Life moves quickly, yet many of us live as though we have unlimited time. Islam repeatedly reminds us to wake up before it is too late—before strength fades, before opportunities disappear, and before death arrives without warning.
A Striking Parable
Imam al-Ghazali رحمه الله shared a powerful parable. A man is chased by a lion and jumps into a well, clinging to a rope.
Below him waits a snake. Above him, two mice—one black and one white— gnaw at the rope. Night and day shorten his lifespan.
Yet he tastes honey on the wall and forgets the danger entirely.
- The lion is the Angel of Death
- The snake is the grave
- The black and white mice are night and day
- The honey is the pleasure of dunya
The Stages of Life
- Play in childhood
- Entertainment in youth
- Beautification and appearance
- Competition and boasting
- Greed for wealth and status
Life resembles vegetation after rain—lush at first, then yellow, dry, and reduced to dust.
A Real Legacy
“Protect yourself from the Fire, even with half a date.” — Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
What remains is not wealth, but impact. Charity continues beyond the grave.
The Final Reminder
Death does not recognise age, race, wealth, or status. When it arrives, everything else loses value.
Act now.
Give now.
Repent now.
Prepare now.