Written by: Khurram Murad
Pages: 80
Publisher: “The Islamic Foundation”
Available at: “Darussalam Publishers and Distributors,” Tariq Road, Karachi
In times of grief, you usually turn to a good book. But, the book we are talking about here is not just any book. It’s the last will of Khurram Murad, which is also known as “Dying and Living for Allah (swt)”. This beautifully written book has been translated by Syed Abu Ahmad Akif and deals well with the topic of death – a matter many are afraid to think about.
Khurram Murad was the Director General of the Islamic Foundation in United Kingdom from 1978 to 1986. He had also worked as a chief consulting engineer in Karachi, Dhaka, Riyadh and Tehran. In 1991, he became the editor of the monthly journal, Tarjuman-ul-Quran.
This book is none other than a ‘Nasihah’ as described by Professor Khurshid Ahmed who wrote the Foreword. Khurram Murad has left behind some good and potentially life-changing advice, not only for his family, but for the whole Ummah. As Mr. Ahmed mentions, this compilation is more than advice. It is a gift in the form of a will that deals with what Khurram Murad wishes to tell his people- the knowledge and truth he gained from his sixty-four years which were dedicated to the cause of the Islamic Movement and to fulfilling his duty of being a true servant of Allah (swt).
This publication has four major parts. The ‘Introduction’ deals with the importance of writing a will, and its significance in Islam. He addresses the will to his family at first, but mentions that he would not mind a public circulation of it.
The author also mentions some of the Duas he would recite before going to bed which are: “O Allah (swt), if You seize my soul, then be merciful to it”.
The first part of the book is called “Death and Sabr”. It deals with the pain and grief that comes with a person’s death upon the person’s relatives, friends and colleagues. Being a prominent individual in the Muslim community, Khurram Murad talks about how people should react when he departs this world. He suggests some steps to control the emotional and mental states while facing death of a near one.
He also talks about different levels of Sabr (patience), and how one pleases Allah (swt) by being patient in times of utmost despair. He points out that prayer is the only way to combat emotions of apprehension, anguish and sorrow.
The next chapter is called “Message for Successful Living”. Most of us have read motivational literature on how to make the best use of life, but none of us has ever written a concise document on the best way to live life to its maximum. That is exactly what Khurram Murad has done. This chapter features what Muslims should strive for: Allah’s (swt) pleasure, Jannah, following the Prophet’s (sa) way and so forth. Hence, the author tells us, how we should implement our desires into actions. Even though most of the points seem as the most basic of human virtues, many of us have forgotten, how exactly it feels to do good deeds wholeheartedly and solely for Allah’s (swt) pleasure.
The book ends with a personal message by Khurram Murad called “Journey to Fear and Hope”. When everything has been done, only one thing remains – looking forward to being brought before Allah (swt).
People die each day, and almost all of them forgotten. After their funerals, their wills are referred to because that is what they ‘legally’ leave behind for others. Khurram Murad left behind more than any family or any Ummah could ask for.
The main question that this book puts in front of us is, “Are you ready to face Him (swt)?”
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