The End of Yesterday and the Absence of a Guarantee for Tomorrow
The two greatest maladies that most wear down the human psyche are falling into the depression of past mistakes and trembling with anxiety over what the future may bring. In Islam’s conception of time (in the philosophy of Ibn al-Waqt), the principal and sole capital is the “present moment” in which we breathe. al-Ghaylānī (may Allah sanctify his secret) summarizes this unshakable rule of spiritual awakening as follows: “Yesterday has passed; whatever pertains to its good and evil remains there… You do not know whether you will reach tomorrow. Therefore, you are the person of today.” It is not possible to correct yesterday (except through tawba (repentance)), and tomorrow is but an illusion. The only reality in our hands is to live the present moment in a manner pleasing to Allah.
Living Life with the Awareness of the Last Day
A believer who has iman (faith) in the Hereafter performs every prayer as if it were a farewell prayer, and treats every person he meets as if he may never see them again. “Know that this day is the last day of your life. Arrange your affairs accordingly. This feeling is sufficient for you.” One who realizes that death can come at any moment does not become greedy for worldly possessions, nor does he find time to harbor grudges against others. He knows that “Perhaps tomorrow your name will be erased from the earth; your body will pass into the ground.” For this reason, he spends the capital of his life building the abode of the Hereafter.
Accounting for Past Mistakes and Leaving the Future to Allah
To become fixated on past mistakes and fall into despair is a trick of Satan. The kāmil (perfect) believer acts according to the maxim: “Today, read your book with the tongue of your mind. If you see evil, make tawba (repentance). If you find good, engage in shukr (gratitude).” He cleanses the past with tawba (repentance), and leaves the worries of future provision and lifespan to the infinite power of Allah, the absolute al-Razzāq (Provider) and al-Khāliq (Creator). Only those who succeed in being “the person of today” are able to escape the grinding wheel of time and attain a sense of spiritual eternity while still in this world.