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The Art of Desire Management
According to the Quran, God Almighty created man as an
eternal being. But just as only the tip of an iceberg shows above
the surface of the ocean, so only a very small portion of human
life pertains to the pre-death period. And the larger portion of
this life pertains to the post-death period. The pre-death period is
a short period, whereas the post-death period is eternal.
What is the situation in the post-death period of life? Giving
an introduction to Paradise, the Quran says:
Therein you shall have all that your souls desire, and
therein you shall have all that you ask for. (41:31)
Man has unlimited desires, but the present world being a
limited world, it is not possible to fulfil them all. These unlimited
desires need an unlimited world in which to be fulfilled. It is
such a world that is called the hereafter.
Contentment is the only viable formula in that it can
give everyone peace and tranquility. If you live with
simplicity and lead a necessity-based life, then that
will give you instant happiness.
If the present world is an imperfect world, Paradise is a
perfect world. Paradise is a world where there are no limitations,
no disadvantages, no fear or pain, no death, no accidents, no
restrictions. It is there that all those things that a person desires
will be given to him.
The present world is a testing ground. One who passes the
divine test in the present world will be awarded Paradise in the
next world. Keeping your mind focused on this reality is the best
way to manage your desires, thus saving yourself from tension
and despair.
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