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In the late autumn of 1569, a French nobleman named Michel de Montaigne was presumed dead after a tragic accident.

Thrown from his galloping horse, his friends found him lifeless and bloodied, carrying him home with heavy hearts.

Yet Montaigne was not entirely gone.

He was in a state between life and death, observing his existence slipping away.

Miraculously, life returned to him at the last possible moment.

He awoke with a renewed passion for life.

Previously known for his drinking and indulgence, he completely transformed his life.

He went on to write influential essays, serve as mayor, and become a trusted advisor to the king.

His near-death encounter infused his days with new purpose and clarity, transforming his character completely.

This story echoes a truth found in our tradition.

The remembrance of death is meant to awaken us to the preciousness of each moment.

It strips away the illusions of this world, allowing us to focus on what truly matters.

As Imam Al-Ghazali said, remembering death serves two profound benefits for the seeker.

First, it diminishes our attachment to the temporary pleasures of this world.

Second, it kindles a desire for the eternal hereafter.

When we reflect on the inevitable end that awaits us, we see through the veils of dunya, recognizing that our true home lies beyond this earthly existence.

Embracing Presence Through Remembrance

How do we cultivate a heart that is present and intentional?

The answer lies in consciously remembering our mortality.

Acknowledging that our time here is limited, we prioritize intentions that carry weight with Allah.

We strive to leave a legacy of goodness, knowing that our deeds are the only currency that will benefit us in the hereafter.

A Guided Reflection on Mortality

Trigger Warning: The following section involves a meditation on death.

For those who wish to delve deeper, Imam Al-Ghazali offers a powerful method of reflection:

Begin by finding a quiet space free from distractions.

Allow your heart to settle, emptying it of worldly concerns.

Reflect on friends and loved ones who have passed away.

Recall their ambitions, their joys, and the plans they left unfulfilled.

Contemplate how they once walked the same paths you do, perhaps unaware of how little time they had.

Visualize their final moments—their return to Allah—and consider how their bodies have returned to the earth.

Acknowledge that just as they have gone, so too will you.

This mindset encourages us to focus on the journey rather than becoming entangled in the trappings along the way.

We build something beyond our egos—a life devoted to fulfilling our duties to Allah through all our actions.