A person goes through many stages in life, experiencing both ups and downs along the way. At times, we are faced with important decisions that can shape our future. The choices we make can ultimately guide us towards Paradise or lead us towards Hellfire.
We may feel tempted to make decisions based on worldly gains. Our inclinations are often drawn towards the Dunya, so we naturally lean in that direction. Choices made for the Hereafter may not always appear useful or beneficial at first. As a result, the worldly option can seem more appealing and advantageous. However, in the long run, such decisions may not bring true benefit or lasting success.
وَالْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ
"And the Hereafter is far better and more lasting." [87:17]
Allah ta'ala has granted us a beneficial formula in the Quran for making decisions. It teaches us to reflect carefully before choosing a course of action - to consider whether it is truly beneficial for our Dunya or our Hereafter, and to ask ourselves whether this action will bring lasting benefit in the Hereafter or merely temporary gain in this world
For example, imagine you want to buy a house. One home is closer to the mosque, while the other is further away. The house that is further from the mosque may look more attractive and spacious. Others may encourage you to choose it, and your ow
nd it. However, this is where careful reflection is needed.
Before making a decision, we should reflect on whether it will bring benefit to our Hereafter or result in loss. We should also think about whether it will hinder us from practicing our Deen or help us grow stronger in it. When we weigh our choices in this way, the right decision becomes clearer and easier to make.
In every decision we make in life, whether it is choosing a spouse or seeking a job, we should keep the Hereafter before us. If a choice is made for the sake of the Hereafter, worldly setbacks should not cause us to become worried. Even if we experience some loss in this life, the reward and benefit in the Hereafter will be far greater and everlasting.
If we make decisions by prioritising the world, we may enjoy temporary benefit, happiness, and comfort. However, in the long run, such choices will lead to greater loss for our Hereafter. What seems pleasing and convenient in this life may not always bring lasting success in the life to come.
The successful person is he who always considers what is best for his Hereafter. In return, Allah ta'ala fulfils his requirements and makes his heart content. Such a person is considered a true believer and he will never fall into deception. He will easily be able to make sound decisions in future and will remain protected.
The one who prioritises worldly benefits will often continue to face various problems and challenges. As a resu
lt, it can become a cycle of loss upon loss. He will also face negative consequences in the Hereafter.
Developing this mind-set can be difficult because our own desires often make it challenging to think positively about the Hereafter or to prioritise it in our decisions.
If we are able to develop this mind-set, we can become truly remarkable individuals. We may not always appear successful by worldly standards, but we will be well prepared for our Hereafter and attain lasting success in the life to come.
To develop this awareness and consciousness of the Hereafter, we must adopt the company of the AwliyahAllah as there is great impact and benefit in their company. Through their company, this awareness is increased. One is transformed positively and is able to control his own desires. Thus, he does not make incorrect decisions.
If he begins to move toward making the wrong decision, he will not feel content or at peace inwardly with that choice. Through the guidance and companionship of his Sheikh, he remains protected from negative influences throughout the different phases of his life.
"Our Lord! Grant us the good of this world and the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.” [2:201]
We often recite this supplication while thinking only about worldly prosperity. We limit its meaning to this life, when in reality, permanent comfort and happiness cannot be achieved in this world.
The purpose of reciting this Dua is to ask for a good and blessed life in this world that will help strengthen our Hereafter. It should assist us on our journey towards
the Hereafter. Our homes can become places of peace and spiritual comfort, and our children can grow up to become from amongst the AwliyahAllah.
When seeking a spouse, we should prioritise the Hereafter. We should focus on her level of Deen and consider how much she will support and help us in strengthening our own Deen.
If we prioritise beauty and physical attraction alone, it will distance us from focusing on the Hereafter. The guidance and companionship of a Sheikh can help us towards making the right decisions.
حسنة
Refers to those things which will be beneficial to one's Hereafter.
In the company of the AwliyahAllah, our lives improve and our decisions are guided toward what is right and beneficial. Through this companionship, one learns how to live properly in this world and thereafter, becomes a waliAllah. As a result, a person is able to pass the tests of life and achieve true success.
Everything that distances us from the Hereafter should be rejected, and we should remain patient while waiting for the benefit to appear. We should not worry about when the benefit will become visible, as it will eventually become apparent. Even if we do not immediately see worldly benefit after rejecting what distances us from the Hereafter, we have still succeeded in passing the test.
