The days are rapidly advancing, and he has a long journey to make.
Through each passing hour, though unwary of what he might meet with, he stands firm, indulged in his desires. He’s a stranger on this land, yet so confident, that luxury is his need, amusement is all he desires, fame and money is his pleasure, his property is his family, this world is his goal. Mornings, though supposed to be spent seeking guidance, are spent ignorantly attaining worldly gains. And, nights, though supposed to be spent in vigil pleading for forgiveness from his Lord and seeking for provision for the coming day, are spent heedlessly sleeping, dreaming about getting richer, happier, yet apathetic about any unknown peril that might befall him.
Yet, he treads the path of life purposefully, finding amusement in everything he comes across, that he equips himself with the latest gadgets to capture his delightful experiences with life, dons his choicest clothes best suiting each occasion, socializes with people, trying to impress them with his dashing personality, leaving them just to sing his praises after he has left, updates the world about how wonderfully his life treats him, by means of facebook, twitter, blogs, and any other social network he can get his hands on. After all, he loves being in the spotlight. This life, for him, is a competition, for fame, money, property, possessions, attention, and he is a mere competitor to all others around him. He aims at bettering his life in comparison to those above him. Those below him, the poor are not ignored though, he gives them charity, trying to always keep the amount more than what his fellow competitors give. Not that his life is a bliss. He too, has gone through difficulties, but, the ups and downs in life are taken as only means to develop himself. His journey has become more like a trip, and he, a stranger, has become more like a tourist.
But, his journey is set on being a journey, and not becoming a trip. It is resolute in having an end, and not desirous of eternity. It has been written for him, no matter what route he takes, whether he blooms in indulgence or rots in loneliness, its end is determined. His “trip” will never last forever, his fame is not destined for infinity, his possessions will not always be his, the praises he gets from people might turn into curses, because, people change. What guarantee, then, can he give to life? Death is written for him.
“Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.”
(The Noble Qur’an, Surah Ale ‘Imran, 3:185)
So, let’s not forget that we’re mere strangers, and this life is merely a journey (yet, the only one we’re ever to make on this earth). Let’s make this journey, a happy one, heedful of our purpose, which is to worship our Lord alone, the way He should be worshiped, seeking His guidance on every step, pleading for His forgiveness, avoiding what He forbade and doing what He commanded, cautious of what can derail us, attempting to preserve ourselves through the trials of the day and the night, with the Qur’an, the Word of Allah subhanahu wa ta’aala, and the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), our guide, we should make every attempt at bettering our life not in comparison to those above us in fame, money or looks, but seeking to be like those above us in piety, God-consciousness, and good deeds.
Let’s make our Lord’s Pleasure our main goal, and the journey of this life only a means to getting to our goal. And, remind ourselves that, Paradise is what we truly desire. Don’t we?
Part of this post reminds me of the dua in Maher Zain’s song, titled Muhammad (pbuh). Like!
Oops my mistake. The correct song title should be Guide me all the Way :]
Oh, nice! I don’t know the song, though. JazakAllahu Khayran for dropping in.