In order to make it easier for a muslim to adopt piety they should bear an important reality in mind. This material world is a temporary home which will quickly vanish as if it never existed in the first place. This is quite obvious if one ponders over the stages of their own life. They will realise that even though they may have spent years in one place, such as their secondary school, yet after it finished it seems as if they were there only for a moment. Even the effects and traces of the experience fade away also. Chapter 79 An Naziat, verse 46:
“It will be, on the Day they see it, as though they had not remained [in the world] except for an afternoon or a morning thereof.”
In fact, the main aim of the Holy Quran and the Hadiths of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, are to teach this important lesson to mankind so that they are inspired to prepare for the hereafter by taking what they need from the material world. For example, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, indicated this important principle in a Hadith found in Jami At Tirmidhi, number 2323. He advised that the world compared to the hereafter is like a drop compared to an endless ocean. An intelligent person would never sacrifice an ocean for the sake of a drop. It is why the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, advised in a Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari, number 6416 that a person should live in this world as if they were a stranger in a foreign land or a traveller. This is because both types of people dedicate the majority of their efforts towards returning home safely, meaning the hereafter.
The person who behaves in this manner will shorten their hope for a long life in this world knowing they will only be here for a moment even if they live to elderly age. This will inspire them towards the aspects of piety which include hastening towards performing righteous deeds, sincerely repenting from their sins and turning away from the excess and unnecessary elements of the material world in order to prepare for the eternal hereafter. Having hopes for a long life causes the opposite, namely delaying good deeds, delaying sincere repentance and delaying preparing for the hereafter by busying oneself with beautifying the material world.
The one who adopts the correct attitude understands that worldly preoccupations and problems are in fact encouragement from Allah, the Exalted, to renounce the excess and unnecessary elements of the material world.
This world is an abode of difficulty and tests so one should not seek the thing which does not exist within it, namely true comfort and peace. This in reality only exists in the things connected to Allah, the Exalted, and the hereafter. Chapter 13 Ar Ra’d, verse 28:
“…Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.”
Therefore, it is important for a muslim to bear the difficulty of the short journey in this world for the everlasting bliss of the hereafter through the sincere obedience of Allah, the Exalted, by fulfilling His commands, refraining from His prohibitions and by facing destiny with patience.
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