In this article I would like to share the following story I came across in the book titled, ‘Parent’s Love’ written by Ishrat J. Rumy.

The Prophet Sulaiman was a king. He was given an extraordinary kingdom by Allah, and he ruled over the winds and the waves, all men, jinn and animals had to obey him.

One day, the Prophet Sulaiman decided to survey his people. He ordered his subjects to arrange themselves in a manner that would enable him to view them. He went to his palace and there on a roof he stood alone to inspect them. No one was permitted to come near. Just then, a man appeared.

“Who are you? Don’t you know that no one is supposed to entre here?", asked the Prophet.

“I need no permission for entry. It is your Lord’s command that your time on earth is over,” answered the angel.

And so Sulaiman died. But his subjects did not know. They thought that the king was still judging them. Then Allah sent some worms which ate through his staff on which Sulaiman was leaning. The staff broke and Sualiman fell to the ground.

Only then did the people become aware of his death.

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The biggest lesson I think we can take from this story is that death comes to all regardless of your race, class, gender, status/position etc. It is something inevitable.  Often times we distance ourselves from the concept of death while we seek a safe haven in this world. We must live our lives but we must also remember that death is destined for all of us. It can happen when least expected and that is why every day we should strive to live up to the standards Allah has prescribed for us because ultimately that is the only way we will find happiness.  If we try our very best to live in a way that is destined for mankind, Allah will surely help us in every way.