Many scholars in the Hausa language have defined the meaning of death as follows: "Death Means the Severance of the Connection Between the Soul and the Body." Literally, death means the end of life in this world, that is, when the body's functions cease. But in religion and philosophy, there are different views about what death means and what happens after death. Here are a few of them:
In the Islamic Religion:
· Death is not the end, but a stage of transition to another life called Barzakh. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, the dead will be raised and return to Allah to give account. And Allah will reward the obedient and worshipping servants and grant them entry into Paradise. Those who do evil and those who disobey Allah's commands will certainly enter the Fire.
In Science:
· Death occurs when the brain stops functioning due to insufficient blood flow or other reasons. The body begins to decay after death, which makes it necessary to bury it in the ground or apply chemicals that prevent decay. From the perspective of some scientists, when one dies, that is the end; there is no resurrection.
In Philosophy:
· There are different views – some see death as the end, while others see it as a new beginning. Furthermore, death has various signs.
Signs of Death:
The signs of death vary depending on the cause of death, but there are some common signs that can be observed, such as:
· Severe weakness
·Change in breathing – breathing becomes shallow or slow
·Bodily changes – coldness, or change in color
·Lack of eating or drinking
·Changes in sleep patterns – excessive sleep or insomnia
·Increased pain or sensation of pain
·Also, if the sick person is pinched and shows no reaction, that is also a sign of death
Signs Related to the Mind:
· Mental confusion or collapse
·Changes in mood or behavior
·Dreaming or visions about things not present in physical life
·Meaningless speech
·Seeing angels or other things that human eyes cannot normally see
·The sick person perceiving pleasant smells
·Smiling or showing happiness
Important Information: These signs do not confirm that death is imminent. Often, they can be treated or merely indicate an illness. When these signs are observed, one should:
· Seek medical help urgently
·Pray
·Provide good care and show affection and love to the sick person
·Make preparations for his death, even if he may not die
The Remedy for Death:
Literally, there is no cure for death in this world. Science cannot bring an end to death; every soul must die at the time Allah has decreed. However, there are things that can make death easier.
In the Islamic Religion:
· Worship and good deeds: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Continue doing good deeds frequently, for they will bring you closer to your Lord and become the best provision for the Hereafter." (Hadith)
·Reciting the Quran: Reciting the Quran and understanding its meaning provides tranquility and peace regarding the Hereafter.
·Remembering death (Tadhakkur): The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Be those who frequently remember (death)." This helps in gaining wisdom and preparing for death.
·Supplication (Du'a): Asking Allah to make things easy at the time of death and for a good outcome in the Hereafter.
In Science:
· Science strives to prolong life by treating diseases such as cancer, liver, heart diseases, etc. There is research on extending human lifespan (anti-aging research), but there is still no method to completely prevent death.
In Philosophy:
· A meaningful life: Living and carrying out activities beneficial to society.
·Accepting death as a part of life.
·Leaving a good legacy – being remembered after death through good deeds.
An Important Wisdom:
In truth, the remedy for death is to reform one's life and prepare for the Hereafter. If one's worldly life and worship are corrected, death will become a pleasant gateway to eternal life. "I encourage you to continue exploring this important topic by:
· Studying the Quran and its interpretation
·Studying the Hadiths
·Contacting knowledgeable scholars. May Allah grant us the ability to do good deeds before death comes."