Silsilah as-Sahihah 2342 — Example of man's death and his hopes

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Sa'id Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) placed a stick in front of him, another to one side, and then, a little farther away, placed a third stick. He then said: "Do you know what this is?" The companions said: Allah and His Messenger know best. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "This is man, this is his death, and that is his hopes. He keeps pursuing his desires, but before he can attain them, death seizes him."