"Remember, O you, who were deceived by the world --"

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem


Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala Say

What, did you think that We created you in mere idle play, and that you would not be returned to Us? But, high exalted is God, the King; the True! There is no god but He, the Lord of the Noble Throne. [al-Muminun 23: 115-116]

The Prophet (SAW) said, "The [example of the] value of this world in comparison to [that of] the Hereafter is as if you dip a finger in the ocean and then pull it out. See how much water sticks to it."

Imam Qurtubi( raheemahullah-May Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala have mercy upon him) gave the following advice in his Tadhkirah:

“ Where is the wealth that you have gathered and prepared for hardship and terror? There is no money in your hand when you are dying. The wealth and pride that you enjoyed have been replaced with humiliation and poverty. What has become of you, O’ prisoner of your burdens, O’ you who have been taken away from your family and your home?

What was it that concealed the right path from you, and caused you to have no interest in making provision for your long journey and time of difficulty? Did you not know, O’ you who were deceived by this world, that this journey to the Day of intense horror was inevitable, when the time spent in gossip would be to no avail? That is the Day when you are standing before the Sovereign, the Judge, and the blows struck by your hands, the places where your feet took you, the words uttered by your tongue, the actions of all your limbs and faculties, will be counted against you. If Allah has mercy upon you, you will go to Paradise, otherwise you will go to the Fire of Hell.

O’ negligent one who ignores these matters, how long will this negligence last? How long will you delay? Do you think that the issue is insignificant? Do you think that the matter is easy? Do you think that your situation will help you when it is time for you to depart? Or that your wealth will save you when your actions condemn you? Or that your regret will help you when your feet are slipping? Or that your friends will show you any sympathy when you are gathered (for judgement)? No, by Allah, you are wrong in your thinking, and you will inevitably come to know the reality. You are not content with enough, you never have your fill of that which is haraam(i.e. Unlawful), you do not listen to lectures, you are not deterred by warnings. You persist in following your desires and you go about your life without guidance. You are happy with the things that you have accumulated but you do not think of what lies ahead. O’ you who are sleeping unaware, wandering without guidance, for how long will the neglect last? Do you think that you will be left alone and let off, and that you will not be brought to account tomorrow? Or do you think that death can be bribed? Or do you think that death distinguishes between a lion and a gazelle? No, by Allah, wealth and sons can never ward off death from you. Nothing can benefit those who will be forgiven except righteous deeds. So good news to those who listen and understand, who pays heed, and that man will have nothing except that for which he strives, and he will see what he has striven for. So wake up from this negligence, and make righteous deeds the provision with which you equip yourselves. Do not wish to attain the statues of the righteous when you are weighed down with burdens (of sin), doing immoral deeds, when Allah is watching you even when you are alone. Do not be so deceived by hopes and wishes that you neglect to strive.One poet said:


‘ Take provision from this life to help yourself in the Hereafter.

Strive for the sake of Allah and do good deeds.

Do not accumulate too much in this world,

For that accumulation will eventually diminish.

Would you like to accompany people

Who have provision when you do not?”

(Tadhkirat al-Qurtubi, 91)

Every soul will taste death. [Ali Imran 3:185.]

Know what he will earn tomorrow and no person knows in what land he will die. [Luqman 31: 34.]

And this life of the world is only amusement and play! Verily, the home of the Hereafter, that is the life indeed (the eternal life that will never end), if they but knew. [Surah al-'Ankabut, 29: 64].

Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala says in Surah(Chapter) Al Hadid ( The Iron)(20)

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

End Quote

Insha-Allah We will need to keep our focus upon the true reality of this world; and not be fooled by the glimmer and beauty that it displays, enticing us to fall in love with it. How could one have such love for the world when it contains “chattels of deception” and is only temporary. On the contrary the Akhira ( hereafter) is forever lasting; comfort for the believers, and punishment for the disbelievers. So wouldn’t one who realizes this take advantage of what will lead him/her closer to piety with Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala instead of what will lead him/her further away to the path of punishment?? We seek refuge in Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala from achieving this massive and destructive loss.Ameen!


Verily, that which is with Allah is best for you, if you, but knew all that which is with you is bound to end, whereas all that which is with Allah is everlasting. [an-Nahl 16:95-96.]