Why Do Some People Die Young?

From the perspective of the Holy Quran, the matters of life and death, including the length of an individual's lifespan, are fundamentally part of Allah's divine decree (*Qadar*) and preordained destiny (*Qada*). The Quran explicitly states that every soul has an appointed term (*ajal*) – a specific, fixed time for its worldly life to conclude – which no one can hasten or delay. This concept of *ajal* is reiterated in several Quranic verses, emphasizing that the determination of the time of death rests entirely within the infinite knowledge and will of Allah, and this absolute will manifests within His boundless wisdom. One of the most pivotal verses in this regard is Surah Al-Imran (3:145), which states: "*And it is not [possible] for a soul to die except by permission of Allah as a decree from Him, pre-ordained.*" This verse clearly indicates that the death of any individual, even if it occurs in youth or childhood, is not accidental. Instead, it is predetermined in Allah's knowledge and occurs by His permission. This belief is rooted in one of the core pillars of Islamic faith: belief in Allah's divine decree (*Qada* and *Qadar*). Accepting this principle brings tranquility to the believer, as they understand that every calamity, even the loss of loved ones in their prime, is not outside the realm of Allah's wise will. This perspective guides individuals towards submission to Divine Will and acceptance of His hidden wisdoms, saving them from despair and hopelessness. Another verse that strongly affirms this truth and sheds light upon it is Surah Fatir (35:11): "*And Allah created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop; then He made you pairs. And no female conceives or delivers except with His knowledge. And no aged person is granted [additional] life nor is his lifespan lessened but that it is in a register. Indeed, that, for Allah, is easy.*" This verse directly addresses the topic of long and short lifespans (being granted additional life or having one's lifespan lessened) and explicitly states that all of this is recorded in a primordial book (the Preserved Tablet or *Lawh Mahfuz*). This implies that from the divine perspective, no death, whether premature or delayed, is outside His decree and will. This verse provides a comprehensive picture of Allah's pervasive power and knowledge, encompassing all details of creation and the destiny of beings, including the most precise aspects of human life, namely their lifespan. Understanding this invites humans to accept divine wisdom in all aspects of life. The Holy Quran describes this world as a realm of test and trial. Every individual's life, regardless of its duration, is a field for divine testing and probation. In this view, a long or short life does not signify superiority or deficiency; rather, it is an opportunity for servitude, attaining piety, and performing righteous deeds. Sometimes, divine wisdom may necessitate that an individual with a short life undergoes profound trials and attains high ranks with Allah. These individuals, through patience in illness or life's difficulties, or even through martyrdom, can achieve a status in a short time that might not be possible for others in a longer life. Conversely, a person's life might be shortened to prevent them from further deviation or committing greater sins, thereby safeguarding them from falling to lower degrees. These are all wisdoms that only Allah encompasses, and their full comprehension is beyond human grasp, as human knowledge is limited and cannot penetrate the depths of all dimensions of divine decree. In Surah Al-Mulk (67:2), Allah states: "*He who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed.*" This verse defines the purpose of the creation of life and death as a test for good deeds, not the length of life, thereby prioritizing the quality of actions. This means that the criterion for success in life, from the Quranic perspective, is not its duration, but the quality of deeds and the extent of piety and servitude. Therefore, from a Quranic standpoint, early death is not a sign of injustice or unfairness; instead, it is a manifestation of Allah's will and divine management, which is always based on absolute justice, mercy, and wisdom. Humanity's duty in the face of these truths is to believe in *Qada* and *Qadar*, to be patient and submissive to Allah's will, and to strive for righteousness at every age. A believer must understand that every event in the universe occurs by the permission and knowledge of the Almighty, and there is wisdom behind it, sometimes evident and sometimes hidden. This perspective brings tranquility and frees individuals from futile worries about what is beyond their control. Ultimately, what truly matters in the sight of Allah is not the length of life, but the quality of faith and the righteous deeds performed during one's existence, whether short or long. Death is not an end but a bridge to the eternal life of the Hereafter, where everyone will be recompensed or punished according to their deeds, and Allah never allows the reward of good-doers to be lost. This understanding of *ajal* and divine decree helps believers to remain patient and steadfast in their faith when faced with calamities and the loss of loved ones, especially the young. They recognize that Allah is too Merciful to act without wisdom, and that every occurrence, no matter how tragic it may seem, contains a hidden good and divine purpose, even if our limited intellects cannot comprehend it. Thus, the answer to why some die young ultimately points back to Allah's profound wisdom and His immutable decree, which transcends human detailed understanding. Embracing this belief is an integral part of a Muslim's complete faith. This perspective teaches us to focus not on 'why' regarding the timing of death, but on 'how' to live during our allotted time, preparing the best provisions for our eternal journey. This Quranic outlook not only makes the acceptance of death easier but also makes life more purposeful, giving individuals a strong motivation to utilize every moment, knowing that any breath might be their last.