FRIDAY SERMON: The True Death Certificate

Let our actions be such that when our worldly death certificate is issued, our heavenly record already shines with divine approval.

Mohammed Younis Bhat (Zahid)

Death — the most certain reality of life — is the only event that no human can deny. It neither distinguishes between the rich and the poor, nor between a ruler and a servant. Every living soul has to face it one day. In this world, when a person dies, a “Death Certificate” is issued as a formal document. However, in the sight of Allah, there exists another kind of certificate — the “True Death Certificate”, which will testify to how we lived our lives, how we treated others, and whether we fulfilled the rights of Allah and the rights of humanity (Huquq-ul-Ibad).

The worldly certificate merely confirms the end of physical life, but the true certificate of death will confirm the moral worth of one’s life and determine one’s eternal destiny.

Life — A Divine Examination

The Holy Qur’an declares:
“He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deeds.”
(Surah Al-Mulk: 2)

Life is not an aimless journey — it is an examination hall. Each day, every human being is writing the paper of his destiny through his deeds, behavior, and treatment of others. Every smile, every act of kindness, every injustice, and every dishonest word is being recorded. When our time in this world ends, that record will become our True Death Certificate — one that cannot be rewritten or forged.

Huquq-ul-Ibad — The Real Measure of Success

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The bankrupt person of my Ummah is the one who will come on the Day of Judgment with prayers, fasting, and charity, but will have wronged others, insulted them, and violated their rights.”
(Sahih Muslim)

This hadith makes it clear that true success is not measured only by ritual worship but by how we treat people. Many perform prayers and give charity but still neglect honesty, justice, and kindness.
On the Day of Judgment, the true death certificate will not highlight our titles, positions, or possessions — it will reflect our moral conduct, our sincerity, and our fulfillment of others’ rights.

Doing Everything in the Best Manner

As long as we are alive, everything we do should be done in the best possible way. Just as a student strives for good marks to pass an exam, a believer must strive to earn the pleasure of Allah through righteous conduct.

Whether it is our speech, service, worship, or behavior — excellence (Ihsan) must be the guiding principle.
Fulfilling Huquq-ul-Ibad (the rights of people) is a sacred responsibility. Breaking someone’s heart, deceiving a friend, or oppressing the weak — all these actions stain the very certificate we will one day present before our Lord.

Thus, a wise person never delays good deeds, for the time of death is unknown, and our record is being written every moment.

Public Servants — A Trust from Allah

Those who hold authority — doctors, officers, teachers, or administrators — must remember that their roles are a trust (Amanah) from Allah.
The Qur’an commands: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due.”
(Surah An-Nisa: 58)

A doctor who serves his patients with honesty, avoids unnecessary tests, and treats the sick with compassion is writing good deeds on his true death certificate.
Likewise, a government officer who uses his power to make people’s lives easier is fulfilling his divine duty.
But those who misuse their authority, cause hardship to others, or exploit their positions for personal gain are darkening their record in the eyes of Allah.

True leadership is not about power — it is about service, mercy, and justice.

Life Is a Gift — Death Is a Reminder

Death is not the end; it is a divine reminder that our time is limited. Every breath we take is an opportunity to do good, to mend our behavior, and to prepare our eternal record.
Each of us should ask ourselves daily:

Am I treating my family, neighbors, and co-workers with justice and kindness?

Do I ease others’ burdens, or do I become a cause of their pain?

Am I using my abilities to help others, or only for personal gain?

The answers to these questions shape the contents of our true death certificate — the one that will be opened when worldly certificates lose their value.

The Ultimate Goal — Success in the Sight of Allah

The beauty of life lies in doing everything with sincerity and excellence.
A true believer lives every day with the consciousness that one day he will stand before his Creator, presenting the record of his life.
Success in this world is temporary — but success in the sight of Allah is eternal.
If our true death certificate shows that we fulfilled the rights of others, served humanity, and acted with integrity, then we shall be among the successful.

But if our certificate bears the stains of deceit, arrogance, and injustice, then we have failed — no matter how rich, famous, or powerful we were.

Conclusion

Every human being’s final journey ends with two documents: one signed by the world, and one signed by Allah.
The world’s certificate states that life has ended; the divine certificate reveals how that life was lived.

Let us, therefore, strive to make our True Death Certificate a record of mercy, honesty, and compassion.

Let our actions be such that when our worldly death certificate is issued, our heavenly record already shines with divine approval.

Because worldly certificates expire, but the True Death Certificate in the sight of Allah will last forever.