It never ceases to amaze me how attached we are to this physical world, knowing full well, somewhere in the back of our minds, in the darkest recesses, that we will ultimately leave it all behind to embark on a spiritual journey to our second home, in a pit where our bodies, that we meticulously cleansed, dressed, and took pride in, transform into mere corpses. All that’s left behind is your legacy, a name, and a distant memory cherished by those we leave behind.
The quran says surah 57 ayah 20 :
Know that this worldly life is no more than play, amusement, luxury, mutual boasting, and competition in wealth and children. This is like rain that causes plants to grow, to the delight of the planters. But later the plants dry up and you see them wither, then they are reduced to chaff. And in the Hereafter there will be either severe punishment or forgiveness and pleasure of Allah, whereas the life of this world is no more than the delusion of enjoyment.
— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the Clear Quran
Yet, despite this profound realisation of life’s transitory nature, I still find myself yearning to relive cherished moments over and over again. This persistent desire raises questions about our deep attachment to a temporary, fleeting existence that continually shatters its own illusion.
We are all captives of this earthly existence, whether we acknowledge it or not. It’s an undeniable truth that, regardless of our material possessions, whether we own lavish estates or nothing at all, we will all meet the same end, returning to the earth. This world, which we temporarily regard as our home, serves as a fertile ground to sow, plant, and nurture our spiritual garden for the hereafter, where we will all eventually rest.
Frequently, I find myself lost in my memories, wishing the laws of this dunya allowed for a return to days filled with joy, to relive moments with my daughter, to revisit a serene walk in the park, or to have just one more heartfelt conversation with my father before his passing.
These reflections often transport me back in time, stirring a deep longing to relive certain memories, while wishing others could be forever erased from my mind.
As time relentlessly moves forward, each day transitioning into the past, I am constantly reminded of my mortality and the fleeting pleasures of this life. The ephemeral joys of our earthly existence pale in comparison to the eternal bliss of paradise that awaits us beyond this life.
Despite the uncertainty of reaching this heavenly abode, my hope lies in Allah’s boundless mercy. This hope is a beacon of light, affirming my belief in Allah’s promises, which stand in stark contrast to the transient illusions of this world and the deceptions of Satan.
In this journey of life, even those who seem to wander freely are, in truth, bound by the constraints of this world, experiencing a sense of suffocation that eludes understanding. Many attempt to fill this void with temporary pleasures, distractions, or self-medication, mistaking this inner turmoil for a personal flaw. However, the reality is that this existential sadness cannot be alleviated by worldly means. True relief and contentment can only be found in rekindling our connection with Allah, yearning for the return to our eternal home in the garden of Eden, where our ancestor Adam was first created.
Our souls, whether consciously or unconsciously, long for this divine paradise. Those who are guided see it as our ultimate destination, engaging daily in a spiritual battle against temptation to secure our place in this eternal home. Paradise is our true home, not this transient world where everything is fleeting and impermanent.