We should not feel upset after making such a decision, because Allah ta'ala has protected us from negative outcomes. If we fail to reject what is harmful to our Hereafter, we will end up regretting it greatly in the long run.
Thereafter, we should thank Allah for protecting us from taking the wrong step, otherwise, we would have been stuck in a trap which would have negatively impacted our Deen.
Such Deen and such knowledge which distances a person from the Hereafter is not considered true knowledge.
Only that
which benefits your Hereafter is beneficial for you otherwise, there is no special benefit attained in performing that action.
There are many Shuyookh, however that Sheikh is truly great, who assists you on your journey to the Hereafter.
We should develop this awareness and remember that everything in this world is cursed as it takes you far from the benefit of the Hereafter.
If business and family are helping you towards the Hereafter then they are not considered "Dunya." (Something which diverts one from the Hereafter.) We must understand this distinction.
If someone is seeking employment, they should prioritise a job that brings them closer to Allah ta'ala over one that only offers comfort or a higher salary. For example, working a night shift may offer greater financial rewards, but if it causes a person to lose proper rest or negatively affects their worship, then it is certainly not the best choice.
There are two terms in Tasawwuf. One is Qabs- when a person does not feel enjoyment and peace from his Dhikr. His thoughts wander whilst performing Dhikr and he remains anxious and frustrated.
Gradually, he begins to decline in his Dhikr and in his good actions. Slowly, he drifts away from the Deen. For example, such a person may start by standing in the front row of prayer, then begin arriving late, and eventually stop attending congregational prayers altogether. Over time, he loses interest completely as Shaytan influences him toward other distractions, and the Dunya begins to overwhelm his heart and focus.
This is a dangerous sign for a student and such students are given special attention and effort by their Sheikh. If a person does not correct himself at this stage, he may drift further away. If we ever feel this way, we should immediately return to the company of our Sheikh. The heart remains alert, hap
py, and spiritually refreshed in the company of the Sheikh.
May Allah ta'ala allow us to implement these precious pearls. Ameen
A person goes through many stages in life, experiencing both ups and downs along the way. At times, we are faced with important decisions that can shape our future. The choices we make can ultimately guide us towards Paradise or lead us towards Hellfire.
We may feel tempted to make decisions based on worldly gains. Our inclinations are often drawn towards the Dunya, so we naturally lean in that direction. Choices made for the Hereafter may not always appear useful or beneficial at first. As a result, the worldly option can seem more appealing and advantageous. However, in the long run, such decisions may not bring true benefit or lasting success.
وَالْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ
"And the Hereafter is far better and more lasting." [87:17]
Allah ta'ala has granted us a beneficial formula in the Quran for making decisions. It teaches us to reflect carefully before choosing a course of action - to consider whether it is truly beneficial for our Dunya or our Hereafter, and to ask ourselves whether this action will bring lasting benefit in the Hereafter or merely temporary gain in this world
For example, imagine you want to buy a house. One home is closer to the mosque, while the other is further away. The house that is further from the mosque may look more attractive and spacious. Others may encourage you to choose it, and your ow
nd it. However, this is where careful reflection is needed.
Before making a decision, we should reflect on whether it will bring benefit to our Hereafter or result in loss. We should also think about whether it will hinder us from practicing our Deen or help us grow stronger in it. When we weigh our choices in this way, the right decision becomes clearer and easier to make.
In every decision we make in life, whether it is choosing a spouse or seeking a job, we should keep the Hereafter before us. If a choice is made for the sake of the Hereafter, worldly setbacks should not cause us to become worried. Even if we experience some loss in this life, the reward and benefit in the Hereafter will be far greater and everlasting.
If we make decisions by prioritising the world, we may enjoy temporary benefit, happiness, and comfort. However, in the long run, such choices will lead to greater loss for our Hereafter. What seems pleasing and convenient in this life may not always bring lasting success in the life to come.
The successful person is he who always considers what is best for his Hereafter. In return, Allah ta'ala fulfils his requirements and makes his heart content. Such a person is considered a true believer and he will never fall into deception. He will easily be able to make sound decisions in future and will remain protected.
