Human beings by instinct have desires. When these desires are used up lavishly and uncontrolled, they are misused and man’s valuable life decays uncaring.
Is achievement and success limited to this world
History bears witness of rulers and thousands of individuals, be how famous they were in their field, whoever has left his desires carefree, willfully and unpurposely, the life achieved nothing more than discontentment, restlessness and agony. How could only name and fame called success if one undergoes a discontent and restless life? Moreover, achievements that are temporary, i.e. limited to this world, do not count any value when the afterlife is ruined. This is one fundamental point where Islam differs with all other religions. Islam does not recognize an achievement that is limited to this world. All religions, except Islam, have related peace and tranquility only what could be attained in this short life of the world. As the worldly life is short and temporary, there should be a limit of desires, dreams and ambitions here; this limited achievement could never be the complete definition of success.
The reason for moving away from the objective of life
For a human, becoming oblivion of ‘what is my consequences’ is very unfortunate and proves how unwisely he is moving forward – ending ‘the valuable life’ through building up a home (in this world) where he will never ever be able to live forever. This is indeed the reason, for which, people move around carefree, willfully and unpurposely – trying to get taste of everything but having no taste of life and living. If the objective of life had been clear, man would be able to task down his works according priority and this is where desires would have been checked.
The deceptive ‘nafs’ (lower self) always tempts us to carry on big ventures and make long term plans. Consequently, we always go to bed with firm belief that tomorrow I am alive. We rise confidently that all our works would be done accordingly and intelligently. But have we ever thought of the facts encompassing us?
Divine Admonition
The Divine Revelations, Quran and Hadith, reminds man repeatedly of contemplating the facts of life. Allah Taala says, (Meaning): Does man presume that he will be left unchecked? [36] Was he not an ejaculated drop of semen? [37] Then he became a blood-clot, then He created (him) and made (him) perfect, [38] and made from him two kinds, male and female. [39] Has He no power to give life to the dead? [40] Sura Qiyamah
Did I ever contemplate deeply on how many people died today, who had dreams, plans and desires like me? Did I ever contemplate on how many people’s work hampered or stopped, got stuck, cancelled due to illness, accidents etc.? The snapshots of the happenings of the world are all in front of us. How many deceased are being buried every day? How many people are getting hospitalized every now and then? How many people are suffering from various losses all on a sudden?
The wrong trend and the reality
In this fast forward world of education, technology and business, acquiring the highest degree, climbing the career ladder rapidly and quick money-making are the talk of the town. Internet, iPhones, artificial intelligence and spacecrafts have captivated our attention and we are looking into these tools and means to find out every solution of our life.
Take a minute to ponder, how many solutions have we got through all such tools and means? No doubt, many of the means and tools we use today are great bounties for us, but the same have become means of torment and pain because of being utilized improperly. The most unfortunate consequences of getting absorbed in these materials is probably, man is now valuing himself comparing to worldly possessions. The more one could attain some properties, money and education, the more one seems to be recognized and respected. An iPhone buyer boasts and brags of possessing an expensive and exceptional tool — the question is, who is more precious and valuable — the little modern cell phone or its carrier – the human being? If by achieving the worldly matters, human being the best of creations, is undervalued — how could this be called civilization?
Truly, the materials, be it in the form – higher education, money, designation, power – whatever, are not the actual dignity, respect and honor of man. Man’s inner quality that makes him the best of creation is the most valuable and if that is not upright, he has no value. May be today, for his possessions he is called so and so, honored in a gaudy manner, but right after the possessions leave him, his stance is clear – there is no honor, no respect and no dignity for him. Therefore, deceived are those people intensely, who values the worldly possessions ‘everything’ and rest assure with those caring very little of self development.
If thought deeply and rationally, the conclusion is: human values, quality of life in terms of humanity, morality and noble character haven’t developed much comparing to monetary competitions, empowerment and exploitation . The uncontrolled lustful desires have led us to a life of ‘eat what you can’ and ‘do what you wish’. Our greed, lust and avarice have directed us toward fighting, hostility and aggression. All these are the consequences of extravagant engrossment in worldly matters and lustful desires.
The Lord and Master of the universe thus warns (meaning): You are distracted by mutual competition in amassing (worldly benefits), [1] until you reach the graves. [2] No! (This is not a correct attitude.) You will soon know (the reality). [3] Again, you will soon know. [4] No! if you have had sure knowledge (of the Hereafter, you would not have been so distracted) [5] You will certainly see the Hell, [6] then you will see it with an eye of certainty. [7] Then you will be asked about all the pleasures (you enjoyed in the world). [8] [Sura Takathur]
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