We live in a world where distractions are endless, and desires pull us in every direction. We chase wealth, status, relationships, and comfort, believing they will bring us happiness. But have we ever paused to ask ourselves what happens when all of this is taken away? What happens when life comes to an end?
Imam Al-Ghazali, a great scholar of Islam, reminds us of a profound truth: this world is temporary, and everything in it will eventually leave us. Quoting Angel Jibreel’s (AS) advice to the Prophet ﷺ, he reminds us:
عِشْ كَمَا شِئْتَ فَإِنَّكَ مَيِّتٌ، وَاعْمَلْ مَا شِئْتَ فَإِنَّكَ مَجْزِيٌّ بِهِ، وَأَحْبِبْ مَن شِئْتَ فَإِنَّكَ مُفَارِقُهُ
"Live as you wish, for you will surely die. Work as you wish, for you will surely be repaid. Love whomever you wish, for you will surely be separated."
These words are a wake-up call. No matter how much we love this world, it will never be ours forever. Our wealth, our careers, and even our closest relationships, everything is temporary. Yet, so many of us live as if we will never leave this world.
The Deception of Worldly Attachments
Hassan Al-Basri once described the companions of the Prophet ﷺ, saying:
لقد رأيتُ سبعينَ من أهلِ بدر، كانوا أشدَّ فرحًا بالبلاء منكم بالرخاء
"I have seen seventy fighters from Badr, they were more gladdened in trial than you are in plenty and comfort."
This tells us something remarkable, true believers do not attach their happiness to ease and luxury. Instead, they are content even in hardship because their hearts are with Allah. They understand that the world is a test, and their ultimate goal is not comfort here but peace in the Hereafter.
Yet today, many of us measure success by worldly achievements. We admire wealth, celebrate fame, and chase pleasures. But Imam Al-Ghazali warns that when we live for the world, our hearts become "already dead, merely awaiting torment." We become spiritually lifeless, disconnected from Allah, and consumed by temporary gains.
Allah Himself warns us in the Qur'an:
وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَن ذِكْرِي فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيشَةً ضَنكًا وَنَحْشُرُهُ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ أَعْمَىٰ
"But whoever turns away from My Reminder will certainly have a miserable life, then We will raise them up blind on the Day of Judgment." (Qur’an 20:124)
A person who forgets Allah may seem successful on the outside, but deep inside, their soul is restless. They struggle with emptiness, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. True peace can only be found in seeking Allah’s pleasure and remembering the purpose of life.
Choosing Life Over Death
Imam Al-Ghazali gives a powerful piece of advice:
يَا طَالِبَ الحَقِّ، لَا تَكُنْ مَيِّتًا وَأَنْتَ حَيٌّ، بَلْ كُنْ حَيًّا بَيْنَ الْأَمْوَاتِ.
"O seeker, do not be dead while you live, rather, be alive among the dead."
This means we should not allow our hearts to die by being consumed with worldly desires. Instead, we should revive our souls with faith, gratitude, and purpose.
So, how can we live a meaningful life?
Detach from worldly illusions – Remember that nothing in this world lasts. Seek Allah’s love over temporary pleasures. Strive for the Hereafter. Invest in good deeds, prayer, and remembrance of Allah. Embrace trials with faith – Hardships are a test. The best believers found joy even in difficulties because they knew it brought them closer to Allah. Surround yourself with righteous company – The companions of the Prophet ﷺ set the best example for us. Their love for Allah made them extraordinary.
In conclusion, life is short. No matter how much we build, collect, or enjoy, everything will eventually fade. The only thing that remains is what we did for the sake of Allah.
Let us not wait until our final breath to realize the truth. Let us revive our hearts now, detach from worldly illusions, and seek a life that truly matters—one that leads to eternal peace with our Creator.
May Allah guide us, protect our hearts from heedlessness, and grant us success in this life and the next. Ameen.