Dhul-Qarnayn was his mother's only son

It is narrated that Dhul-Qarnayn was his mother's only son.

As we all know, he traveled to the east and west of the earth, achieved victories, and invited people to the truth.

When he reached Babylon, he was struck by a severe illness and sensed that his life was nearing its end. In that moment, the only thought on his mind was how much grief his mother would feel at his death. So, he sent his mother a large ram and a letter, which said:

"Mother, this world is temporary, and every soul has an appointed time, and a fixed lifespan. If you receive news of my death, then slaughter this ram, cook its meat, and prepare a meal. Then invite people to come and eat — except for anyone who has lost a loved one; they should not come."

When his mother received news of his death, she fulfilled his will — she slaughtered the ram, prepared the food, and invited the people, just as her son had instructed. But she was astonished to find that no one came to eat.

It was then that she understood: there is no one in this world who has not lost someone dear to them.

She understood her son's message and said:

"May Allah have mercy on you, my son! Even in your death, you taught me as much as you did in your life."

Trials always come, because this world is not a place of reunion — it is a place of separation. This world is not a place to stay forever, but a temporary stop. And death is not the opposite of life — it is a part of it.

We grieve because we are human. We ache because we love. We break because we are human. And we grow weak because we depend so deeply on those we love. But we must accept Allah’s decisions with reverence. Anger and frustration do not change fate — but patience and contentment increase the reward.