then He will cause you to die;

This is the third state of man. Once he was nothing, unworthy of mention. Then Allah Almighty gave him life. After this life, a time comes when death takes him from this world.

This is also a proof of Allah’s existence. Death shatters the arrogance of the proud, reduces the power of the mighty into dust, and topples the thrones of kings. No amount of skill or scientific progress can ever avert death. Man longs to live, yet to this day no one has escaped the clutches of death. This shows us that there is One Who is governing the system of existence, and that is Allah Almighty.

We Must Taste Death

Once, Imām Ḥasan al-Baṣrī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه travelled to Rome, where he witnessed a strange sight. In a forest stood a beautiful silk tent, guarded by armed soldiers.  The soldiers said something in their language and left. Then the great scholars of the country arrived, spoke briefly near the tent, and departed. After them came the physicians, then the king and his minister, each stopping at the tent, speaking a few words, and moving on.

Imām Ḥasan al-Baṣrī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه says:

I was very surprised to see this. I asked someone what was happening, and I was told that the king’s beautiful young son passed away and is buried in this tent. Every year, on his death anniversary, people gather here. First, the soldiers come and say: “O son of the king! If death could be warded off by battle, we would have saved you by risking our lives.” Then the scholars come and say: “O son of the king! If knowledge could have stopped death, we certainly would have saved you.” Then the physicians come and say: “O son of the king! If there was a cure for death, we would surely have treated you. Finally, the king and the minister arrive, saying: “Son, we tried our best to save you, but who can avert death? Now, our greeting is upon you until next year.”