[TravelMan]

The deceased was a 51 year old man (May Allah grant him His Forgiveness) who died just suddenly after complaining of a headache for a few days. 7 days ago he was jolly and happy at a nephews wedding, now he is in the ground. It never ceases to amaze me that we live in this world with the shadow of death hanging over us constantly and it is the end of all our dreams and hopes of achieving 'something' in this world. I cannot make up my mind if knowing that we can die at any moment is liberating or constricting. We cannot really make any long or short plans, if we are constantly aware of our approaching death how can we live in this world without becoming paralysed and isolated from the rest of humanity?

it is liberating.

for we know that in Islam we are asked to work towards our goals using the means possible. to give it our best yet not over do it for we also know that results arent in our hands.
even if one strives for a great truly islamic empire from scratch all their life but dies right before it is formally created - it will not be a loss. for the person would earn the reward for it in his grave and in Hereafter.
It is this core belief that makes islam liberating.