When Pleasures Are Demolished

The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said: “Remember death often because it demolishes all desires.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 4258)

Death is a sort of personal earthquake. Just as we are completely powerless in the face of an earthquake, we are completely helpless in the face of death. Death comes in accordance with God’s decision. We can do nothing but to compulsorily accept it, whether we like it or not.

The average lifespan of a human being today may be around 70 years. Nobody of course knows when he will die. Consciousness of this fact ought to be enough to make every worldly pleasure lose its attraction for us. When we are truly aware of the reality and inevitability of death, wealth, power, and fame, all begin to appear ultimately meaningless. If someone once derived malicious pleasure in backbiting others, in character assassination and in gossiping, a living conviction about the reality of death will make him realize the utter futility of these negative actions. He will now know that such actions will only harm him—in this world and in the Hereafter.