Be Children of the Hereafter

How easy it is to get caught up in this dunya, to become ensnared by its glitter, to become lured by its temptations, to become captivated by its fleeting enjoyments. A guise covers our eyes, such that we become immersed in this life and seemingly forget the Hereafter. And indeed, insaan (man) forgets of the eternal life that awaits, and the impending judgment that looms large. And insaan forgets death, even while the fact that others are dying while they themselves remain should serve as the ultimate reminder. And insaan forgets of the torment and torture of Hellfire and the eternal bliss and happiness of Paradise as so vividly described in the Qur’aan.

We forget – for if we were cognizant of these realities, aware of them with yaqeen (certainty) and a firm resolution, would we be in such a state of ghaflah (heedlessness) by which our hearts are attached to this world and forgetful of the Hereafter? Indeed it would not be so.

So awaken, oh sleepy ones, awaken from your heedlessness. The akhirah awaits us, death is coming, our graves are ready and our judgment is impending. Our destinations are unknown, so we must strive ever more so towards a good end and race towards the Pleasure of Allaah.

And let us heed the words of ‘Ali radiAllaahu ‘anhu, in which he said:

“The world has departed behind you and ahead of you is the Hereafter. Both of them have children, so be the children of the Hereafter and do not be the children of this world. Today is the day of action with no judgment and tomorrow is the Day of judgment with no action” [Hilyatul Awliyaa]

The Children of the Hereafter look to the akhirah, longing for it fervently; they do not busy themselves with the fictitious escapes of this life, for they bring only temporary happiness. Indeed, that which is better is with your Lord, everlasting bliss for the righteous. So shall we then sell ourselves for the transient pleasures of this life, while forgetting the final destination?

أُوْلَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرُوُاْ الضَّلاَلَةَ بِالْهُدَى فَمَا رَبِحَت تِّجَارَتُهُمْ وَمَا كَانُواْ مُهْتَدِينَ

They are those who have purchased error [in exchange] for guidance, so their transaction was profitless. And they were not guided.

May Allaah ta’ala make us amongst the Children of the Hereafter. Aameen.

A reminder for myself and you.