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Empty Hands – The Reality of Life

Alexander III (aka Alexander the great), the king of Macedon  was the most powerful military learder and conqueror of the ancient world. By the age of 30 he had created one of the largest empires stretching over 3000 miles from Greece to India. He is known to have undefeated in battle and is considered one of history’s most successful commanders.

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During his last hours on his deathbed, Alexander told his generals, “After my death when you put my body in the casket, let my arms dangle over the edges with my palms wide open, so the public see my empty hands while I am leaving the world”. The generals did as was told. Many dignitaries who came to the funeral were surprised to see his arms out of the casket with his palms wide open. Upon enquiring they were told “Alexander wanted to show that when he ruled the World, great treasures of gold, silver and wealth came to be under his possession, yet indeed he is leaving the World empty handed” (Writing of JC Pinkerton)

On his deathbed Alexander realized his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword and the treasures of wealth he had accumulated during his entire life were of no use, and he had to leave them in this World.

Lesson to Learn: This is the reality of this life. We come to this World empty handed and will leave this World empty handed. Verily, the wisest person is he who prepares himself for the life after death by obeying the Creator’s commands in best of manners as we all return to God after we die. Always remember the only things that go with us after death are our deeds.

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11 Responses to Empty Hands – The Reality of Life

  1. Saad April 7, 2014 at 2:12 AM #

    Good thought provoking story

  2. Samra April 3, 2014 at 9:58 AM #

    Abu Hurairah narrated that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

    “When a man dies, his good deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and righteous offspring who will pray for him.” (Muslim)

  3. nazmat1 March 31, 2014 at 1:07 PM #

    Thanks, a good one

  4. Bhawani Prasad November 5, 2013 at 5:52 PM #

    When one comes to earth he brings his own body with him but while saying good bye to the world he never takes his own body himself so make you name into fame so that you will be remembered for ever

  5. hussein kanah October 2, 2013 at 9:51 PM #

    True. Wecome and go empty -handed.

  6. j shehabi September 29, 2013 at 6:34 AM #

    It is prudent to have a balanced lifestyle, i.e. to “Do for this world as if you are living for ever, and do for the next world as if you are dying tomorrow.”
    We are indeed entitled to legitimate enjoyment in this world, and to “conduct business as usual even at the onset of Qiyamah,” but we should do so within the framework set out by Almighty God, i.e. to be pious and not to transgress the rights of others.

  7. isa September 23, 2013 at 3:14 PM #

    nice.

    one of your better shares.

    keep it up 🙂

  8. sharif123 September 23, 2013 at 1:40 PM #

    Fortunately, he did not meet a marwari businessman.