Remember the destroyer of pleasures frequently," meaning death

Arabic text

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «أَكْثِرُوا ذِكْرَ هَادمِ اللَّذَّاتِ» يَعْنِي الْمَوْتَ.

Translation

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Remember the destroyer of pleasures frequently," meaning death.

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged frequent remembrance of death, as it reminds man of the Hereafter and demolishes his love for worldly pleasures in his heart, especially those that are forbidden.

Benefits

• Death cuts off the pleasures of this world, but as for the believer, it transfers him to the pleasures of the Hereafter and the pleasures of Paradise, with all the immense goodness therein.
• Remembrance of death and what comes after it are among the reasons for repentance, turning away from sin, and preparing for the Hereafter.

Topics

• Virtues and Manners
• Heart-Softeners and Sermons
• Condemning Love of the World