30 Islamic Quotes About Life and Death

 

Life in this world comprises three days: yesterday, which has passed with all its deeds; tomorrow, which is uncertain; and today, which is yours to act upon.

Death is an inevitable reality for each of us.

While we are aware of this truth, we often overlook it, becoming engrossed in the busyness of daily life.

Regularly contemplating our mortality can serve as a powerful tool when used appropriately. E.M. Forster, an English novelist, once remarked, "Death destroys a man, but the idea of death saves him."

We frequently become distracted and lose sight of what truly matters, falling into the illusion that we are invincible and that death is distant.

In reality, it is not, and by habitually reflecting on death, we gain perspective and prioritize effectively, focusing on what is truly important.

In Islam, we believe that life on this earth is temporary, and true existence begins after death. Let us not forget this. There will come a time when every individual will be held accountable for their intentions and actions, both good and bad. By then, it will be too late to accomplish what should have been done today, and Allah will pass His judgment.

Here is a collection of Islamic quotes about life and death, drawn from various Hadiths, the Quran, and other sources.

Beautiful Islamic Quotes About Life

If a particular quote resonates with you, consider writing it down to derive the most benefit.

Here are some brief and beautiful Islamic quotes about life:

1. Al-Hasan al-Basri stated: "When love for this world fills the heart, fear of the Hereafter departs. Be cautious of worldly distractions, for opening a door to this world may close many doors to deeds for the Hereafter."

2. The sanctity of all life in Islam (both believers and non-believers) is emphasized in Surat Al-Ma'idah, verse 32: "Thus, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul—unless as legal punishment for murder or for corruption in the land—it is as if he has slain all of mankind entirely. And whoever saves one soul, it is as if he has saved all of mankind entirely."

3. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "O Allah! There is no life worth living except the life of the Hereafter." (Al-Bukhari)

4. Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) advised: "What I fear most for you is following desires and harboring long hopes for this worldly life. Pursuing desires veils one from the truth, and long worldly hopes make one forget the Hereafter. This worldly life is transient, but the Hereafter is approaching; each has its adherents. Be among the people of the Hereafter, not of this world, for today there is opportunity to perform good deeds, whereas tomorrow may be too late." (Bukhari)

If any of these quotes resonate with you, consider writing them down to reflect upon and derive ongoing benefit.

Here are some insightful Islamic teachings:

5. Surah At-Tawbah, verse 116: "Indeed, to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He grants life and causes death. Beyond Allah, you have no protector or helper."

6. Surah Al-Isra, verse 33: "Do not take a life that Allah has made sacred, except with due justice. Whoever is wrongfully killed, We grant their heir authority, but let them not transgress in taking life."

7. Prophetic saying: "Two seekers are never satisfied: the seeker of knowledge and the seeker of worldly gains." (Al-Muʻjam al-Kabir 10239, Sahih)

8. Prophetic saying: "The best among you are those who, when seen, remind others of Allah Almighty." (Sunan Ibn Majah 4119, Sahih li ghayri)

9. Prophetic saying: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent." (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhari 6110, Muttafaqun Alayhi)

10. Prophetic advice: "Follow a bad deed with a good one; it will erase it." (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1987, Sahih)

11. Prophetic character guidance: "A believer does not insult, curse, use profanity, or abuse others." (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1977, Sahih)

12. Prophetic wisdom: "Part of a person's excellence in Islam is leaving what does not concern them." (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2318, Sahih li ghayri)

13. Divine saying: "Allah says, 'If My servant thinks well of Me, they will find it so; and if they think ill of Me, they will find it so.'" (Musnad Aḥmad 8833, Sahih)

14. Prophetic teaching: "The most complete believers in faith are those with the best character, and the best among you are those who are best to their wives." (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1162, Sahih)

15. Reflective advice: "Each night, ask yourself: Have you taken a step closer to Allah or a step further away?"

If any of these teachings resonate with you, consider reflecting upon them to derive ongoing benefit.

Here are some profound Islamic reflections on death:

1. The True Calamity: "Death is not the greatest calamity in life; the greatest calamity is when our reverence for Allah dies while we are still alive."

2. Divine Assurance: "As for those who believe and perform righteous deeds, We will certainly absolve them of their misdeeds and reward them according to the best of what they used to do." (Surah Al-'Ankabut, 29:7)

3. Respect for the Deceased: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed, "Do not speak ill of the dead, for they have attained what they forwarded." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 1329)

4. Preparation for the Inevitable: "Though we know death is certain, we have not prepared ourselves for it. Though we know paradise is definite, we have not worked for it."

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5. Speak Well of the Departed: "Mention what is good about your dead and refrain from speaking about their misdeeds." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1019)

6. Enduring Legacy: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "When a person is carried to their grave, they are followed by three: their family, their wealth, and their deeds. Two return, and one remains: their family and wealth return, but their deeds remain." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, No. 521)

7. Ultimate Authority: "On that Day, all sovereignty will belong to Allah; He will judge between them. So those who have believed and done righteous deeds will be in Gardens of Pleasure." (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:56)

8. Day of Reckoning: "Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them and say, 'Where are My 'partners' for whom you used to oppose [the believers]?' Those who were given knowledge will say, 'Indeed this Day, disgrace and misfortune are upon the disbelievers.'" (Surah An-Nahl, 16:27)

9. Divine Judgment: "Indeed, your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ." (Surah As-Sajdah, 32:25)

10. Inescapable Reality: "Wherever you may be, death will overtake you, even if you should be within towers of lofty construction." (Surah An-Nisa, 4:78)

11. Inevitable Encounter: "Every soul will taste death. And you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion." (Surah Aal-E-Imran, 3:185)

12. Longing for the Divine Meeting: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him; and whoever dislikes to meet Allah, Allah dislikes to meet him." It was asked, "O Messenger of Allah, does disliking to meet Allah mean disliking death? For all of us dislike death." He replied, "No. Rather, it is that when the believer is given the glad tidings of Allah's mercy and His pleasure, he loves to meet Allah, and Allah loves to meet him." (Sahih Muslim)

13. Value of Life: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised, "Let none of you wish for death. If he is righteous, he might increase his good deeds; and if he is sinful, he might repent." (Sahih Bukhari 6808)

14. Inescapable Fate: "Wherever you may be, death will overtake you, even if you should be within towers of lofty construction." (Surah An-Nisa, 4:78)

15. Balanced Endeavors: Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib advised, "Work for this world as if you will live forever, and work for the hereafter as if you will die tomorrow."

Reflection: Life is fleeting; cherish it and don't take it for granted. Embrace your loved ones and strive to draw nearer to Allah. May these insights inspire you to live a life of purpose and mindfulness.