Not Even a Pair of Old Socks!

09:05 - 2021/12/02

After we die, of the worldly belongings we will take nothing but the shrouding cloth. Nothing will avail us but our deeds.

Not Even a Pair of Old Socks!

According to a thought provoking story, a wealthy and at the same time generous and charitable man made a will to his son as follows,

My dear son! After I die, put a pair of old socks on my feet! I would like to have them on in the grave!

After the father died and his body was carried to the mortuary, when they were about to give ghusl to the corpse and shroud it, the son informed the clergyman leading the procession of his father’s will. The clergyman objected and said,

According to religious rules, nothing should be put on a dead person except the shrouding cloth (i.e. kafan).

The son insisted that his father’s will be executed and his last request be fulfilled. Religious scholars of the city gathered together and this issue became a subject of debate. While they all were vehemently arguing, someone entered and gave the son a letter. Upon opening it, he realized it was from his late father. The letter read,

My dear son! As you can see, despite all my wealth, I cannot take with me to the grave even one pair of old socks. One day death will come to you as well! Beware! You will not take with you more than the shrouding cloth. Therefore, do your best to make proper use of the wealth you inherit. Use it for giving charity, helping the poor, and doing good deeds; since, what you will take with you will be only your deeds!

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