In this Article we will talk about a reality that the Quran speaks of with profound wisdom and clarity: الموت (al-mawt), or death.

In fact, the word الموت (al-mawt) and its derivations appear tens of times, in various Curanic contexts, reminding us of its certainty and its significance in our journey as believers.

It is a subject that can stir many emotions within us – perhaps fear, perhaps curiosity, or even a deep sense of longing for the meeting with our Lord. 

So, let us turn to the words of Allah, for in them, we find the ultimate truth, comfort, and guidance.

1. A Quranic Quote States That Every Soul Shall Taste Death 

One of the most direct and comprehensive verses about death comes in Surah Aal-i-Imran. Allah Almighty tells us:

“كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ۗ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ۖ فَمَن زُحْزِحَ عَنِ النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ ۗ وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا مَتَاعُ الْغُرُورِ”

Kullu nafsin dhā’iqatu al-mawt, wa-innama tuwaffawna ujūrakum yawma al-qiyāmah. Faman zuḥziḥa ‘ani an-nāri waudkhila al-jannata faqad fāz. Wa mā al-ḥayātu ad-dunyā illā matā’u al-ghurūr.

“Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained his desire. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.” (Quran 3:185)

This verse encapsulates our entire journey: the certainty of death, the Day of Judgment where all accounts will be settled (“وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ”), and the ultimate success (“فَقَدْ فَازَ”) which is salvation from the Fire and entry into Jannah. 

And then, that striking description of this worldly life: “وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا مَتَاعُ الْغُرُورِ” – the enjoyment of delusion. It’s a caution not to be deceived by the fleeting pleasures of this world, forgetting our ultimate purpose.

To truly begin to appreciate this depth, even starting with the fundamentals can be transformative. Many students find that exploring something like Quranica’s Learn Arabic Online Course or the dedicated Quranic Arabic program opens up a new world of understanding and connection with these divine words.

2. A Quranic Quote on The Test of Life and Death 

Why were we created? Why must we experience life and death? Surah Al-Mulk provides a profound answer:

“الَّذِي خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيَاةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفُورُ”

Alladhī khalaqa al-mawta wa-al-ḥayāta liyabluwakum ayyukum aḥsanu ‘amalā. Wa huwa al-‘azīzu al-ghafūr.

“[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.” (Quran 67:2)

Allah Al-Khaliq (The Creator) states the purpose behind the creation of death and life: “لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ” – to test you. This life is an examination room. Death is not the end of the test, but rather the point at which the pen is put down, and our deeds are sealed.

And what is the criterion for success in this test? “أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا” – which of you is best in deed. 

It is not about the quantity of deeds, but the quality – those deeds done with sincerity (ikhlas) for Allah alone and in accordance with the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).

3. Quranic Quotes About Death of The Believer 

For those who strive in this life, seeking the pleasure of Allah, the Quran paints a beautiful picture of the soul’s departure:

“يَا أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ ‎﴿٢٧﴾‏ ارْجِعِي إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً ‎﴿٢٨﴾‏ فَادْخُلِي فِي عِبَادِي ‎﴿٢٩﴾‏ وَادْخُلِي جَنَّتِي ‎﴿٣٠﴾‏”

Yā ayyatuhā an-nafsu al-muṭma’innah. ‎(27) Irji’ī ilā rabbiki rāḍiyatan marḍiyyah. ‎(28) Fadkhulī fī ‘ibādī. ‎(29) Wadkhulī jannatī. (30)

“[To the righteous it will be said], “O reassured soul, (27) Return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him], (28) And enter among My [righteous] servants, (29) And enter My Paradise.” (Quran 89:27-30)

“يَا أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ” – O reassured soul! This is the soul that found peace and tranquility in the remembrance of Allah, in obedience to Him, and in acceptance of His decree. This serenity is cultivated throughout life.

The call comes: “ارْجِعِي إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ” – Return to your Lord. It’s not a fearsome summons, but a gentle invitation back to the Source of all peace. 

And in what state does it return? “رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً” – well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]. Pleased with what Allah has bestowed upon it of His grace and mercy, and pleasing to Allah because of its faith and righteous deeds.

