desire of seeing his child, he passed away. The night this young man died, his beautiful child was born, but the father could not even see his son.

(‘Uyoon-ul-Hikayaat, pp. 196)

عمرِ دراز مانگ کر لائے تھے چار دن                      دو آرزو میں کٹ گئے دو انتظار میں

بلبل کو باغباں سے نہ صیّاد سے گِلہ                      قسمت میں قید لکھی تھی فصلِ بہار میں

‘Illness’ as a messenger of death

Dear Islamic brothers! None of us should remain heedless of death and we should prepare for the ultimate destination, however it is quite surprising to see especially an ill person who is heedless of death, as mentioned in the parable above, that the wealthy man was on his death bed, but still his mind was focused towards the world until death terminated his desires.

The reviver of Islam, Sayyiduna Imam Muhammad Bin Muhammad Ghazali رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه has stated: A patient should remember his death frequently; while seeking forgiveness, he should prepare for his death, always glorify Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, weep whilst making Du’a, show utmost humbleness, besides making Du’a he must also receive treatments as well, he must express gratitude towards Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ upon recovery and health, never complain to Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, show respect and reverence towards those who look after him and serve him.(Rasaail Imam Ghazali, pp. 409)

Dear Islamic brothers! We have learnt that we must not remain oblivious of our death even during our illness, and instead of only complaining; we should consider illness as a source of mercy and a means of compensation for our sins. Because some ordinary diseases actually protect us against deadly diseases.

A great thinker of the Ummah, Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Na’eemi رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه says that the flu is not really a disease, it is actually a cure for mental diseases and it prevents many other diseases. Those who suffer from a cold, are usually not affected by mental illness. One who suffers from itching, does not suffer from leprosy. There are more Divine wisdoms behind these diseases.(Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 6, pp. 395)