Why do some people flee from the remembrance of death?

The concept of death and the life hereafter is one of the most fundamental truths repeatedly emphasized in the Holy Quran. However, many people tend to shy away from the remembrance of death and contemplating it. This aversion to death has deep psychological and spiritual roots, some of which are addressed in the Quran. One of the primary reasons for this evasion is humanity's intense attachment to the worldly life (Dunya) and its fleeting pleasures. Humans are naturally inclined towards what is material and tangible, and the allurements of this world, including wealth, power, beauty, and status, can so engross a person that they become oblivious to the ultimate and eternal truth. The Quran repeatedly speaks about the transient nature of this world and the permanence of the Hereafter, often admonishing this excessive attachment to Dunya. Through self-deception, individuals tend to perceive their lives as very long, nurturing false hopes for a distant future in this world. This 'tul al-amal,' or prolonged hopes, distances them from the reality of death, making them believe they have ample time for repentance, rectifying mistakes, and preparing for the Hereafter. Another reason is the heedlessness (Ghaflah) that stems from worldly preoccupations. Daily routines, entertainment, and the relentless pursuit of livelihood can so immerse an individual that they find no opportunity to reflect on their ultimate destination. This heedlessness creates a veil between a person and the truth of death, preventing them from preparing for it. Satan (Shaytan) also plays a significant role in this regard. The Quran frequently mentions Satan's whispers, whose aim is to mislead humans and divert them from the remembrance of God and the Hereafter. Satan, by making false promises and embellishing the world in human eyes, pushes them towards sin and heedlessness, preventing them from thinking about the consequences of their actions. He desires for people to be so consumed by worldly pleasures that they do not even find time to contemplate death, and consequently, remain unprepared for it. Furthermore, the fear of the unknown and the dread of accountability for one's deeds are other reasons for shunning the remembrance of death. Death is a gateway to a realm of which humans have no direct experience. This unfamiliarity can inherently be frightening. Moreover, for those who have performed few good deeds or committed many sins, death signifies facing divine accountability and the repercussions of their actions. This fear of punishment, or of losing the chance to make amends, leads individuals to prefer not to dwell on this grim reality. The Quran repeatedly highlights the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance and returning to God, encouraging believers to hold themselves accountable before divine reckoning. Finally, the remembrance of death can be bitter and sorrowful, as it reminds individuals of losing loved ones and leaving behind all that they have acquired in this world. This emotional aspect also leads some people to prefer avoiding this thought to escape its grief and sadness. However, in Islamic teachings, the remembrance of death is not merely a deterrent or a frightening factor but is presented as an awakening and an impetus for improving life and performing righteous deeds. A person who remembers death is less enslaved by the allure of the world, thinks more about the Hereafter, hastens to do good, and shuns sins. For this reason, the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) constantly advise Muslims not to be heedless of death, considering it a bridge to eternal felicity. This reminder helps individuals properly set their life priorities and understand that the ultimate purpose of creation is not merely to enjoy this world, but to prepare for an everlasting life in the proximity of divine mercy. Thus, fleeing from the remembrance of death is, in essence, fleeing from an unavoidable truth and losing an opportunity for spiritual growth and perfection.