And the ultimate welcome: “فَادْخُلِي فِي عِبَادِي وَادْخُلِي جَنَّتِي” – And enter among My [righteous] servants, and enter My Paradise.

4. A Quranic Verse on the Inescapability Death

Allah Ta’ala reminds us with unmistakable clarity that there is no hiding place from death, no matter how secure one might feel in their worldly fortifications. He says in Surah An-Nisa:

“أَيْنَمَا تَكُونُوا يُدْرِككُّمُ الْمَوْتُ وَلَوْ كُنتُمْ فِي بُرُوجٍ مُّشَيَّدَةٍ”

Aynamā takūnū yudrikkumu al-mawt walaw kuntum fī burūjin mushayyadat(in).

“Wherever you may be, death will overtake you, even if you should be within towers of lofty construction.” (Quran 4:78)

“أَيْنَمَا تَكُونُوا يُدْرِككُّمُ الْمَوْتُ” – Wherever you may be, death will overtake you. The verb يُدْرِككُّمُ (yudrikkumu) implies not just reaching, but seizing, overtaking, as if it’s actively pursuing by Allah’s command. 

And these “بُرُوجٍ مُّشَيَّدَةٍ” represent the epitome of worldly security, strength, and perceived impenetrability. 

Yet, Allah tells us that even these offer no refuge from His decree of death.

5. A Quranic Quote on The Divine Decree of Death & The Promise of Re-creation

In Surah Al-Waqi’ah, Allah draws our attention to His absolute power and wisdom in ordaining death and what lies beyond:

“نَحْنُ قَدَّرْنَا بَيْنَكُمُ الْمَوْتَ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوقِينَ”

Naḥnu qaddarnā baynakumu al-mawta wa mā naḥnu bimasbūqīn

“We have decreed death among you, and We are not to be outdone,” (Quran 56:60)

“نَحْنُ قَدَّرْنَا بَيْنَكُمُ الْمَوْتَ” – We have decreed death among you. The word قَدَّرْنَا (qaddarnā), from the root Q-D-R, signifies a precise measure, an ordainment, a divine decree. 

It tells us that death is not a random event, nor is it a cosmic accident. It is a deliberate, measured part of Allah’s magnificent and wise plan for His creation. 

When we recite these verses, especially understanding their meanings, the heart finds a unique tranquility. And reciting them beautifully, with correct Tajweed, only enhances this spiritual experience. 

If you want to beautify your recitation and connect more deeply in your prayers, I often recommend resources like Quranica’s Learn Quran with Tajweed course. 

6. A Quranic Verse on The Futility of Fleeing Death

Let us consider the words of Allah in Surah Al-Jumu’ah, which address the human tendency to shy away from the thought of death, and the ultimate outcome of such aversion:

“قُلْ إِنَّ الْمَوْتَ الَّذِي تَفِرُّونَ مِنْهُ فَإِنَّهُ مُلَاقِيكُمْ ۖ ثُمَّ تُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰ عَالِمِ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ”

Qul inna al-mawta alladhī tafirrūna minhu fa-innahu mulāqīkum. Thumma turaddūna ilā ‘ālimi al-ghaybi wa-ash-shahādah fa-yunabbi’ukum bimā kuntum ta’malūn.

“Say, ‘Indeed, the death from which you flee – indeed, it will meet you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you of what you used to do.'” (Quran 62:8)

The verb تَفِرُّونَ (tafirrūna) denotes fleeing, trying to escape. It acknowledges that natural human inclination to avoid what seems like an end, or what is unknown and perhaps feared.

But what is the reality? “فَإِنَّهُ مُلَاقِيكُمْ” – indeed, it will meet you. It is not just that you will reach it, but it will meet you. It’s an appointment that cannot be missed. 

Read more about: Quranic verses

7. A Quranic Quote on The Arrival of Death’s Stupor

Allah Ta’ala describes the very moment of death’s arrival with a vividness that serves as a powerful admonition. In Surah Qaf, He says:

“وَجَاءَتْ سَكْرَةُ الْمَوْتِ بِالْحَقِّ ۖ ذَٰلِكَ مَا كُنتَ مِنْهُ تَحِيدُ”

Wa jā’at sakratu al-mawti bil-ḥaqq; dhālika mā kunta minhu taḥīd.

