THINK, REFLECT, AND REALIZE

a test. The freedom we enjoy in this life is a means of determining how we use it—whether we lead lives of principle or stray into unprincipled behaviour. The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of reflection, saying: The wise person is the one who subdues his self and works for what comes after death, and the foolish person is the one who follows his desires and merely hopes in God. (Tirmidhi) Death is not the end but the beginning of a new phase of existence. In essence, humans are eternal beings, with life divided into two parts: the pre-death period, which is a test, and the post-death period, which is for receiving the rewards or punishments based on our actions in this life. The Quran confirms this duality of existence: You will surely be called upon to account for all your actions. (16: 93) In this world, we are living, conscious beings, and this conscious existence is meant to continue beyond death. The day of death is when our current, temporary life gives way to the eternal life that awaits us. On that day, every material support we rely on in this world will be stripped away, leaving us to face the reality of the next life. The wise person is the one who prepares for this inevitable moment, recognizing that life in this world is but a brief prelude to the eternal life to come. The Quran urges us to be mindful of this: Believers! Fear God and let every soul look to what it lays up for the future. (59: 18) Reflecting on these truths encourages us to live with purpose, mindful of the life that awaits us after death. By thinking deeply about the signs around us—birth, life, and death—we can better understand our place in the universe and our responsibilities toward our Creator. This understanding leads to wisdom, preparing us for the day when we stand before our Creator to account for our deeds, a day that will determine our eternal destiny. o Humans are eternal beings, with life divided into two parts: the pre-death period, which is a test, and the postdeath period, which is for receiving the rewards or punishments based on our actions in this life.