The Qurʾān and the ḥadīth repeatedly remind us about the fleeting nature of this world and caution believers against being deceived by its temporary allure. Consider the following verses and teachings that emphasise the need to stay focused on our ultimate purpose: attaining the pleasure of Allah and the eternal life of the Hereafter.

Verse 1:

فَلَا تَغُرَّنَّكُمُ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا
“So let not the worldly life delude you” (Qurʾān 31:33).

This verse highlights the distractions of worldly life. Its pleasures, though appealing, are designed to test us and can divert us from the remembrance of Allah. When a person tastes a worldly delight, their desire often grows insatiable, craving more. The Prophet ﷺ beautifully described this nature of human greed:

“If the son of Adam were to possess a valley full of gold, he would desire a second one, for nothing can satisfy his craving except the dust of the grave. Yet, Allah forgives those who sincerely turn to Him in repentance.” (Bukhārī)

زُيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ حُبُّ الشَّهَوَاتِ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ وَالْبَنِينَ وَالْقَنَاطِيرِ الْمُقَنطَرَةِ مِنَ الذَّهَبِ وَالْفِضَّةِ وَالْخَيْلِ الْمُسَوَّمَةِ وَالْأَنْعَامِ وَالْحَرْثِ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ مَتَاعُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَاللَّهُ عِندَهُ حُسْنُ الْمَآبِ
“Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire—of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.”(Qurʾān 3:14)

This verse lists examples of worldly attractions that captivate human hearts. While these blessings—such as wealth, family, and possessions—are not inherently negative, an excessive focus on acquiring them can lead to heedlessness. These pursuits can distract us from our ultimate goal if we are not mindful. Islam teaches us to enjoy these blessings responsibly while keeping Allah at the centre of our lives.

Verse 2:

وَمَا هَٰذِهِ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا لَهْوٌ وَلَعِبٌ ۚ وَإِنَّ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ لَهِيَ الْحَيَوَانُ ۚ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ
“And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter—that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.” (Qurʾān 29:64)

This verse reminds us that the life of this world is ultimately a temporary play and distraction. The eternal and true life lies in the Hereafter. Those who understand this reality will prioritise their actions accordingly, focusing on deeds that earn Allah’s pleasure and secure their place in the eternal abode.

The Perspective of Time in the Hereafter

Allah further describes the insignificance of worldly life when compared to the Hereafter:

قَالَ كَمْ لَبِثْتُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ عَدَدَ سِنِينَ – قَالُوا لَبِثْنَا يَوْمًا أَوْ بَعْضَ يَوْمٍ فَاسْأَلِ الْعَادِّينَ – قَالَ إِن لَّبِثْتُمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا ۖ لَّوْ أَنَّكُمْ كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
“He will say, ‘How long did you remain on earth in number of years?’ They will say, ‘We remained a day or part of a day; ask those who enumerate.’ He will say, ‘You stayed not but a little—if only you had known.'” (Qurʾān 23:112-115)

Imagine your entire life being regarded as only a part of a day. This perspective underscores how trivial our worldly life is when measured against the eternal Hereafter.

Prophetic Guidance on Living in This World

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ beautifully summarised how a believer should approach this life. ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar reported:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ took hold of my shoulder and said, ‘Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler. Ibn ʿUmar would say: ‘If you survive until the evening, do not expect to live until the morning, and if you survive until the morning, do not expect to live until the evening. Take from your health for your sickness and from your life for your death.’” (Bukhārī)

This advice urges us to treat this world as a temporary stop on our journey to the Hereafter. By remaining mindful of death and preparing for it, we can ensure that our lives are purposeful and aligned with Allah’s commands.

These verses and prophetic teachings offer a profound reminder of the transient nature of this world and the ultimate reality of the Hereafter. While worldly attractions may seem appealing, they are fleeting and insignificant compared to the eternal bliss of the Hereafter. As believers, we are called to balance the blessings of this world with our responsibility to Allah, ensuring that our hearts remain attached to Him and our actions reflect our hope for His eternal reward.

اَللّٰهُمَّ لَا تَجْعَلِ الدُّنْيَا أَكْبَرَ هَمِّنَا