By: Imran Farooq
In recent months, there has been an alarming increase in the deaths of young individuals sudden cardiac arrests, road accidents, and unexplained fatalities have become distressingly common. Just days ago, I lost my young brother-in-law to a sudden cardiac arrest, and today, another friend from a neighboring village passed away in a tragic road accident. These aren’t isolated cases. Every day, we hear news of young lives lost healthy, vibrant individuals whose deaths shake our understanding of life’s predictability.
For many, such news feels like a pattern rather than a coincidence. In Islamic tradition, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) foretold of such times. In one hadith reported in Musnad Ahmad and authenticated by scholars, he said: “Among the signs of the Hour is the sudden death”. The Prophet also described a time when “Al-Harj (killing, death) will increase,” (Sahih al-Bukhari 7062), and that youth would die more frequently and unexpectedly.
From a worldly standpoint, this trend is backed by data. Health organizations have noted a rise in sudden cardiac arrests among youth, possibly due to lifestyle factors, stress, or undiagnosed conditions. Road safety statistics also show a concerning number of fatalities among young adults due to speeding, distracted driving, or lack of proper infrastructure.
Yet, while these facts raise valid concerns, Islam teaches us that death is not accidental. It is decreed. The Qur’an reminds us:
“Every soul shall taste death…” (Surah Aal-Imran 3:185).
And again: “No soul can ever die except by Allah’s leave and at an appointed term” (Surah Al-Imran 3:145).
While we cannot delay our end, we can prepare for it. The true success is not in how long we live, but how we live and in what state we die. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Everyone will be resurrected in the condition in which he died” (Sahih Muslim 2878). What greater goal, then, than to meet our end in a state of obedience to Allah and His Messenger?
In a world of uncertainty, what remains certain is the value of sincere faith, righteous action, and constant remembrance of our final return. For the youth, and indeed for all of us, the message is clear: Live as a Momin, die as a Momin. That alone defines true success.
