Allaah, hoping to be forgiven."

Things that Remind one of Death Visiting the graves:

• The Prophet said: "Visit the graves because they remind you
of the Hereafter." (Ahmad)
• Visiting the places where the dead are washed and witnessing the
washing.
• Being around people who are dying to see how they suffer and
to try to get them to utter the Shahaadah.
• Accompanying funerals and the funeral prayers and attending the
burial of the dead.
• Reciting the Qur'aan, especially the verses that mention the
agonies of death, like the saying of Allaah which means: "And
the stupor of death will come in truth: This is what you have
been avoiding!" (Qaaf: 19)

• Having gray hair and becoming sick, because these are two
messengers of death.

• Pondering over earthquakes, volcanoes, floods and landslides which

remind one of the nearness of death.

• Reading about previous nations who died and vanished.

The Messengers of Death

It is narrated that one of the Prophets said to the Angel of Death: "Do you not
have any messengers whom you send before you arrive so that people can be
aware?" The angel replied: "Indeed, I have many messengers: illnesses, gray hair,
anxieties and weakness in hearing and sight." Allaah has left no excuses for people
by sending these messengers, as He says what means: "And We never punish until
We have sent a Messenger (to give warning)." (Al-Israa':15) He also said: "And
the warner came to you." (Faatir: 37) It was said that this refers to the Qur’aan and
the Messengers of Allaah. However, Ibn ‘Abbaas said: "It is when one becomes
gray-haired."
 How do they die?

Beloved Muslim! Know that a good end only comes to those who are
inwardly and outwardly upon the straight path, and that an evil end comes to
those who are corrupt and sinful, remaining so until they die without repenting.
One who is upon the straight path but regresses by straying away from it and
committing sins will also have an evil end.

Examples of an Evil End

A man was told to say the Shahaadah of 'laa ilaaha illallaah' at the
time of his death, but he started to sing because he was obsessed with
music. Another person who loved to drink alcohol said: "Give me a glass of alcohol."

Examples of a Good End

Safwaan Ibn Saleem, may Allaah have mercy upon him, entered upon
Muhammad Ibn Al-Munkadir, may Allaah have mercy upon him, during his last
moments before death and said to him: "O Abu 'Abdullaah! I see that death is
difficult for you." He kept consoling him until his face became as bright as a
glowing lamp, then Muhammad, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: "If you
see the situation I am in now you would be thrilled," and then he died. Muhammad
Ibn Thaabit Al-Banaani, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: "I went to remind
my father to utter the Shahaadah during his moment of death and said to him:
'O father! Say laa ilaaha illallaah and he replied: 'O son! Leave me, I am saying my
usual sets of supplications, and I am in the sixth or seventh of them."

When 'Abdur- Rahmaan Ibn Al-Aswad, may Allaah have mercy upon him, cried
when he was dying, so people asked him about the reason why, and he replied: "I
cry for the inability to pray or fast any
More,” and then he recited the Qur’aan until he died.

'Aamir Ibn 'Abdullaah, may Allaah have mercy upon him, heard the call for
prayer during his death sickness and said: "Take me by my hand to the
mosque." He entered the mosque, joined the congregation in the Maghrib
prayer, and managed to pray one Rak'ah before he died.
 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

There is no god But Allah, the Great, the all Clement: there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the throne of
Grace; and all praise is for Allah, the Lord of the worlds: O’ Allah I ask you for the blessings of your Mercy, and that
which ascertain your Forgiveness: and the benefit of every virtue, and safety from every sin: O’ Allah leave not any
sin of mine without forgiving it, and any affliction but that You remove it, and any illness but that You heal it, and
any defect but that You conceal it, and any subsistence but that You increase it, and any fear but that You protect
(me) from it; and any evil but that You repel it, an any of my need in which is Thy pleasure and which is beneficial
for me, but that You grant it; O’ that Most Merciful, grant me my supplication, O’ the Lord of the Worlds.