spending his entire life hoarding the trifles of this world. When Allah seized his soul He made the Fire his dwelling—this is his skull.”
Then he reached once more into the niche, took out another skull, placed it before him and said, “Do you know whose head this was?” Dhu al-Qarnayn replied, “It belonged to a just king, compassionate toward his subjects, devoted to the people of his realm. Allah took his soul, lodged him in His Garden, and raised his station.”
After that he laid his hand on the head of Dhu al-Qarnayn and said, “Which of these two heads do you think this one will become?” Dhu al-Qarnayn burst into tears and drew him to his breast. The man said, “Far be it—I have no wish for that.” Dhu al-Qarnayn asked, “Why?” He answered, “Because all people are your enemies on account of wealth and kingship, whereas they are all my friends because of contentment and poverty. May Allah, exalted be He, be with you. From now on you must learn the tales of the final breath and be certain of their truth.”
Know, then, that those who are heedless and deluded dislike hearing talk of death, lest the love of this world cool in their hearts and the pleasure of their food and drink be spoiled. It is reported that whoever often remembers death and the darkness of the grave, his grave will become a garden from the gardens of Paradise; but whoever forgets death and neglects to mention it, his grave will be a pit of Fire.
One day the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—was describing the reward of the martyrs and the felicity of the blessed who are killed fighting the unbelievers. ʿĀʾishah—may Allah be pleased with her—asked, “O Messenger of Allah, can anyone who does not die a martyr still obtain the martyrs’ reward?” He replied, “Whoever remembers death 20 times each day will have the same reward and rank as the martyrs.”
He also said, “Make abundant mention of death, for it erases sins and cools the world in the hearts.”
The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—was asked, “Who are the most intelligent and resolute of people?” He answered, “The most intelligent are those who remember death the most, and the most resolute are those who prepare for it best.” Such a person attains the honor of this world and the dignity of the Hereafter. Therefore, whoever understands the reality of this world as just described and repeatedly calls to mind the final breath will find his worldly affairs made easy. The root of the tree of faith will grow firm in his heart and continue to flourish; its branches will spread ever wider, and he will meet Allah with his faith intact. And Allah—majestic is His power—