Feeling the approach of death, a wise and rich elderly man called his son and punished him:
- Son, very soon I will leave you and this entire earthly world. On the day that I return to my Creator, in whom I have selflessly relied and served all these years; when my body is washed and wrapped in a kafan, I want an old, worn sock to be put on one of my feet. This is my last request to you.
Soon after this conversation, the elder tasted death, leaving behind all his property and wealth, his family, in a word, everything earthly. A lot of people gathered at his funeral - numerous relatives and friends, friends, just acquaintances and neighbors. His body had been properly washed and was almost completely wrapped in the kafan when his son remembered his father's last request. Quickly finding one of his old socks, he handed it to the washer with the words:
— In accordance with my father's last request, please put this sock on his foot.
“But this is impossible,” answered the surprised washer. “This is not allowed by religion, and I cannot act contrary to the Code of the Sacred Law.”
Despite this compelling argument, the son began to beg and insist:
- But, understand, this was my father’s last request, and it undoubtedly must be respected.
The washer was adamant.
“Young man, if you don’t believe me that you can’t do this,” he answered, “then let’s ask knowledgeable people.” They will all unanimously confirm to you that wearing a sock is not allowed.
Delaying the funeral, they went to seek a solution to this dilemma from people well versed in subtle religious issues. They all assured that such an order could not be carried out, since it did not comply with Islamic burial standards. And then an elderly friend of the deceased interrupted the ensuing debate, addressing the son of the deceased:
- Young man. Your dad entrusted me with a letter, which I must give to you after his death during his funeral. Please take it.
With these words, the man handed him the envelope. The son of the deceased opened the envelope with amazement and began to read his father’s message.
“My dear son, I bequeathed to you the bulk of my fortune. Now judge for yourself, at the last moment they won’t even allow you to let me wear just one old, worn sock. And when one day you also find yourself in my situation - I pray that this will happen only after many, many years - then they, too, will not allow you to take anything to your grave except your kafan. This is all that you can take from this transitory world to the Future Life. So think about this, and prepare wisely for your departure. Don't waste your inheritance. Use the wealth that I left you not to satisfy your empty desires, but on a Path that will please Allah and which will lead you to happiness and grace, so that you will thus achieve respect in both worlds.”
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru