O Angel of Death: A Reflection on Life, Identity, and the Journey

Disclaimer: This article was translated by AI.

O Angel of Death!

By: Dr. Mohammad Akram Nadwi
Oxford

O Angel of Death! Every creature cherishes its identity; every human being loves their name. Surely, you too must love your name, and why wouldn’t you? It is a name bestowed upon you by the Lord of the Worlds. But do you know what your name signifies to us humans? Your name consists of two parts: the first, “Angel,” is so beautiful in our dictionaries and lexicons! It is so enchanting in our daily usage! The word “Angel” exudes intimacy, purity, and closeness that no other word, not even “Human,” possesses, nor does anything in this earthly realm. But the second part of your name is so dreadful, so terrifying! Across the East, West, North, and South, no other name carries such a contradictory combination as yours. Ah, the phrase “Angel of Death” sends shivers down the spine, melts even stony hearts, and reduces arrogance and obstinacy to ashes.

If ever you find yourself in the presence of the Divine Court, make a request to change your name. Or perhaps seek the intercession of Jibreel, the Trustworthy. The day your name changes, your terrifying presence will transform into a figure of affection and closeness.

O Messenger of Absence! Every soul must face your test. Your arrival is sudden, your coming is certain. That moment neither delays nor changes. You render the reality of annihilation definitive and remind us of the fleeting nature of this world. What will happen when you arrive unannounced? You will separate us from blooming gardens, make us strangers to this beloved land, where there are buds and blossoms, gentle rains, sunshine, and moonlight, and illuminated nights. It is a land where sweet melodies are sung, tales of romance are born, and the love stories of Majnun and Layla, Shirin and Farhad, are retold, where ghazals are written in new and innovative forms.

O fearsome and awe-inspiring figure! There are many faces we find hard to behold, whose presence we find unbearable, and from whom we manage to escape. If you are not a flatterer and have the courage to hear the truth, then listen carefully: you are more unbearable than any of them. Your face is torment to our souls. Tell me, how can we escape from you? If you could grant us this kindness, we would never forget your favor.

O Messenger of the Eternal Sovereign! You are the inevitable intermediary of life’s delicate conclusion. Your touch separates the soul from its corporeal form, lifting the veil between the seen and unseen worlds. They say you are neither friend nor foe—tell me, where did you learn this detachment? Have you been in the company of celestial beauties and radiant faces? Have the charming qualities of Layla-like and Shirin-like beauties influenced you? If only you had befriended Qais and Farhad, this indifference would not have taken root in you. Tell me, is it fair for you to come to our streets and exile us from our cities, to drive us out of the lush valleys of the mountains and the beautiful shores? You extinguish the lamps of the moon, stars, and flowers, darken our skies, obscure our paths, and light candles of tears everywhere.

O creature of strict duty! Granted, your dedication to your task is in perfect accord with truth and justice. We accept that your presence, no matter how frightening or awe-inspiring, is a reminder of a grand plan because you are but a servant of the Supreme Being. You fulfill His commands with utmost respect and dignity. But have you ever thought about how detestable and loathsome this obedience is to us? Do you not know that even the mere thought of you shakes tyrants and the arrogant, robbing Pharaohs and Nimrods of their sleep?

O one who snatches away the tumult of life! Are you some kind of magician? Are you related to Samiri? What spell do you cast that, after your arrival, silence prevails, bodies become motionless, tongues grow mute, vision fades, and eternal deafness overcomes the ears? What do you do that the atmosphere becomes heavy with dread?

O Angel of Death! Do not answer; I know your reply. In your defense, you will say that you harbor no animosity toward anyone. You will bow your head and declare that you are merely obedient to the Creator’s command. You are the herald of the unknown, the gatekeeper of mystery, and the guide from worldly life to eternal journeys. We accept your excuse.

O Angel of Death! May I request that when you come near me, come gently and softly, like the cool evening breeze that soothes weary souls and heals wounded bodies. Come in such a way that your touch is tender and the journey you take me on leads to light, peace, and the embrace of the Most Merciful Lord. You will say—and surely you will—that this is how you are with righteous souls. You are a solace to the pious, a companion to the virtuous, the bearer of glad tidings of the gardens of bliss, and the messenger of Paradise.

O servant of the Lord of the Worlds! I repent for any rebellion against you. When you take my soul, I will, God willing, not resist. I will obey you, for I am certain that your purpose is sacred. Your existence testifies to the reality that everything we hold dear is temporary. This earth is foreign; no one truly belongs here. May it be that when the time comes, you are my best companion, your appearance delightful and charming. May you welcome my soul and guide it toward Paradise. O envoy of the eternal and infinite Kingdom!

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