30 for 30: Taraweeh Reflections Day 23
Today, our masjid announced two deaths in the community. A brother and a sister started this Ramadan with us and departed on day twenty-three, seven days before Eid. I'm thinking about myself in this situation; I still have my Eid clothes at the tailor, waiting to try them, and little do I know, I might not even see Eid. Allah knows best. This is a reminder of the fleeting nature of this life and the ever-nearing reality of death. While the thought of our mortality can be unsettling, today, I'm reflecting on the impact that death can have on our hearts and our relationship with Allah.
We chase after fleeting pleasures, accumulate possessions, and build empires of sand, often forgetting the ultimate truth: that everything in this Dunya is temporary. Death is a gentle nudge reminding us of our ultimate return to our Creator. The awareness of death's inevitability serves as a powerful wake-up call, prompting us to re-evaluate our priorities and redirect our focus toward Allah.
As I sat there quietly when Imam Sacko relayed the news to the community, I also realized that acknowledging death doesn't diminish the joy of living; instead, it amplifies it. This is forcing me to appreciate the preciousness of each moment, the fragility of life, and the immense blessings bestowed upon me by Allah.
Today, my heart is soft, making me more receptive to Allah's call. I'm humbled and reminded of my dependence on Allah and powerlessness in the face of His decree. At the same time, a fire is lit within me to live with purpose, prioritize acts of worship, and strive for righteousness in every aspect of my life.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Remember often the destroyer of pleasures: death." This hadith clearly shows the importance of reflecting on death, not as an obsession but as a starter for spiritual growth and a deeper connection with Allah.
May this Ramadan be a time for all of us to confront our mortality with courage and faith. May reflecting on death soften our hearts, ignite our souls, and lead us to a deeper understanding of our purpose in this life and the eternal life to come. Ameen.