The one who prioritises worldly benefits will often continue to face various problems and challenges. As a resu
lt, it can become a cycle of loss upon loss. He will also face negative consequences in the Hereafter.
Developing this mind-set can be difficult because our own desires often make it challenging to think positively about the Hereafter or to prioritise it in our decisions.
If we are able to develop this mind-set, we can become truly remarkable individuals. We may not always appear successful by worldly standards, but we will be well prepared for our Hereafter and attain lasting success in the life to come.
To develop this awareness and consciousness of the Hereafter, we must adopt the company of the AwliyahAllah as there is great impact and benefit in their company. Through their company, this awareness is increased. One is transformed positively and is able to control his own desires. Thus, he does not make incorrect decisions.
If he begins to move toward making the wrong decision, he will not feel content or at peace inwardly with that choice. Through the guidance and companionship of his Sheikh, he remains protected from negative influences throughout the different phases of his life.
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
"Our Lord! Grant us the good of this world and the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.” [2:201]
We often recite this supplication while thinking only about worldly prosperity. We limit its meaning to this life, when in reality, permanent comfort and happiness cannot be achieved in this world.
The purpose of reciting this Dua is to ask for a good and blessed life in this world that will help strengthen our Hereafter. It should assist us on our journey towards
the Hereafter. Our homes can become places of peace and spiritual comfort, and our children can grow up to become from amongst the AwliyahAllah.
When seeking a spouse, we should prioritise the Hereafter. We should focus on her level of Deen and consider how much she will support and help us in strengthening our own Deen.
If we prioritise beauty and physical attraction alone, it will distance us from focusing on the Hereafter. The guidance and companionship of a Sheikh can help us towards making the right decisions.
حسنة
Refers to those things which will be beneficial to one's Hereafter.
In the company of the AwliyahAllah, our lives improve and our decisions are guided toward what is right and beneficial. Through this companionship, one learns how to live properly in this world and thereafter, becomes a waliAllah. As a result, a person is able to pass the tests of life and achieve true success.
Everything that distances us from the Hereafter should be rejected, and we should remain patient while waiting for the benefit to appear. We should not worry about when the benefit will become visible, as it will eventually become apparent. Even if we do not immediately see worldly benefit after rejecting what distances us from the Hereafter, we have still succeeded in passing the test.
We should not feel upset after making such a decision, because Allah ta'ala has protected us from negative outcomes. If we fail to reject what is harmful to our Hereafter, we will end up regretting it greatly in the long run.
Thereafter, we should thank Allah for protecting us from taking the wrong step, otherwise, we would have been stuck in a trap which would have negatively impacted our Deen.
Such Deen and such knowledge which distances a person from the Hereafter is not considered true knowledge.
Only that
which benefits your Hereafter is beneficial for you otherwise, there is no special benefit attained in performing that action.
There are many Shuyookh, however that Sheikh is truly great, who assists you on your journey to the Hereafter.
We should develop this awareness and remember that everything in this world is cursed as it takes you far from the benefit of the Hereafter.
If business and family are helping you towards the Hereafter then they are not considered "Dunya." (Something which diverts one from the Hereafter.) We must understand this distinction.
If someone is seeking employment, they should prioritise a job that brings them closer to Allah ta'ala over one that only offers comfort or a higher salary. For example, working a night shift may offer greater financial rewards, but if it causes a person to lose proper rest or negatively affects their worship, then it is certainly not the best choice.
There are two terms in Tasawwuf. One is Qabs- when a person does not feel enjoyment and peace from his Dhikr. His thoughts wander whilst performing Dhikr and he remains anxious and frustrated.
Gradually, he begins to decline in his Dhikr and in his good actions. Slowly, he drifts away from the Deen. For example, such a person may start by standing in the front row of prayer, then begin arriving late, and eventually stop attending congregational prayers altogether. Over time, he loses interest completely as Shaytan influences him toward other distractions, and the Dunya begins to overwhelm his heart and focus.
This is a dangerous sign for a student and such students are given special attention and effort by their Sheikh. If a person does not correct himself at this stage, he may drift further away. If we ever feel this way, we should immediately return to the company of our Sheikh. The heart remains alert, hap
py, and spiritually refreshed in the company of the Sheikh.
May Allah ta'ala allow us to implement these precious pearls. Ameen