Unmodern Aspects of Islam (48): The Denial of Death

 

Did you know that in many cultures today, death is almost a taboo subject—hidden away in hospitals, avoided in conversation, replaced with distractions? People plan for careers, vacations, even retirement—but not for the one certainty of life.

Islam calls us to remember death, not to spread fear, but to awaken purpose. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Remember often the destroyer of pleasures (death).” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 4258). 

Facing mortality gives clarity: what matters, what lasts, and what doesn’t.

The early Muslims lived with this awareness. They built communities, pursued knowledge, and enjoyed life—but always with akhirah in sight. Death wasn’t denial—it was direction.

Modern culture may deny death, but that only deepens fear when it finally arrives. Islam transforms that fear into preparation, courage, and hope in Allah’s mercy.

To remember death is to live more fully, not less.

In a modern world, the Sunnah is our way back to what truly matters.