Every parent hopes to leave behind something meaningful. We continuously strive to provide for our children, instill values in them, and prepare them for the future. Yet one of the greatest legacies we can leave is helping them recognize that this life is temporary and that every day is an opportunity to prepare for meeting Allah Almighty.
The beloved Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him gave timeless advice when he said:
“Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your busyness, and your life before death.”
Among these five reminders, the final one encompasses them all: take advantage of your life before death. Life is the greatest gift that Allah Almighty has entrusted to us, but it is also the greatest responsibility. Every breath brings us closer to the Day when we meet our Creator and account for how we used the time He blessed us with.
Allah Almighty reminds us of the purpose of our existence:
“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)
Life is not measured by how long we live, but by how faithfully we live. Every stage of life, every blessing, every hardship, and every opportunity is a part of Allah’s test. As parents, helping our children understand this reality gives ma=eaning to both their success and their struggles.
Modern culture often encourages us to avoid thinking about death. Islam, however, teaches that remembering death brings clarity and purpose. It reminds us that this world is only temporary and that our true home is in the Hereafter.
Allah Almighty says:
“Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So whoever is kept away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has truly succeeded. And the life of this world is nothing but the enjoyment of delusion.”
(Quran 3:185)
Remembering death is not meant to fill us with fear, but to inspire us to live intentionally. It helps us prioritize what truly matters-our relationship with Allah Almighty, our character, and the impact we leave on others.
The life of Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him beautifully demonstrates what it means to make every moment count. He was devoted in worship, deeply engaged with his family, led the community, cared for the poor, visited the sick, forgave those who wronged him, and treated every interaction as an opportunity to earn Allah’s pleasure.
Even in his final illness, peace and blessings be upon him, his concern remained fixed on worship and the well-being of his ummah. His last public advice included emphasizing the importance of prayer, reminding believers to remain faithful until the very end.
The Prophet Muhammad’s peace and blessings upon him life teaches us that preparing for death does not mean withdrawing from life. It means living each day with sincerity, compassion, and awareness that Allah Almighty sees every action.
One of the most powerful teachings of Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him is that accountability is not something that begins on the Day of Judgement- it begins now.
He said:
“The wise person is the one who holds himself accountable and works for what comes after death, while the helpless person is the one who follows his desires and merely hopes in Allah.”
(Jami’ at-Tirmidhi)
This hadith invites us to regularly examine ourselves. Are our choices bringing us closer to Allah Almighty? Are we choosing our words wisely? Are we spending our time in a manner that will benefit us in this life and the next?
Teaching our children the habit of self-reflection helps them grow into adults who take responsibility for their actions. Making a habit of reflecting on their day and asking- “what good choices did I make today?” “Did I remember Allah today?” “What could I do better tomorrow?”
Every day is an opportunity and one of Allah’s greatest mercies is that as long as we are alive, the doors of repentance are always open.
Allah Almighty says:
“Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”
(Quran 39:53)
This verse offers hope to every parent and every child. We all make mistakes. We all fall short. But every moment is another chance to return to Allah, seek forgiveness, and strive to do better.
Rather than raising children who fear failure, we should strive to raise children who know how to repent, seek forgiveness, and trust in Allah’s mercy.
Children may not remember every lesson we teach, but they will remember how we lived. They notice when we pause to pray when the athan is called, the words we speak, and how we remember Allah in hardship and ease.
The Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said:
“ When a person dies, all of his deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”
Muslim
This hadith is especially meaningful for parents. Raising righteous children is not simply about preparing them for this world—it is an investment in the Hereafter. Long after we leave this life, their sincere du'a, good character, and righteous actions may continue to add to our scale of good deeds.
What a beautiful reminder that one of the greatest ways to prepare for our own death is to invest in the faith of our children today.
None of us knows how much time remains. Allah alone knows when our final breath will come. What we do know is that every day is a gift and every moment is an opportunity to draw closer to Him.
As parents, we can help our families make life count by remembering that success is not measured by achievements alone, but by faith, sincerity, and obedience to Allah. The conversations we have around the dinner table, the prayers we perform together, the forgiveness we extend, and the example we set all become part of the legacy we leave behind.
May Allah Almighty grant us lives filled with sincere worship, hearts that remain steadfast until our final breath, and children who continue to remember Him after we are gone. May He allow us to meet Him having made the most of the precious gift of life before death.
Author bio: Miriam is the proud mother of seven children of different ages, an experience that shapes her perspective on education and advocacy. Based in the Chicagoland area, she has taught in an Islamic school and currently works in a public school, supporting students and families and promoting inclusive learning environments. As the mother of a child with autism, Miriam brings personal insight and compassion to her work advocating for children with diverse learning and developmental needs. She is passionate about fostering inclusion, understanding, and equity within her community.
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