Against the Transient World, the Eternal Hereafter
The greatest deception of humankind is to cling tightly to this worldly life, which will inevitably end in death, as if it were eternal. Islamic ethics does not command abandoning the world, but rather protecting the heart from its transient allure and commanding that the primary investment be made in the hereafter. “Whoever abandons the Hereafter and busies himself with the temporary affairs of the world has wasted his life.” Geylani (may Allah be pleased with him) states that a person’s inner world cannot be filled by two opposing poles simultaneously. “When we speak of worldly life, it means turning away from God and facing the people.” Those who turn away from God and pursue only the people and material possessions experience a spiritual bankruptcy.
Drawing the Heart Away From the World
A person who forgets his religion, prayers, and concern for the hereafter while pursuing worldly affairs is exchanging the greatest treasure for a small piece of glass. Shaykh Geylani cries out: “Take your hearts away from the world and cleanse them. Leave the world behind and turn towards God.” A person should work in the world with his body to earn a lawful livelihood, but his heart should be a dwelling place for the hereafter and the pleasure of Allah. “You are wasting your religious duties; do the opposite, and you will be correct. Nothing remains with anyone in this world; so what remains for you?
Seeing the World as a Field for the Hereafter
A believer should see the world not as an end in itself, but as a bridge (means) to eternal bliss. Gaining the hereafter is only possible through the righteous deeds planted in this world. He must use the opportunities at his disposal not merely to satisfy selfish desires, but to cultivate the abode of the hereafter. “The safety of religion is capital. Good deeds are its profit.