Have you heard the (apt, but mysterious) quote about how you’ll die twice?
We all die twice—once when we simply cease to be, and next when we are forgotten.
Rasulullah (peace and blessings on him) said:
وعنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : “إذا مات ابن آدم انقطع عمله إلا من ثلاث: صدقة جارية ،أو علم ينتفع به، أو ولد صالح يدعو له” ((رواه مسلم)).
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things:
Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity), a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).”
Sahih Muslim
We might be forgotten by the living one day, but never by our Creator. But more than remembering us, we have three ways to stay alive in this world until it all ends: leave behind good people, good knowledge or good wealth.
But realise that everything beneficial we want to leave behind, has to be done before we cease to be. Whenever that will be. We can’t do it from beyond.
So do good now. And live on forever.
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