Page 64 - The Basic Concepts in the Qur’an

gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the good pleasure of Allah: that is
the supreme felicity.
(Al-Tawba, 72)

Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Lord; regularly say
their prayers, spend out of (the gifts) We have bestowed upon them for their
sustenance, secretly and openly; and ward off evil with good: for such there is the
final attainment of the (eternal) home. They shall enter the gardens of Eden.
(Al-Rad, 22)

A believer’s ultimate purpose is to earn the good pleasure of Allah and to attain heaven.
Therefore while referring to the believers, Allah says: “Indeed, We chose them for a special
purpose—proclaiming the Message of the Hereafter.” (Sad, 46) Indeed, remembrance of the
hereafter is the essential attribute of a believer.
The real grace and favours that a believer would like to attain exist in the hereafter. This
world is a temporary residence for believers; more importantly, the blessings of this world are
inherently limited and temporary. With these features, this world actually offers an incomplete
example of the hereafter. It is indeed created as a reminder of the hereafter.
Fair in the eyes of men are the love of things they covet: women and sons; heaped-up
hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and wealth in
cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world’s life; but in
nearness to Allah is the best of goals.
(Al-Imran, 14)

Know that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual
boasting, a quest for greater riches and more children. It is like the plants that flourish
after the rain. They delight the hearts of the tillers; but soon they wither; you will see
them grow yellow; then they become dry and crumble away. In the hereafter there
will be is a severe Penalty (for the devotees of wrong). And forgiveness from Allah and
(His) Good Pleasure (for the devotees of Allah). And what is the life of this world, but
the goods and chattels of deception?
(Al-Hadid, 20)

A believer takes the benefit of the goods and favours of this life. But in the course of doing
so, he keeps himself occupied with the remembrance of Allah and the hereafter, and never
forgets his real purpose in life. Allah warns believers against the alluring nature of the things in
this world:
Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kindred;
the wealth that you have gained; the commerce in which you fear a decline: or the
dwellings in which you delight - are dearer to you than Allah, or His Messenger, or
the striving in His cause; then wait until Allah shall fulfil His decree. Allah does not
guide the rebellious.
(Al-Tawba, 24)

In the Surat al-Jumua, Allah informs us about an attitude believers should avoid:
No sooner do they see some bargain or some amusement, than they disperse
headlong to it, and leave you (the prophet) standing. Say: “The (blessing) from the
Presence of Allah is better than any amusement or bargain! And Allah is the Best to
provide (for all needs).”
(Al-Jumua, 11)