For a moment in the world, forever in the afterlife

Have we ever thought for a moment, how quickly time passes? Age that once seemed long, now seems to be running away from us. Hair that used to be black is now starting to turn white. The body that used to be strong, now gets tired easily. All of this is actually a gentle warning from Allah, that life in this world is only for a moment, a short stopover to the eternal village of the afterlife.

Among the stories of the Prophets that are so touching is the story of the Prophet Noah ‘alaihissalam. He is the oldest Prophet. Lord Story mention,

He lived among them for a thousand years, minus fifty years.

“So he (Noah) lived among his people for a thousand years less than fifty years” (QS. Al-‘Ankabut: 14)

Imagine, 950 years of the Prophet Noah ‘alaihissalam preaching with great patience, facing insults, rejection, even only a handful of people believed in him. Such a long life seems to teach us a deep lesson, that even though human life is long, the world still feels short.

subhanallah, almost a thousand years of his life seemed to pass by like a moment. If Prophet Noah, who was given a long life, felt that the world was very short, what about us who on average only live 60-70 years?

The Prophet ﷺ said,

The lifespan of my people ranges from sixty to seventy years, and the youngest among them are able to do so.

“The lifespan of my people is between sixty and seventy years, and very few are more than that.” (HR. Tirmidhi, no. 2331, authentic hasan)

This is the world. As fast as the blink of an eye. So don’t be fooled by him.

The world is a temporary farm

Allah Story The Qur’an often reminds us how the world is just a momentary pleasure. God said,

Worldly life is nothing but the enjoyment of deception.

“And the life of the world is but a deceptive pleasure.” (QS. Ali ‘Imran: 185)

The world’s jewels are indeed beautiful: magnificent houses, luxurious vehicles, high positions, and abundant wealth. But everything is just a mirage. He seems cute at first, but disappears so quickly.

Like a flower that blooms for a while, then withers because of the scorching heat. God describes it,

Know that the life of this world is only games, entertainment and adornment, and boasting among yourselves, and increasing wealth and children. Like rain that pleases the disbelievers. The growth then becomes agitated and you see it turn yellow and then become debris.

“Know that worldly life is just a game, something that ignores, decorates and boasts among you, and competes for wealth and offspring. It is like rain whose harvest amazes the farmers, then the harvest dries up, then you see it turns yellow, then it is destroyed.” (QS. Al-Hadid: 20)

Don’t we often see it ourselves? How many people chase the world desperately, but before they have time to enjoy it, death has already arrived.

The reality of the world in the eyes of the Prophet ﷺ

The Prophet ﷺ often gave parables so that his friends would not be distracted by the world. One time he passed a dead goat whose ears were deformed. Then he said,

Do you think things would have been easier on his family if he were still alive? They said: If he were still alive, his family would not be entitled to anything from him. He said: By Allah, this world is easier for Allah than this world is for you.

“Do you think this goat’s carcass is valuable in the eyes of its owner? The companions answered, ‘If this goat were alive, such ear defects would be meaningless.’ The Messenger of Allah said, ‘By Allah, this world is more despicable in the sight of Allah than this carcass in the eyes of its owner.’” (HR. Muslim no. 2957)

How low the world is in the sight of Allah Tax. Therefore, people who make the world their main goal have truly been deceived.

The world is not a destination, but a path

Brother, the world is not a place to live forever. The world is just a place to stop, a place to plant, a place to work. The afterlife is a place of reaping.

The Prophet ﷺ said,

Be in this world as if you were a stranger or traveler.

“Live in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler.” (HR. Bukhari no. 6416)

A traveler is never too enamored with accommodation. He knew it was only temporary. He will soon leave to continue his journey. That’s how we should be in the world. Don’t be careless about the glitter, don’t be dazzled by the glitter, but make the world a means to the afterlife.

Unfortunately, many people are caught in the world’s deception. They think the world is everything. Allah has reminded

They know what is visible in this worldly life, but they are heedless of the life hereafter.

“They only know what is born (only) from worldly life, while they are heedless of the afterlife.” (QS. Ar-Rum: 7)

Look at how people are proud of each other: whose house is bigger, whose car is more luxurious, whose children have more achievements. In fact, none of this will be questioned before Allah, except whether it is used for obedience or not.

Remembering death

The Prophet ﷺ advised us to remember death often, because that is what can soften our hearts and distance ourselves from negligence. He says,

Mention killjoys often.

“Increasingly remember the breaker of all pleasures (namely death).” (HR. Tirmidhi no. 2307, authentic)

Death will cut off everything we love: family, property, position and position. We bring nothing but faith and good deeds.

Brother, this world is just a field. Don’t let us waste time, energy and thoughts just for something that will be lost. Take advantage of the world to plant charity, so that in the afterlife we ​​will reap the results. The Prophet ﷺ said,

The world is a prison for believers and a paradise for unbelievers

“This world is a prison for believers, and paradise for unbelievers.” (HR. Muslim no. 2956)

So, be patient with the limitations of the world. Let our hearts not be shaken by trials, nor be dazzled by the brilliance of the world. Calm your heart: it’s just the world.

Also read: Don’t be fooled by world illusions

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Writer: Fauzan Hidayat

Article Muslim.or.id