Old Age: Preparation for Death

One who reaches old age, but does not get the sustenance of God-consciousness is undoubtedly an unfortunate person. The consequences of this are everlasting regret.

It is mentioned in the Hadith that it is a matter of regret if a man reaches the age of sixty but fails to enter Paradise (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6419). Age here is not the issue but rather the deep reality beyond.

The deep reality is that, the greater the age, the more the experience. Yet in spite of more experience, one who does not do acts deserving of Paradise, is undoubtedly ill-fated, in that he may be brought to the gate of Paradise, yet will fail to go through it.

It is a known fact that, everyone has only a limited lifespan in this world. From the moment a man is born, his countdown starts. The journey of life is actually a journey towards death, so when old age comes, it is like a half-death experience for him. Old age is something near death. It reminds man of death every morning and evening.

This being so, the individual should remember that when he reaches old age, he should reflect more and more upon death, and the situation after death. He should bring this reality repeatedly to mind that, before his death, he finds himself in a condition of power, whereas suddenly, after death, he will find himself in a condition of helplessness.

It is the demand of this feeling that his heart be soft. He should be afraid of God’s grip and prepare himself as much as possible for the Hereafter.

One who reaches old age, but does not get the sustenance of God-consciousness from his old age is undoubtedly an unfortunate person, for the consequences of this are nothing but eternal ruination and everlasting regret.