The Book of Funerals - Sunan an-Nasa'i 1824

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Remember often the destroyer of pleasures.'" (Hasan)

Commentary on the Hadith

This profound counsel from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) directs believers to frequently contemplate death, which he described as "the destroyer of pleasures." The wisdom behind this instruction is multifaceted and serves as a spiritual compass for the mindful Muslim.

Death is termed the "destroyer of pleasures" because it terminates all worldly delights, separations from loved ones, and cessation of physical comforts. By remembering this inevitable reality, the believer cultivates a state of constant spiritual awareness (muraqabah) and detachment from temporal attachments.

This remembrance serves as a powerful deterrent against sin and negligence, encouraging the soul toward obedience and preparation for the eternal abode. The frequent recollection of death softens the heart, increases humility, and fosters gratitude for blessings while they remain.

The scholars explain that this practice does not advocate melancholy or abandonment of lawful pleasures, but rather cultivates balanced enjoyment within Islamic boundaries while maintaining consciousness of ultimate accountability before Allah.

Chain of Narration

Abu 'Abdur-Rahman (An-Nasa'i) said: Muhammad bin Ibrahim (one of the narrators) is the father of Abu Bakr Ibn Abi Shaibah. This clarification ensures the reliability of the transmission chain and demonstrates the meticulous preservation characteristic of Islamic scholarship.