“And the stupor of death will come in truth: ‘This is what you were trying to avoid!'” (Quran 50:19)

The term سَكْرَةُ الْمَوْتِ (sakratul mawt) is incredibly potent. “Sakrah” refers to a state of intoxication, dizziness, or a stupor that overwhelms the senses and consciousness. 

It implies an intensity, a moment when the realities of this world begin to fade and the reality of the Hereafter dawns with undeniable truth (“بِالْحَقِّ”). 

This “truth” can also signify that death itself is a truth, or that it brings with it the true state of affairs, unveiling what was previously unseen.

And then the poignant address: ‘This is what you were trying to avoid!’ The verb تَحِيدُ (taḥīd) means to turn away from, to swerve, to evade, or to shun.

8. A Quranic Quote on The Appointed Angel of Death 

The Quran also informs us about the agent who carries out the decree of death, acting by Allah’s command. In Surah As-Sajdah, we read:

“قُلْ يَتَوَفَّاكُم مَّلَكُ الْمَوْتِ الَّذِي وُكِّلَ بِكُمْ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمْ تُرْجَعُونَ”

Qul yatawaffākum malaku al-mawti alladhī wukkila bikum thumma ilā rabbikum turja’ūn.

“Say, ‘The angel of death will take you who has been entrusted with you. Then to your Lord you will be returned.'” (Quran 32:11)

The verb يَتَوَفَّاكُم (yatawaffākum) comes from the root W-F-Y, which means to take in full, to receive one’s due completely. 

It signifies that the soul is fully taken by the Angel of Death; it is not a partial process or an annihilation, but a complete transition of the soul from one realm to another.

9. A Quranic Verse on Death by Divine Permission and at an Appointed Term

To further reinforce the concept of divine will and timing, Allah Ta’ala states in Surah Aal-Imran:

“وَمَا كَانَ لِنَفْسٍ أَن تَمُوتَ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ كِتَابًا مُّؤَجَّلًا”

Wa mā kāna linafsin an tamūta illā bi-idhni Allāhi kitāban mu’ajjalā.

“And no soul can die except by Allah’s permission at a decree determined.” (Quran 3:145)

Life and death are solely in Allah’s hands. No accident, no illness, no human action can cause a soul to depart from its body even a moment before or after Allah has permitted it. This “إِذْنِ اللَّهِ” (permission of Allah) underscores His absolute sovereignty.

Furthermore, it is “كِتَابًا مُّؤَجَّلًا”. This means that the lifespan of every soul is preordained and recorded. There is an appointed time, a specific moment known to Allah, for every soul’s departure. 

To carry these words of Allah, these profound truths about life and death, within one’s heart is a truly noble aspiration. It is a source of strength and guidance. 

For those who feel this calling, embarking on the path of Hifz is a blessed journey. Quranica offers wonderfully structured Quran Memorization and Hifz classes, including dedicated Hifz classes for Ladies and Sisters, to support students in this sacred endeavor. It is a commitment that enriches every moment of one’s life.

10. A Quranic Verse on The Agony of the Wrongdoers at Death 

The Quran does not only speak of death as an inevitable event but also describes the differing experiences of souls as they depart, based on their deeds in this life. 

For those who persisted in wrongdoing, the moment of death is depicted as one of immense distress. Allah Ta’ala says in Surah Al-An’am:

“وَلَوْ تَرَىٰ إِذِ الظَّالِمُونَ فِي غَمَرَاتِ الْمَوْتِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ بَاسِطُو أَيْدِيهِمْ أَخْرِجُوا أَنفُسَكُمُ ۖ الْيَوْمَ تُجْزَوْنَ عَذَابَ الْهُونِ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَقُولُونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ غَيْرَ الْحَقِّ وَكُنتُمْ عَن آيَاتِهِ تَسْتَكْبِرُونَ”

…Walaw tarā idhiẓ-ẓālimūna fī ghamarāti al-mawti wa-al-malā’ikatu bāsiṭū aydīhim akhrijū anfusakumu al-yawma tujzawna ‘adhāba al-hūni bimā kuntum taqūlūna ‘alā Allāhi ghayra al-ḥaqqi wa kuntum ‘an āyātihi tastakbirūn.

