Page 60 - Unawareness: A Sly Threat

58 UNAWARENESS: A SLY THREAT

combined, made ready for those who believe in Allah
and His Messengers. That is Allah’s favor, which He
gives to those whom He wills. His favor is indeed
immense. (Surat al-Hadid: 21)
One common characteristic of those who cannot con-
ceive of the Hereafter and those who are unaware is that their
worldly position and possessions can never satisfy them.
They have a passion for these things, even though all of these
supposedly valuable things do not bring happiness or save
them from pain and sorrow. Every worldly possession grows
old, decays, and is eventually destroyed, even one’s own
body. For this reason, they always worry that what they value
will be damaged or stolen. Allah warns them that such things
will last only for a very short time and will not benefit them:
(The believer said:) “O my people, the life of this world is
only fleeting enjoyment. The Hereafter is the abode of
permanence.” (Surah Ghafir: 39)
To men, the love of worldly appetites is painted in glow-
ing colors: women and children, heaped-up mounds of
gold and silver, horses with fine markings, and livestock
and fertile farmland. All that is merely the enjoyment of
the life of this world. The best homecoming is in the
presence of Allah. (Surah Al ‘Imran: 14)
Awareness of this world’s fleeting nature may rescue
people from their unawareness by ending their passion for its
temporary blessings and directing them toward Paradise’s
endless blessings and seeking His favor:
The truly good will be in perfect Bliss on couches gaz-