Life of This World

This world is nothing but a journey for humans; however, we always forget that. We are too involved in this life, trying to gather as much riches as possible and making a name for ourselves. Those who spend their lives devoted blindly to worldly goods, will realize that they consumed all their lives chasing illusions. We all know one day we will die, but it is difficult for us to comprehend. Many of us will only realize our true purpose of life on earth after we die. At that point it will be too late, we will be begging Allah to give us another chance to do everything right. Most of us are very attached to this world and are scared of the idea that we have to leave everything behind.

Death is inevitable, it will happen sooner or later; no one can escape death. Why do we keep trying to gather as much materialistic goods as possible when we know that we cannot take any of it with us to grave? No matter how much wealth a person has, he/she is never satisfied with it; Our whole life goes by trying to gain wealth and fame. The Prophet (PBUH) saying, "If the son of Adam (the human being) had two valley of money, he would wish for a third, for nothing can fill the belly of Adam's son except dust, and Allah forgives him who repents to Him.". Even if a person has all the wealth in the world, as long as he/she does not have faith in Allah, life is very empty and meaningless. The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Riches does not mean, having a great amount of property, but riches is self-contentment."

None of the materialistic wealth gathered during the time in this world will help us or will come of use after we die. Many individuals know this but they still devote much of their life gathering as much as wealth as possible. People need to be concerned more about gaining good deeds and pleasing Allah because these deeds are the ones that are going to save them from the hell fire. The Prophet (PBUH) said, "When carried to his grave, a dead person is followed by three, two of which return (after his burial) and one remains with him: his relative, his property, and his deeds follow him; relatives and his property go back while his deeds remain with him."

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Be in the world as if you were a stranger or a wayfarer. When you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive till the morning; and when you survive till the morning do not except to be alive till the evening; (Do good deeds) when your are in good health before you fall sick, and (do good deeds) as long as you are alive before death strikes.” Death comes when least expected, therefore, a person needs to be prepared at all times. Many individuals postpone good deeds or becoming a better Muslim for another time. Some think, ‘When I am old I will be better Muslim’, however, only Allah knows if they will even make it to old age. Being alive today is not guaranteed, how can one expect tomorrow to be guaranteed. It is important to be in remembrance of Allah at all times, and asking for forgiveness for past sins and guidance to the straight path. In Surah al Ra’d Ayah 20, Allah says, “The life of this world is nothing but a flitting pleasure”. Life of this world will pass by quickly, one should be more concerned about permanent life. What we plant here in this life, we reap in the next life. Actions in this world will determine one’s destination after death. In Surah al Al’a, Allah says, “But may you prefer the life of this world although the life to come is better and more enduring". Just as a traveler who does not make a motel that he is visiting his home, a true believer should not imagine this world to be his real home and act as if he will live here forever.