The Transient Nature of Worldly Life: A Comparison to the Hereafter

Understanding the True Value of This Life and the Next

THE WORLDLY LIFE IN COMPARISON TO THE HEREAFTER

ALLĀH says: "Say, The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for he who fears ALLĀH." {An-Nisā || Verse 77}

"O my people! Truly, this life of the world is nothing but a (quick passing) enjoyment, and verily, the Hereafter that is the home that will remain forever." {Ghāfir: Verse 39}

Al-Mustawrid (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of ALLĀH (ﷺ) said: “The life of this world, compared to the Hereafter, is just like when one of you dips his finger in the sea, let him contemplate how much of it his finger would carry?” {Muslim #2858}

Anas ibn Mālik (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ  said: “The wealthiest of people in this world, from among the dwellers of Fire, will be brought on the Day of Judgment and dipped once in the Fire then he will be asked: O son of Adam, Have you ever witnessed any goodness? Have you ever experienced any bliss? He will say: O Lord, by ALLĀH I have not. Then, the most miserable of people in this world, from among the dwellers of Paradise, will be dipped once in Paradise then he will be asked: O son of Adam, have you ever witnessed any misery? Have you ever experienced any hardship? He will say: No by ALLĀH, I have never witnessed any misery nor have I experienced any hardship.” {Muslim #2807}

Shaykh Abdur-Rahman As-Sa’di (may ALLĀH have mercy on him) said: “Man’s life in this world is very short, so why should he make it his only goal and focus all his efforts, striving, aspirations and concern only on this short worldly life that is filled with troubles, problems and calamities? On what basis did you decide to give it precedence over the hereafter that is filled with all kinds of delights, everything that people long for and that delights the eyes, and you will abide therein forever? By ALLĀH, no one could give precedence to this world over the hereafter who has faith established in his heart, or is of sound mind, or could be regarded as a person of mature thinking.” {Taysir al-Karīm ar-Rahman || Page 384-385}