In light of this Hadith, every individual should imagine before carrying out any action, that this may be his/her final action. If we carry out this exercise with full conviction, it will prove sufficient to keep us steadfast in abstaining from sins and fulfilling the Commands of Allah. Furthermore, it will improve the quality of our good deeds and help us to refrain from sins.

Let us take an example to understand this better:

If a person who stands for salah imagines that it could be his final action and that he may not get an opportunity to perform another salah, he will be able to concentrate to a greater degree and develop greater sincerity. When another person, who intended to miss his salah out of laziness, imagines that these could be his final moments, it will encourage him to perform his salah.

Whenever an opportunity arises to sin, be it casting lustful glances, backbiting, adultery or taking intoxicants, it should be imagined that these are one’s final moments. One should ask one-self: ‘What if I were to die whilst in this state of sin? Rasulullah ﷺ has said that every person will be resurrected in the condition in which he/she died, so how will I be able to face my Creator?”

Insha’allah, this exercise will prove helpful in keeping us on the path of the Pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and keeping us away from His Displeasure.

Extracted from Inspirations by Shaykhul-Hadith Hadhrat Mawlana Muhammad Saleem Dhorat Hafizahullah.