Those Who Strive Gain This World and the Hereafter
Islam rejects merely withdrawing to a mosque corner, detaching oneself from the world, and living off the labor of others (laziness). Religion is a religion of unending effort and diligence. Geylani (q.s.) warns believers against this great affliction: “Laziness throws people into terrible precipices… Do your work soundly and be diligent. Those who work gain the world. Those who work gain the Hereafter.” To earn sustenance through lawful means requires hard work; it is the way of the prophets. “The prophets worked, borrowed, adhered to causes…
Empty Hopes and Negligence Leading to Hell
Being lazy not only in worldly affairs but also in the spiritual realm leads a person to eternal ruin. Relying solely on Allah’s forgiveness without performing acts of worship or enduring any hardship to discipline one’s nafs (self) is an “empty hope” (ugrutiye). Geylani (q.s.) points out the heedlessness of those who expect paradise without paying the price, saying, “You have spent your lives in laziness, night and day, and you are content with it. With this flaw, you expect goodness from Allah Most High.” Those who toil to earn a lawful living and strive to discipline their nafs through worship, both night and day, will be the sole victors and true heirs of both worlds.