Be in the world but be not part of it

 

Allah (SWT) says concerning life in this world; 'Know ye (all), that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying, (in rivalry) among yourselves, riches and children'. (57:20) 

At the end of the day the 'sought after' things of this world June not be of significant value. Allah (SWT) has explained this in so many ways for us to understand that we should not be like the unbelievers and be taken up with this world and forget about a Day of Accountability. 

Allah (SWT) continues the ayat above with a comparison; 

'Here is a similitude: How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight (the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; Thou wilt see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away but in the Hereafter is a penalty severe (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 goods and chattels of deception?' (57:20) 

Have you ever seen a flower in blossom? It's truly a beautiful sight. The vibrant colours, the sweet smell, the untouched natural beauty. What happens to this beautiful flower after it blossoms? After a while the flower slowly begins to wilt and it loses its beauty, its smell, its attractiveness. Similar is the life in this world. 

When we're young we have all the strength and intellect; just like the flower in full blossom. Thereafter we start the decline. Our health diminishes; our intellect fades and so on. Remember life in this world is but for a short time. One day we would all have to leave this material world so we must not become consumed with it. We must not run after the material joys of this world and seek out pleasure and happiness from it; and, as we do so we forget about the Day of Accountability and the Hereafter. 

Islam constantly reminds us that we are not here forever and one day we would all return to our Creator. We need to prepare ourselves for a successful 'departure and arrival'. And our good intentions can facilitate this. If our intention is good then Allah (SWT) will take care of our affairs. Never forget that we are returning to Him and, insha Allah, we would all meet Him. What must be done? Allah (SWT) gives us the answer in Surah Kahf; 

 'Whoever desires to meet His Lord, let him work righteousness.' (18:110)

Doing good means doing whatever it June be solely for the sake of Allah (SWT) regardless of reward, thanks and recognition. 

This world is indeed deceiving and even some of the people you come in contact with are deceiving. This is why the Hindus say this world is Junea or a delusion. 

Life in this world is a journey. When you're on a journey you can't be taken up with the things on the side. You need to remain focus in order to successfully reach your destination. There is a popular saying "Be in the world but be not part of it". In relation to this our Beloved Leader (ﷺ) is reported to have said;

'Be in this world as though you are a stranger or a traveller / wayfarer. Ibn Umar used to say: 'When evening comes, do not expect (to live till) morning, and when morning comes, do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health (a preparation) for your illness; and from your life for your death'.

It was said of Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) that they were both physically alive in this world but their minds were somewhere else. 

Satan decorates the world for us in order that we forget our true mission. Unfortunately, many fall for his deception and run after the pleasures of the world, paying no attention to the hereafter. We need to understand that whatever we may have, strength, wealth, intellect, will one day diminish and God forbid, it may be too late to "start practicing the religion". May Allah (SWT) save us from such negligence.

Allah (SWT), the Creator of every single thing, says that this world is 'but goods and chattels of deception'. We must therefore make an effort to reject the whisperings of Satan and keep our focus on Allah (SWT), because inevitably we are all returning to Him, and we would all like to have a beautiful meeting with Him. Take what is necessary from the world and make your intention Allah (SWT) and Insha-Allah He would continue to guide and protect us and take care of our affairs in this world and the one that is to come.