The Beginning and the End Episode 17 The Reality of the Life of this World

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*The Beginning and the End*

*Episode 17*

*The Reality of the Life of this World*

Allah (Sub-haanahu wata'aala) has clarified to us the reality of the life of this world and has informed us that it is like a fleeting shadow. 

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the 

tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers [evil-doers]), and (there 

is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers [good-doers]), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment. [57:20]

He explained that it is a trial and that its delights would busy one (and cause them to forget Allah) therefore, one must be careful. Allah (Sub-haanahu wata'aala) says: 

So whatever you have been given is but a passing enjoyment for this worldly life, but that which is with Allah [Jannah] is better and more lasting for those who believe [in the Oneness of Allah, Islamic Monotheism] and put their trust in their Rubb (concerning all of their 

affairs). [42:36]

He explained that the life of this world is not permanent; rather it would lead one to eternal life. The life of this world is like a plot of fertile land. A person will harvest only that which 

he has planted: if good, he will receive good; if evil he will receive evil. Allah (Sub-haanahu wata'aala) says: 

And put forward to them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water [rain] which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allah is Able to do everything. *

 Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous 

deeds [five compulsory prayers, deeds of Allah's obedience, good and nice talk, remembrance of Allah with glorification, 

praises and thanks, etc.], that last, are better with your Rubb for rewards and better in respect of hope. [18:45-56]

Due to the inferiority of this world, Allah grants it to the kuffaar as well as the believers. Allah (Sub-haanahu wata'aala) says: 

And (remember) when Ibraheem [Abraham] said, ‘My Rubb, make this city [Makkah] a place of security and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day.’ He [Allah] answered: ‘As for him who disbelieves, I shall leave him in contentment for a while, then I shall compel him to the torment of the Fire, and worst indeed is that destination! [2:126]

He (Sub-haanahu wata'aala) also says: 

To each these as well as those We bestow from the Bounties of your Rubb. And the Bounties of your Rubb can never be forbidden. * See how We prefer one above 

another (in this world) and verily, the Hereafter will be greater in degrees and greater in preference. [17:20-21]

Sahl b. Sa’d (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) said: 

‘The Messenger of Allah () passed through Dhul-Hulaifah and saw a bloated carcass of a sheep, and said: ‘Isn’t this sheep worthless to its master?’ The Companions said: ‘Yes!’ He said: ‘By the one in Whose hands is my soul, this world is far more worthless to Allah than this to its master …

were this life equal to a wing of a fly, He would not have given the unbeliever a sip of water.’ [Haakim]

Allah (Sub-haanahu wata'aala) encourages us to seek the Hereafter and its bounties. He (Sub-haanahu wata'aala) says: 

Nay, you prefer the life of this world; *

 Although the Hereafter is better and more lasting. [87:16-7]

The Messenger of Allah (Blessings and Peace of ALLĀH be upon him) says: 

"By Allah, the life of this world compared to the Hereafter is like nothing but the likes of someone who dips his finger into this – and he pointed to the sea – let him see with what he returns with (how much water is on his finger 

as compared to the sea)." [Muslim]

No one will enjoy the bounties of the Hereafter except the best of the creation, those who Allah () chose and is pleased with. Allah (Sub-haanahu wata'aala) says: 

As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah and fears Him. *And believes in Al-Husna [Islam]. *We will make smooth for him the path of ease [goodness].

* But he who is greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient. *

 And gives the lie to al-Husna [Islam]. *

 We will make smooth for him the path for evil. [92:5-10]

This does not mean that one must become a monk and leave all the good and permissible things in this life from food, drink, clothes, and sex. Allah (Sub-haanahu wata'aala) says: 

Say (O Muhammad): ‘Who has forbidden the adoration with clothes given by Allah, which He has produced for his slaves, and At-Tayyibaat [all kinds of Halaal (lawful) things] of food?’ [7:32]

The Messenger of Allah (Blessings and Peace of ALLĀH be upon) said: 

“A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than a weak believer, and in each one there is good. Be keen to do what benefits you and seek help in Allah, and do not be neglectful in doing so. And if any mishap befalls you, do not say, ‘If only I had done such and such,’

but rather say, ‘This is the Qadar of Allah, and whatever He Wills He does [Qaddarullaah, wa maa shaa fa‘al],’ for indeed (the saying of) ‘if’ opens the door for Shaytaan’s works.”

[Muslim]

What the Deen commands is that we be moderate in our lifestyles. Allah (Sub-haanahu wata'aala) says: 

And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift), so that you become blameworthy and in severe poverty. *Truly, your Rubb enlarges the provision for whom He wills and straitens (for whom He wills). Verily, He is Ever All-Knower, All-Seer of His slaves. [17:29-30]

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