Page 73 - The Truth of the Life of This World
P. 73
is on earth so it could deliver him: by no means! For it would be the fire of
hell! (Surat al-Ma'arij: 11-15)
Yet, some people are aware that wealth, prosperity and great fortune
are under the control of Allah. Hence, they are well aware that rank and
status are ridiculous. Only these people truly understand that these pos-
sessions will not save them in the hereafter. Therefore, they do not dare to
chase after the valuables of this world. Showing arrogance is not a trait you
can expect from such modest people. Never forgetting the existence of
Almighty Allah makes them feel grateful for everything He gives them. In
return for such conduct, Allah promises an honourable and comfortable
life to them. The people who trust in Allah and make their servanthood to
Allah the ultimate purpose of their lives are aware that they can only ben-
efit from worldly goods for a limited period of time and that worldly goods
are worthless next to the eternal abundance promised. Wealth never makes
such people become deeply attached to this life. On the contrary, it makes
them more grateful and closer to Allah. They deal justly with everyone and
every issue, and try, with what Allah gives them, to attain His good plea-
sure. Rather than taking pleasure from wealth in this world, they aim to
acquire the Qur'anic values expected from them, fully aware that real sta-
tus and praise in the presence of Allah matter. The prophet Sulayman set
an example to all people as an honourable believer who showed such
traits in his life. Possessing a great wealth and sovereignty, Sulayman clear-
ly stated why he pursued this wealth:
Truly do I love the love of good, with a view to the glory of my Lord. (Surah
Sad: 32)
Failure to acknowledge why worldly goods are created in this world
leads people to forget that they will only be able to use these possessions
for a period of 60-70 years, if they are destined to live that long, and then
leave their mansions, cars and children behind. They do not think that they
will be buried alone in their graves. All through their lives they long for
the affluence they will never be able to enjoy.
Yet, those who consider wealth a saviour and neglect the existence of
their Creator suffer bitter grief both in this world and the hereafter:
The Truth of the Life of This World 71