Time passes, death arrives, the life of this world ends, and the soul, which is the measure of human character, is transferred to the eternal abode, where life in the Hereafter begins.
Death is one of the wise signs of God in the creation system, and its reality, like that of life, remains unknown and mysterious.
One of the topics often discussed in scientific and religious books regarding death is why people in general despise and fear it. Why are they afraid and frightened of death?
The human aversion and fear of death stem from the attachment to eternal life. The desire for everlasting life is inherent in human nature and deeply rooted in the essence of mankind. Those who adhere to materialistic views generally see death as the end of all aspects of their existence. There are also those who consider themselves followers of divine religions but do not have firm certainty about the survival of the soul and life after death, which are central tenets in the worldview of the Prophets. They view it with doubt and uncertainty. These individuals also fear death because the uncertain hope for life after death does not align with their nature and cannot satisfy their desire for eternal life.
These groups despise death and view it from a perspective of pessimism and disgust. Some are even unwilling to hear the word “death,” go to a cemetery, or think about death, much less take lessons from the past.
On the other hand, there are those who are true believers in the Creator of the world, sincere followers of the Prophets of God, and have firm belief in the Hereafter. They apply God’s commands, avoid what He has prohibited, and adorn themselves with noble ethics and human qualities. They never view death with disgust or aversion; instead, they see it as the end of this limited worldly life and the transition to the eternal abode, fulfilling human desire for permanent life.
Their only anxiety is the fear that their beliefs, actions, and ethics may not be pleasing to their Lord, and as a result, they may fall into God’s punishment and be temporarily deprived of His mercy.
These individuals must rely on God’s mercy and grace, dispel their concerns, and soothe their hearts, submitting to death with hope for His forgiveness, surrendering to the Creator with a calm heart and a peaceful face.
As an example, it is narrated from Imam Askari (peace be upon him) that he said:
One day, Imam Hadi (peace be upon him) visited one of his companions who had fallen ill and was crying in fear of death. Imam (peace be upon him) said to him, “O servant of God! Your fear of death is because you do not know it. When your body becomes soiled with dirt and you are distressed by the filth and sickness it causes, would you not go to the bathhouse to cleanse yourself, knowing that it will wash away all the impurities? Or would you prefer to avoid the bathhouse and leave the dirt on your body?”
The man replied, “Yes, I would prefer to cleanse myself.”
Imam (peace be upon him) continued, “So death is like that bathhouse. It is the final process of purifying your sins and cleansing you. Once you pass through it, you will be free of all sorrow, grief, and pain, and you will enter into all joy and happiness.”
As a result of Imam Hadi’s (peace be upon him) admonition, the man became calm, accepted death, and found peace. Shortly afterward, he closed his eyes and surrendered his soul to the Creator.[1]
Thus, a person who has obeyed the divine teachings throughout their life, fulfilled their human duties towards others, avoided negative traits, and cultivated noble human qualities, is always prepared for death. With hope in God’s mercy, they will be ready to transition to the eternal abode.
(Adapted from the book “The Afterlife from the Perspective of Soul and Body,” authored by the late Hujjat al-Islam Muhammad Taqi Falsafi, with a summary)
Footnote:
[1] Ma’ani al-Akhbar, page 290