WHEN THE GOAL IS THE HEREAFTER, THE WEARINESS OF THIS WORLD BECOMES A REMINDER
There are moments in life when one pauses, looks back at the journey travelled so far, and asks some deeply personal questions: What was the true purpose of my life? What have I spent my precious days pursuing? And what has left my heart and soul so tired?
Perhaps these questions become more meaningful when we distinguish between what we seek in this world and where we are ultimately destined to go.
The world demands our time, energy, ambitions and attention. We spend years pursuing success, wealth, recognition, positions and possessions. Yet, sooner or later, we realise that everything we accumulate here is temporary. None of it can accompany us beyond the grave.
The Qur’an gives us a profound reminder:
“Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So whoever is saved from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has certainly succeeded.”
— Qur’an 3:185
This verse places worldly success in its proper perspective. True success is not merely about what we acquire during our lifetime; it is about what we prepare for the life that follows.
Allah also reminds us:
“Know that the life of this world is only play, amusement, adornment, boasting among yourselves, and competition in wealth and children…”
— Qur’an 57:20
The Prophet Muhammad PBUH further taught us:
“Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveller.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 6416
A traveller never mistakes a temporary resting place for his final destination.
Duniya is our journey; it is not our final home.
This understanding does not ask us to abandon our responsibilities, families, professions or aspirations. Rather, it reminds us to put them in their rightful place. We must work honestly, fulfil our responsibilities, serve humanity, care for our families and strive for a better life—but without allowing the temporary attractions of this world to become the permanent purpose of our hearts.
Perhaps the tiredness that we sometimes experience is not merely physical. Perhaps, somewhere deep within us, the soul is asking:
“Am I spending my life preparing for the place where I will actually remain?”
That question can change the way we look at life.
Our struggles can become Sabr.
Our blessings can become Shukr.
Our honest efforts can become Ibadah.
Our service to humanity can become a means of earning Allah’s pleasure.
And our worldly journey can become preparation for the Aakhirah.
One day, the noise of this world will fall silent.
Our positions will remain behind.
Our possessions will remain behind.
The applause will remain behind.
And we will stand before our Creator with only what we have sent ahead.
Therefore, perhaps the most important question is not how much of the world we have gained, but how much of our life we have lived in a way that prepares us for the Hereafter.
As I reflect upon my own journey, I pray that whatever remains of my life is spent with greater purpose—with faith, humility, service, gratitude and a sincere desire to seek Allah’s pleasure.
May Allah make the remainder of our lives better than what has passed, forgive our shortcomings, accept our deeds, bring peace to our hearts, guide us towards what pleases Him, and grant us Jannah through His infinite mercy. Ameen. 🤲
Goal: The Hereafter
Tired: The Worldly Life
Hope: Allah’s Mercy
Destination: Jannah, InshaAllah
— Reyaz Alam
Social Worker | Senior Corporate Professional | Motivational Speaker
Comments
Post a Comment