Let's dive deep into a topic that's both inevitable and often pondered: death. More specifically, let's explore the perspective of Ustadz Abdul Somad (UAS) on the moment Izrail, the angel of death, comes to call. This isn't about fear-mongering but about gaining a richer understanding of life, our purpose, and how to prepare for the ultimate transition. So, grab a cup of something warm, settle in, and let's unpack this together.

Understanding Death in Islam

In Islam, death (maut) isn't seen as an end but rather as a transition from one realm to another. It's a bridge that connects the earthly life (dunya) to the eternal afterlife (akhirah). Understanding this fundamental concept is crucial to appreciating UAS's teachings on the arrival of Izrail. The Quran and Hadith are filled with verses and stories that remind us of the certainty of death. This isn't meant to depress us, but to encourage us to live consciously and purposefully. Think of it like this: if you knew you had a limited time to complete a project, wouldn't you be more focused and efficient? Similarly, the awareness of death should motivate us to make the most of our lives, to be better individuals, and to strive for good deeds.

UAS often emphasizes that remembering death is a powerful tool for self-reflection and improvement. It helps us to prioritize what truly matters, to let go of trivial worries, and to focus on our relationship with Allah. He encourages us to contemplate our mortality regularly, not in a morbid way, but as a means of staying grounded and humble. Imagine spending a few minutes each day reflecting on the fact that your time on Earth is finite. How would that change your actions, your words, and your priorities? Would you be more forgiving, more compassionate, and more dedicated to your faith? The answer, for most of us, is a resounding yes. This is the wisdom behind remembering death, and it's a central theme in UAS's teachings.

Furthermore, Islam teaches us that death is a divine decree, a part of Allah's plan. While we may grieve the loss of loved ones, we are also taught to accept it with patience and resignation (sabr). This doesn't mean we shouldn't feel sadness, but it means we shouldn't despair or question Allah's wisdom. Instead, we should turn to Allah for comfort and strength, and remember that those who die in faith are in a better place. UAS often reminds us that death is a reunion with our Creator, a return to our origin. This perspective can bring solace and peace during times of loss.

Izrail: The Angel of Death

Izrail (মালাকুল মউত), the angel of death, is a significant figure in Islamic eschatology. His role is to separate the soul from the body at the appointed time. While the concept of an angel of death might sound scary, it's important to understand that Izrail is simply carrying out Allah's command. He is not a malevolent being, but rather a servant of Allah tasked with a specific duty. UAS often explains that Izrail's arrival is not arbitrary or random. It is a precise and predetermined event, known only to Allah. This highlights the importance of being prepared at all times, as we never know when our time will come.

According to Islamic tradition, the experience of death varies depending on one's faith and deeds. For the righteous, the process is said to be gentle and peaceful, with the angels bringing glad tidings of paradise. For the unrighteous, the experience can be painful and terrifying, with the angels bringing warnings of punishment. UAS often recounts stories from the Quran and Hadith that illustrate these contrasting experiences. These stories serve as reminders of the importance of living a righteous life and avoiding sin. They also highlight the mercy and justice of Allah, who rewards those who are faithful and punishes those who are disobedient.

UAS also emphasizes that the arrival of Izrail is a moment of truth. It is a time when all worldly illusions and distractions fade away, and we are confronted with the reality of our actions. At that moment, nothing matters except our faith and our deeds. Wealth, status, and possessions become meaningless. The only thing that counts is our relationship with Allah. This is why it's so important to cultivate a strong connection with Allah throughout our lives, so that we are prepared for this ultimate test.

Moreover, UAS often addresses common misconceptions about Izrail and the process of death. He clarifies that Izrail does not have the power to take a life prematurely or to delay it beyond its appointed time. He is simply an instrument of Allah's will. This understanding can help to alleviate some of the fear and anxiety associated with death. It reminds us that Allah is in control and that everything happens according to His plan.

