The Final Words Of The Scholars At The Onset Of Death

In this profound and reflective work, the author al-Ḥāfiẓ Ibn Zabr رحمه الله compiles a moving collection of narrations concerning the final moments of the Prophets, the Companions, and the scholars from the righteous early generations. Through these reports, the reader is presented with their final counsels, words of wisdom, and heartfelt reflections as they approached death—moments that offer deep spiritual lessons and powerful reminders of the Hereafter.

Al-Dhahabī رحمه الله praised Ibn Zabr in Tadhkirat al-Ḥuffāẓ, stating:

“He was the erudite ḥāfiẓ and author Abū Sulaymān, the muḥaddith of Damascus and the son of its judge.”

Ibn Zabr himself narrated:

“Abū Jaʿfar al-Ṭaḥāwī reviewed some of the works I authored and was impressed by them. He said to me, ‘O Abū Sulaymān, those of your kind—meaning the scholars of ḥadīth—are the chemists, while those of our kind—meaning the scholars of fiqh—are the doctors.’”

Al-Kattānī رحمه الله said:

“Many scholars narrated from him, and he would dictate ḥadīth in the Jāmiʿ Mosque. He was a thiqah (reliable) narrator—noble and dependable. He authored a book entitled al-Wafiyāt, which became widely known and frequently mentioned.”

He further related from Abū Naṣr ibn al-Jabbān that Ibn Zabr said he once saw Allah, the Exalted, in his sleep, describing the vision as a manifestation of light.

ʿAbd al-Ḥayy ibn al-ʿImād al-Ḥanbalī رحمه الله wrote in Shadharāt al-Dhahab regarding the events of the year 379 AH:

“Among those who passed away was Abū Sulaymān Ibn Zabr. He was a muḥaddith, a ḥāfiẓ, a thiqah narrator, and a highly respected individual. He authored a number of beneficial works.”

This book stands as a valuable contribution to Islamic literature, offering timeless lessons drawn from the final moments of the most virtuous generations and serving as a source of reflection, humility, and spiritual awakening.