Introduction
Human beings naturally love life and
fear death. This fear is part of human nature, and sometimes it drives people
to search for every possible way to escape danger, believing that caution or
escape can save them.
However, the Qur’an reminds us of a
profound truth: life and death are in the hands of Allah alone, and no
matter how much a person tries to escape from destiny, they cannot escape the
decree of Allah.
Among the remarkable stories
mentioned in the Qur’an that teach this lesson is the story of a group of
people who left their homes in great numbers, fleeing from death. Yet their
attempt to escape became a powerful lesson for humanity. Allah says:
“Have you not considered those who
left their homes in thousands, fearing death? Allah said to them, ‘Die,’ and
then He restored them to life. Indeed, Allah is full of bounty to the people,
but most of the people are not grateful.”
(Qur’an 2:243)
Though the verse is brief, it
carries deep meanings about faith, destiny, life, and death.
The Story
Long ago, during the time of the
Children of Israel, there was a town where thousands of people lived. Life
was normal until a severe plague spread throughout the land.
The disease began taking lives one
after another, and fear slowly filled the hearts of the people. They watched
death approaching and began to ask themselves:
How can we survive?
How can we protect our lives?
After discussing among themselves,
they made a decision: they would leave their land and escape to another
place where the disease had not spread.
They believed that by leaving, they
could avoid death.
Thus, thousands of them left
their homes, as described in the Qur’an:
“Have you not considered those who
left their homes in thousands, fearing death…”
Some narrations mention that they
were around four thousand people. They traveled together through the
open lands and deserts, convinced that they had escaped the danger.
Eventually, they reached a wide
and open valley, where they settled. The valley became filled with people
from one side to the other. They believed they were finally safe.
But they forgot an essential truth:
No one can escape the decree of Allah.
At that moment, the command of Allah
came.
Allah sent two angels, one
standing at the upper end of the valley and the other at the lower end. They
called out with a single mighty cry.
And in one instant…
They all died.
Not one by one, but all together,
like the death of a single man. The valley that had been full of life
suddenly became silent and still.
Days passed, then years. Their
bodies decayed, and their remains became dry, scattered bones. People
later gathered the remains, placed them in enclosures, and built walls and
graves around them. With time, their bones scattered and almost disappeared.
After a long period had passed, a
prophet from the prophets of the Children of Israel passed by that place. His
name was Ezekiel (Hizqil).
When he saw the countless scattered
bones, he asked Allah to show him a sign of His power and to bring these people
back to life through him.
Allah answered his prayer.
Allah commanded him to call out:
“O worn-out bones, Allah
commands you to gather together.”
Before his eyes, the bones began to
move. Each bone returned to its place, joining the other bones of the body it
once belonged to, until complete skeletons were formed.
Then Allah commanded him to call
again:
“O bones, Allah commands you to be
covered with flesh, tendons, and skin.”
And as he watched, flesh covered the
bones, and bodies were formed once again.
Then Allah commanded him a third
time:
“O spirits, Allah commands
each of you to return to the body you once inhabited.”
At that moment, life returned to the
bodies.
They rose again—alive after a long
death—looking at one another in amazement, glorifying Allah and saying:
“Glory be to You, O our Lord. There
is no god except You.”
They had witnessed with their own
eyes the power of Allah.
For this reason, Allah concludes the
verse:
“Indeed, Allah is full of bounty to
the people, but most of the people are not grateful.”
This event was a clear sign of
Allah’s power to resurrect the dead and a powerful proof that the
resurrection on the Day of Judgment is true.
Lessons and Values
- No one can escape the decree of
Allah.
Life and death are entirely in His hands. - Caution alone cannot prevent
destiny.
These people fled from death, yet death reached them instantly. - Belief in resurrection after
death.
This story is clear evidence that Allah has the power to bring the dead back to life. - The absolute power of Allah.
Allah can restore life even after bodies have turned into bones. - The importance of gratitude.
Allah shows people many signs, yet many fail to be grateful. - Trials are part of life.
Diseases and hardships can be tests of faith and patience.
Discussion
First: Comprehension Questions
- Who were the people mentioned
in the verse?
- Why did they leave their homes?
- Approximately how many people
were they according to the narrations?
- What happened to them when they
reached the valley?
- Which prophet prayed to Allah
to bring them back to life?
Second: Thinking and Analysis Questions
- Why did these people believe
escaping would save them from death?
- What lesson do we learn from
the fact that they all died at once?
- How does this story demonstrate
Allah’s power to resurrect the dead?
- What connection does this story
have with belief in divine destiny (Qadar)?
Third: Values and Lessons Questions
- What does this story teach us
about trusting Allah?
- Why should people always be
grateful to Allah?
- How should a believer deal with
the fear of death?
- What lesson do we learn from
the verse:
“But most of the people are not grateful.”
Fourth: Open Discussion Questions
- How can a person combine taking
precautions with trusting Allah?
- What is the difference between
wise caution and fear that leads to avoidance of responsibility?
- How do stories from the Qur’an
strengthen a person’s faith?
A Final Word
Dear young people,
A person may sometimes fear the
future, illness, failure, or even death. Some may think that safety comes from
running away from difficulties.
But this story teaches us a powerful
truth:
Our lives are in the hands of Allah.
A believer should not live in constant
fear. Instead, they should live with a heart that trusts Allah, working
hard, taking the necessary precautions, and striving for success—while knowing
that everything ultimately happens by the decree of Allah.
Always remember:
Whoever relies on Allah will never
be abandoned by Him.
And when you witness the blessings
and signs of Allah in your life, be among the grateful, not among those
about whom Allah said:
“But most of the people are not
grateful.”
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