UAS's Perspective on Preparing for Death

So, how does UAS advise us to prepare for the arrival of Izrail? His teachings are practical, insightful, and deeply rooted in Islamic principles. First and foremost, he emphasizes the importance of strengthening our faith (iman) and increasing our good deeds (amal saleh). This includes performing our daily prayers, reading the Quran, giving charity, and maintaining good relationships with others. These acts of worship and kindness purify our hearts and bring us closer to Allah.

UAS also stresses the importance of seeking knowledge (ilm) about Islam. This includes learning about the Quran, the Hadith, and the teachings of the scholars. The more we know about our faith, the better equipped we are to live a righteous life and to face death with confidence. Knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions, to avoid harmful practices, and to deepen our understanding of Allah's wisdom.

Furthermore, UAS encourages us to repent sincerely (tawbah) for our sins and to seek forgiveness from Allah. No one is perfect, and we all make mistakes. However, Allah is merciful and forgiving, and He is always ready to accept our repentance. Sincere repentance involves acknowledging our sins, feeling remorse for our actions, resolving not to repeat them, and seeking to make amends for any harm we have caused. This process of purification cleanses our hearts and prepares us for the meeting with Allah.

In addition to these spiritual preparations, UAS also advises us to take care of our physical and worldly affairs. This includes fulfilling our responsibilities to our families, paying off our debts, and making a will. By settling our affairs, we can ensure that our loved ones are taken care of and that our assets are distributed according to Islamic law. This can bring peace of mind and reduce the burden on those we leave behind.

UAS also reminds us to live in the present moment and to appreciate the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we should focus on making the most of each day. This includes spending time with our loved ones, pursuing our passions, and contributing to society. By living a life of purpose and gratitude, we can find joy and fulfillment in this world and prepare ourselves for the next.

Practical Steps to Remember Death

Okay, so we've talked about the theory, but how do we actually remember death in our daily lives? It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget about the bigger picture. Here are a few practical steps, inspired by UAS's teachings, that you can incorporate into your routine:

• Daily Reflection: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on your mortality. You can do this during your morning prayers, before you go to bed, or anytime you find a quiet moment. Think about your life, your actions, and your relationship with Allah. Ask yourself if you are living in a way that is pleasing to Him.
• Visit Graveyards: Visiting graveyards can be a powerful reminder of death. When you see the graves of others, it can help you to realize that your own time will come eventually. Reflect on the lives of those who have passed away and consider what legacy you want to leave behind.
• Attend Funeral Prayers: Participating in funeral prayers (salat al-janazah) is another way to connect with the reality of death. When you pray for the deceased, it can help you to feel empathy for their loved ones and to appreciate the fragility of life.
• Read About Death: Read books, articles, and scriptures about death and the afterlife. This can help you to deepen your understanding of Islamic teachings and to prepare yourself for the inevitable transition.
• Listen to Lectures: Listen to lectures by UAS and other Islamic scholars on the topic of death. Their insights and wisdom can provide you with guidance and inspiration.
• Contemplate Nature: Take time to contemplate the natural world. Observe the cycle of life and death in plants, animals, and the environment. This can help you to appreciate the beauty and transience of life.

Conclusion: Embracing Life by Remembering Death

Ultimately, UAS's message about the arrival of Izrail is not one of fear, but one of hope and empowerment. By understanding the reality of death, we can learn to live more fully, more consciously, and more purposefully. We can prioritize our relationship with Allah, strengthen our faith, and increase our good deeds. We can repent for our sins, seek forgiveness, and prepare ourselves for the ultimate transition. So, let us embrace life by remembering death, and let us strive to live in a way that is pleasing to Allah, so that when Izrail comes calling, we are ready to answer.

By internalizing these lessons from UAS, we can transform our fear of death into a powerful motivator for living a more meaningful and fulfilling life. It's not about becoming obsessed with death, but about recognizing its inevitability and using that awareness to shape our choices and actions. Let's all strive to live in a way that when our time comes, we can face Izrail with a peaceful heart and a clear conscience.