“…And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the overwhelming pangs of death while the angels extend their hands, [saying], “Discharge your souls! Today you will be awarded the punishment of [extreme] humiliation for what you used to say against Allah other than the truth and [that] you were, toward His verses, being arrogant.” (Quran 6:93)

The word غَمَرَات (ghamarāt) suggests being submerged, engulfed in overwhelming distress and suffering. Imagine the intensity of that moment for one who has lived a life of rebellion against Allah.

Then, we see the angels: “وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ بَاسِطُو أَيْدِيهِمْ” – while the angels extend their hands. Not in a gesture of comfort, but with severity. 

Their call, “أَخْرِجُوا أَنفُسَكُمُ” – ‘Discharge your souls!’ (or ‘Bring forth your souls!’) is a harsh command. It implies the soul’s unwillingness to leave, clinging to the world it knew, and the force with which it is extracted. 

The immediate recompense begins: ‘Today you will be recompensed with the punishment of humiliation.’ This “عَذَابَ الْهُونِ” (punishment of humiliation/disgrace) underscores the ignominy that befalls them, a direct consequence of their arrogance towards Allah’s verses and their speaking untruths against Him. 

Read more about: Quranic Verses About Parents

11. Quranic Verses on The Dying Person’s Plea for More Time

Another profound aspect the Quran highlights is the regret that can seize a person at the threshold of death if they have been negligent. Allah says in Surah Al-Munafiqun:

وَأَنفِقُوا مِن مَّا رَزَقْنَاكُم مِّن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ فَيَقُولَ رَبِّ لَوْلَا أَخَّرْتَنِي إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ فَأَصَّدَّقَ وَأَكُن مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ ‎﴿١٠﴾‏ وَلَن يُؤَخِّرَ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِذَا جَاءَ أَجَلُهَا ۚ وَاللَّهُ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ ‎﴿١١﴾‏

Wa anfiqū min mā razaqnākum min qabli an ya’tiya aḥadakumu al-mawtu fa-yaqūla rabbi lawlā akhartanī ilā ajalin qarībin fa-aṣṣaddaqa wa akun mina aṣ-ṣāliḥīn. (10) Wa lan yu’akhkhira Allāhu nafsan idhā jā’a ajaluhā. Wa Allāhu khabīrun bimā ta’malūn. (11)

“And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, “My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.” (10) But never will Allah delay a soul when its time has come. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” (Quran 63:10-11)

Allah describes the plea of the one who is overtaken by death unprepared: ‘My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term…’ SubhanAllah, what desperation! Not asking for a long extension, just “أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ” – a short, nearby term.

But the divine decree is firm: ‘But never will Allah delay a soul when its time has come.’ The appointed hour is fixed and unchangeable.

12. A Quranic Quote on The Angels’ Gentle Reception of the Righteous

In beautiful contrast to the experience of the wrongdoers, the Quran describes the peaceful and honorable manner in which the souls of the righteous are received. Allah tells us in Surah An-Nahl:

“الَّذِينَ تَتَوَفَّاهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ طَيِّبِينَ ۙ يَقُولُونَ سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمُ ادْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ”

Alladhīna tatawaffāhumu al-malā’ikatu ṭayyibīna yaqūlūna salāmun ‘alaykumu udkhulū al-jannata bimā kuntum ta’malūn.

“The ones whom the angels take in death, [being] good and pure; [the angels] will say, ‘Peace be upon you. Enter Paradise for what you used to do.'” (Quran 16:32)

The word طَيِّب (ṭayyib) signifies purity, goodness, wholesomeness. It describes their state – their souls are pure, their deeds were good, their beliefs were sound, and they depart this world in a state of spiritual cleanliness and goodness.

And how do the angels receive such a soul? “يَقُولُونَ سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمُ” – [the angels] will say, ‘Peace be upon you.’ What a beautiful greeting! A greeting of security, tranquility, and honor. 

This “سَلَامٌ (salām)” is the first taste of the peace of Paradise. It’s a stark contrast to the harsh “أَخْرِجُوا أَنفُسَكُمُ” addressed to the wrongdoers.

Then comes the immediate glad tiding: ‘Enter Paradise for what you used to do.’ The reward is presented without delay, and it is explicitly linked to their actions. 

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