Page 36 - Devoted to Allah

DEVOTED TO ALLAH

count of his deeds. This being the case, one must already
start acting in that light. Indeed, a believer always acts in
the light of the idea of the nearness of Hell, considering
that he can, at any moment, go to the Hereafter. On nu-
merous occasions Allah reveals in the Qur’an the fact that
any regret felt in the Hereafter will be in vain. One of the
relevant verses is as follows:

There they will shout out: “Our Lord! Take us out! We
will act rightly, differently from the way we used to
act!” But He will answer: “Did We not let you live long
enough for anyone who was going to pay heed? And
did not the warner come to you? Have a taste of it then!
There shall be no helper for the wrongdoers.” (Surah
Fatir: 37)

On the other hand, just as we strive to stay away from
danger, we need to devote similar and even greater efforts
to attaining blessings. It is surely unwise to feel contented
with having less in Paradise. When leaving an island
abounding in gold, would you not take as much gold as
possible with you if you had the opportunity? When the
time comes to depart this world, a believer should not feel
regret and say, “I wish I had done such and such a thing”
or “I wish I had gained the rewards from doing a particu-
lar righteous deed.” To avoid this situation, he should be
cautious to choose what pleases Allah most.
Disbelievers do their best to “make the most” of their
lives, which is nothing but “a brief enjoyment” (Surah Al
‘Imran: 197). While this “brief enjoyment” is doomed to a
bitter end, Allah promises His approval, mercy and
Paradise for believers. A believer, who wishes to avail

34