Thanks for this profound reminder about the difference between the concept and the actual physical reality of death. I agree that many fields, and society in general, seem to operate under the assumption that we will exist forever, or at least, for a very long time. In my own life, I know that I refrain from discussing death in conversations or try not to think about it very often, as it is a stark reminder of everything that is happening in today's world.
The idea of Muraqaba Al-Mawt gives us a greater appreciation for the time we have and the good we can do with our limited time, rather than being a source of anxiety or concern. Seeing family members pass away or patients in one's line of work is a sobering reminder of the ephemeral, temporary nature of this reality, but also puts into perspective what's important. The ideas of Eastern and Western philosophers about confronting death, rather than suppressing thoughts about it, reminds me of Dr. Carl Jung's concept of "the shadow" and integrating it into our personality/psyche to remove its deleterious effects on us. By facing and accepting the fact that death is inevitable and that every person throughout the history of our species, from the wealthiest and most powerful to the most humble and quiet, had to depart this mortal realm, we remove the fear that death had over us, and become more complete and at peace, in my view.
Even in the animal world, we are aware of organisms that have a "survival instinct" to avoid predation or behaviors that can cause fatal injury, which is an awareness of death, even though they may not consciously be aware of it or sentient. Perhaps we "higher" sentient organisms, through our reasoning and intellect, believe ourselves to be above such notions, and focus on living and interacting and behaving in the world as though life will continue indefinitely. But maybe it isn't a bad idea to take a page out of our cat's or garden bird's playbooks and stop and think that we will all eventually leave this planet of ours. That is not to frighten us, but rather to help us appreciate the gift of life and how, while it is arguably the greatest gift of all, even it doesn't last forever.
okay, I’m back and yes, yes, yes Zahra! This was such a beautiful reflection—from your words to the quotes you included.
I survived a fatal car accident years ago, and honestly, it created a really complicated relationship between me and death. Instead of it being a moment that helped me embrace the inevitability of it, I kind of went into shock. Ever since, I’ve been on edge, always thinking death is just around the corner—not just for me, but for the people I love. And in a way, it could be. The fact that I can recognize that now feels humbling, because I can’t control death or how it chooses to show up.
I’m a grief worker, so I talk about death and loss often. so many people speak about the anticipatory grief that can come from being close to death. I loved what you mentioned in your piece about letting that awareness inform how we live, rather than letting it take away from life. I don’t always get that part right—but I’m trying. Trying to be more present. Trying to be more purposeful. Trying to actually work on my relationship with death so that, when it does come to meet me, I can feel some sense of satisfaction with how I chose to live.
love reading reflections on death/loss and this is one i'll revisit. thank you for this!
Even within Ismaili Shi’ism based on the kalam-e-mawla of Imam Ali, we are told to remember death at all times. It is certainly a mercy from Allah that He grants life to those whom He wills and takes it back too, from when He wills.
as someone who has always had very bad death anxiety and always feels like i’m running out of time, this perspective was so helpful and challenging to the narrative i struggle with!
Thanks for this profound reminder about the difference between the concept and the actual physical reality of death. I agree that many fields, and society in general, seem to operate under the assumption that we will exist forever, or at least, for a very long time. In my own life, I know that I refrain from discussing death in conversations or try not to think about it very often, as it is a stark reminder of everything that is happening in today's world.
The idea of Muraqaba Al-Mawt gives us a greater appreciation for the time we have and the good we can do with our limited time, rather than being a source of anxiety or concern. Seeing family members pass away or patients in one's line of work is a sobering reminder of the ephemeral, temporary nature of this reality, but also puts into perspective what's important. The ideas of Eastern and Western philosophers about confronting death, rather than suppressing thoughts about it, reminds me of Dr. Carl Jung's concept of "the shadow" and integrating it into our personality/psyche to remove its deleterious effects on us. By facing and accepting the fact that death is inevitable and that every person throughout the history of our species, from the wealthiest and most powerful to the most humble and quiet, had to depart this mortal realm, we remove the fear that death had over us, and become more complete and at peace, in my view.
Even in the animal world, we are aware of organisms that have a "survival instinct" to avoid predation or behaviors that can cause fatal injury, which is an awareness of death, even though they may not consciously be aware of it or sentient. Perhaps we "higher" sentient organisms, through our reasoning and intellect, believe ourselves to be above such notions, and focus on living and interacting and behaving in the world as though life will continue indefinitely. But maybe it isn't a bad idea to take a page out of our cat's or garden bird's playbooks and stop and think that we will all eventually leave this planet of ours. That is not to frighten us, but rather to help us appreciate the gift of life and how, while it is arguably the greatest gift of all, even it doesn't last forever.
Beautifully said! So so though provoking
Thank you! Props to you for such a well-written and insightful post, it was a poignant reminder that I found profound!
had me a the title, saved to read the later
🙏🏻
okay, I’m back and yes, yes, yes Zahra! This was such a beautiful reflection—from your words to the quotes you included.
I survived a fatal car accident years ago, and honestly, it created a really complicated relationship between me and death. Instead of it being a moment that helped me embrace the inevitability of it, I kind of went into shock. Ever since, I’ve been on edge, always thinking death is just around the corner—not just for me, but for the people I love. And in a way, it could be. The fact that I can recognize that now feels humbling, because I can’t control death or how it chooses to show up.
I’m a grief worker, so I talk about death and loss often. so many people speak about the anticipatory grief that can come from being close to death. I loved what you mentioned in your piece about letting that awareness inform how we live, rather than letting it take away from life. I don’t always get that part right—but I’m trying. Trying to be more present. Trying to be more purposeful. Trying to actually work on my relationship with death so that, when it does come to meet me, I can feel some sense of satisfaction with how I chose to live.
love reading reflections on death/loss and this is one i'll revisit. thank you for this!
Even within Ismaili Shi’ism based on the kalam-e-mawla of Imam Ali, we are told to remember death at all times. It is certainly a mercy from Allah that He grants life to those whom He wills and takes it back too, from when He wills.
The world makes you think everyone else will die and you will live forever - I think this is a Hadith
Visit the graves it makes forget the cares of this world another Hadith. Try it as a believer you’ll live with crystal clarity.
as someone who has always had very bad death anxiety and always feels like i’m running out of time, this perspective was so helpful and challenging to the narrative i struggle with!