On Remembering Death

by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali

Shaykh Abdullah Ali’s faithful translation of a section concerning the meditation of death from Ibn Rajab’s famous work on yearly devotions is much needed in our culture of forgetfulness. He has chosen a work of immense value to introduce to speakers of English. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, 'Make much mention of the Destroyer of Delights' - meaning death. This is not a morbid reflection but rather one that reminds us that the gift of life is fragile and fleeting, and its foremost purpose is as a preparation for the Hereafter. All things end including this world, but what is coming never ends. In remembering death as a daily practice, one is reminded to use each and every day successfully as a preparation for eternity. This wonderful work is an excellent place to start.

Genres: Islam

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2018

About the author

Imam Ibn Rajab al Hanbali (736 - 795 AH) He was the noble Imaam, the Haafidh, the Critic, Zayn-ud-Deen ‘Abdur-Rahmaan bin Ahmad bin ‘Abdir-Rahmaan bin al-Hasan bin Muhammad bin Abil-Barakaat Mas’ood As-Salaamee Al-Baghdaadee (due to his place of birth), Al-Hanbalee (due to his madh-hab), Ad-Dimashqee (due to his place of residence and death). His kunyah was Abul-Faraj, and his nickname was Ibn Rajab, which was the nickname of his grandfather who was born in that month (of Rajab).

He was born in Baghdad in 736H and was raised by a knowledgeable family, firmly rooted in knowledge, nobility and righteousness. His father played the greatest role in directing him towards the beneficial knowledge.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab, may Allaah have mercy on him, was deeply attached to the works of Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah, for he would issue legal rulings according to them and would constantly reference his books. This is since he served as a student under Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, the most outstanding student of Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah, may Allah have mercy on all of them. But in spite of this, he (rahimahullaah) wasn’t a blind follower or a fanatical adherent (to his teacher). Rather, he would review, authenticate, verify and follow the evidences.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab, may Allaah have mercy on him passed to the realm of the Akhira in Ramadaan, 795H. He died while in Damascus.

Reviews

[Taiseer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the predecessors saw the Prophet in his dream and said to
him, “Give me counsel.” He said to him, “Whoever’s two days are the
same is defrauded. Whoever’s today is worse than his yesterday is
damned. Whoever has not pursued increase in his work is in decrease.
And whoever is in decrease, death is better for him.

One of the wise men said, “How can one rejoice about being in the
world when his day demolishes his month, his month demolishes his
year, and his year demolishes his life? How can one whose life steers him
to his deadline and his life to his death rejoice?”

[Iqra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, informative, well narrated and a concise book. It explains about the reality of death and to live each day better than the one lived previously by increasing our good deeds.

[Zarina Marsaleh · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Remembering Death is a translation of a chapter in Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali’s book. The book is titled Subtle Realizations of the Spiritual Protocols of the Seasons whilst the mentioned chapter is titled The Year’s End.

In this chapter, Ibn Rajab selected Qur’anic verses, hadiths, quotes and poetic verses to help the readers comprehend the gravity of death, the goal of living, and the perquisites and perils of the afterlife. Though this book is a short and quick read, it is written in the way of Arabian proverb, “The best speech is short and clear”. It leaves us with subtle reminders and food for thoughts that linger.

I also appreciate how the translator reasons on the existence of life after death. In short, if living and existing are nothing more than universe’s coincidental unconscious actions, the presumption that there can or will be another coincidence, regenerative, anatomically reconstructive and animating in nature, is a more deserving and logical hypothesis or theory than one which presumes the absence of life.

“I have fasted from all the delights of my life
And the day I meet You is the day I break my fast” - poet

I’ve been wanting to read this for awhile thus thank you to Claritas Books for graciously sending me a copy.

[Rabeea Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

'On Remembering Death' is a classical Islamic text that focuses on accepting death as reality and on remembering it as a means to stay close to Allah and avoid the traps of the dunya. The book’s explanation of death is not meant to be morbid but spiritual—encouraging readers to reflect, use their time positively, wake from the “sleep of heedlessness,” and save themselves from drowning in the “sea of sins.”

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

i borrowed this from sarah many months ago but never read it and then last month my grandfather died so i really didn’t want to read it lol but i’ve been thinking about him a lot so i read this on the plane ride home, anyways this was a beautiful synthesis of ayat, hadith, and poetry about the reality of death within islam which always is a very needed reminder

[Thein Oak Kyaw Zaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and powerful reminder on death.

[Nanadhoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating sebenar: 4.5/5.0

Penuh dengan peringatan-peringatan berkenaan kematian.

[Harry Pooter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful reminder of the finitude of life and one’s path in life that will ultimately return back to Allah. Highly recommend this concise but informative book for those wanting to reevaluate their lives and live lives solely for God’s pleasure.