People ceaselessly pursue knowledge, wealth, status, and success in this world. Society often considers the rich, the influential, or the highly educated to be the most intelligent. But Islam has established a different and deeper criterion for human intelligence. The person who remembers the inevitable reality of death, accounts for their own deeds, and prepares for success in the hereafter — the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recognized true wisdom and intelligence in such a person.
The identity of the truly intelligent
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): A man asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), “Who is the best among the believers?” He replied, “The one whose character is the best.” Then he was asked, “Who is the most intelligent?” He replied:
أَكْثَرُهُمْ لِلْمَوْتِ ذِكْرًا، وَأَحْسَنُهُمْ لِمَا بَعْدَهُ اسْتِعْدَادًا، أُولَئِكَ الْأَكْيَاسُ
“Those who remember death the most and prepare best for the life after it — they are the truly intelligent.” (Ibn Majah 4259)
The teaching of the Quran
Allah the Almighty says:
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ۖ ثُمَّ إِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ
“Every soul shall taste death. Then to Us you will be returned.” (Surah Al-Ankabut: Verse 57)
Allah the Almighty also says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَلْتَنْظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ
“O you who believe! Fear Allah, and let every soul look to what it has sent forth for tomorrow. And fear Allah; verily Allah is aware of what you do.” (Surah Al-Hashr: Verse 18)
Why is remembering death essential?
Remembering death softens the heart, removes arrogance, turns one away from sin, and inspires eagerness for righteous deeds. A person who knows that every action will be accounted for before Allah refrains from wrongdoing and becomes attentive to worship, honesty, justice, and service to humanity.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said:
أَكْثِرُوا ذِكْرَ هَاذِمِ اللَّذَّاتِ
“Remember frequently the destroyer of pleasures [i.e., death].” (Tirmidhi 2307, Nasai 1824)
The life of this world is temporary, but the hereafter is eternal. Therefore, the truly intelligent person is one who, rather than being absorbed in the fleeting allure of this world, prepares for eternal life.
In Islam’s view, true intelligence is not limited to worldly knowledge or success; rather, directing one’s life toward earning Allah’s pleasure is true wisdom. Remembering death is not a matter of despair but rather keeps a person steadfast on the righteous path, away from sin, and motivated to build a life oriented toward the hereafter. Let us each take account of our deeds, repent to Allah, and prepare for that day when neither wealth nor children will avail — only faith and righteous deeds will benefit us. May Allah include us all among His truly intelligent servants. Amin.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report