Prepare now for the certainty of death
“Prepare yourself for the death, before the death comes to you.”
Because death is certain, its timing unknown, and worldly possessions do not accompany us, Muslims should prepare now through sincere intention, worship, religious learning, self-accountability, and lasting good deeds.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Encourages sincere intention and attentive learning during Jumu’ah.
- Uses a honeybee story to encourage regular salawat after leaving the masjid.
- Uses a king’s wealth to contrast worldly possessions with preparation for the afterlife.
- Explains life and death as Allah’s test, with death certain and its timing unknown.
- Calls for prayer, Quran, Hadith, self-accountability, and preparation before death arrives.
- Describes lasting benefits through religious knowledge, righteous children, and Quran learning.
- Concludes with repentance-focused reminders, masjid announcements, and supplication.
In the khateeb's words
“So we are in this world, the life and the death being created for a test. How do we perform?”
“Prepare yourself for the death, before the death comes to you.”
“Did ever I sit down, and talk to myself? No. I never asked myself, what are you doing?”
“Should I tell you those benefits? Number one, learning the compulsory knowledge of our deen, and spreading it.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that death is certain, but its time is hidden, so the right preparation begins while we are alive. He taught that life and death are a test, and that wealth, comfort, and status cannot follow us into the grave. He encouraged sincere intentions, regular blessings on the Prophet, prayer, Quran, Hadith, self-accounting, and learning and sharing essential religious knowledge. He also highlighted lasting good through righteous children and improving Quran recitation. We can remember these lessons at waking and bedtime and ask Allah to protect us from sin and guide us to Jannah.
- What is one good deed you would like to make part of your routine this week?
- Which waking or bedtime dua would you like to learn with its meaning?
- How can our family help one another prepare for the akhirah?
- What kind of lasting good would you like to leave behind?
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