In the shadows of our mortality

Some of the most genuine advices are given by people who are either on the verge of death or fear they won’t make it. I experienced this with a loved one three years ago when he fell seriously ill. Though much younger than I am, his words drove me to tears while he took refuge on my lap burning feverishly.

He told me of how he would do things better if afforded the chance to live. It was the first time I was seeing a teenager be that uncontrollably remorseful for ever being vengeful. He survived, alhamdulillah. The three points around which the advices revolved were:

(1) God consciousness in all dealings.
(2) Dutifulness to my step mother as he says she's entrusted by God to us as a family.
(3) Dutifulness to my biological parents.

Whenever I remember this incident, I get a feel of what is referenced in verses 99–100 of al-Mu'minun. Nothing makes me understand its intensity like watching that loved one wish for another chance to right his wrongs.

Allah Says:

Al-Mu'minun 23:99–100

حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَ أَحَدَهُمُ ٱلْمَوْتُ قَالَ رَبِّ ٱرْجِعُونِ

[For such is the state of the disbelievers], until, when death comes to one of them, he says, "My Lord, send me back.

لَعَلِّىٓ أَعْمَلُ صَٰلِحًا فِيمَا تَرَكْتُۚ كَلَّآۚ إِنَّهَا كَلِمَةٌ هُوَ قَآئِلُهَاۖ وَمِن وَرَآئِهِم بَرْزَخٌ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ

That I might do righteousness in that which I left behind." No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.]