The image reflects the transient nature of life in Islam, emphasizing faith and spirituality amidst worldly identity.
By Imam Mashood Dagbo
Living a life worth no competition as it is a parable set by Allah (SAW) and his Prophet Muhammad (SAW) while addressing us to take its occupancy a temporary thing that holds no value in worldly calculation, but a worthy and rewarding entity when one lives it with a contented mind and piety of Allah in worship and character. So, holding life with levity is a concept in Islamic theology, emphasizing the fleeting nature of worldly life and the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter.
Ordinarily, it is worth no competition as wherever one gathers there shall be accountable for as if such a person is a traveler or passerby, despite that, such a being has never asked not to enjoy it a little or ask for it’s goodness as Allah says in Al-Qasas, Chapter 28: 77 thus: “And seek by means of what Allah has given you the future abode, and do not neglect your portion of this world, and do good (to others) as Allah has done good to you, and do not seek to make mischief in the land, surely Allah does not love the mischief-makers”.
He (Allah) also asked us to seek the pleasure of this life and hereafter, with consciousness. Allah says in Sutatul-Baqarah (Chapter 2 verse 201) thus:
Surah Al-Baqara, Chapter 2 verse 201: “Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the fire”. This is regarded as the best prayer and requests recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for his Ummah. Also, the transience and impermanence of worldly life is described in Surat Muhammad (Chapter 47 verse 36) thus: “And the life of this world is but a play and a diversion…” .
This verse emphasizes the idea that worldly life is short and fleeting, and that it should not be taken as an end in itself. Notably, Imam Al-Ghazali, an Islamic philosopher said: “Know that the life of this world is a mere journey, and its duration is short. The intelligent person is one who does not get attached to this world and does not take it as a permanent abode.” (Ihya Ulum al-Din). Complementing him, Ibn al-Qayyim, renowned Sunni scholar wrote that: “the life of this world is a mere shadow, a fleeting pleasure, and a temporary enjoyment. It is not a place of permanence, but rather a place of passage.” (Madarij al-Salikin).
Establishing the ephemeral nature of life, this week Hadith as my tradition elucidated the unimportance of this life while the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) held Ibn ‘Umar by his shoulder to pass this message as follows: ‘Abdullah bin `Umar said, “Allah’s Messenger took hold of my shoulder and said, ‘Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler.” The sub-narrator added: Ibn `Umar used to say, “If you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive in the morning, and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening, and take from your health for your sickness, and (take) from your life for your death (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6416). The Hadith is further explained with its lessons and jurisprudence of the Hadith are as follows:
1. This Hadith conveys valuable lessons to live a moderate life and earn the biggest reward in the hereafter
2. Hadith teaches us to detach from worldly pleasure as if nothing is this life, just like someone who just passed by or a traveller
3. Hadith encourages us to live like a traveller in this life and prioritize our spiritual lives and the Hereafter over worldly gains.
4. Hadith highlights the transience of life, reminding us that our time in this world is limited. So, if one survives till the evening, he should not expect to be alive to see the morning.
5. Hadith further underscores the uncertainty of life and the importance of being prepared for death.
6. The Hadith encourages Muslims to take advantage of their health and life to prepare for the Hereafter, while advising us to take an opportunity to do good while healthy for the time when we may be sick.
7. The Hadith encourages Muslims to live with mindfulness of death and the Hereafter, which can help them prioritize their actions and decisions
8. Hadith discourages us from accumulating wealth that cannot be better accounted for while alive, but to remember hereafter the most
9. Hadith encourages Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and development, focusing on building a strong relationship with Allah and fellow human beings
10. Hadith encourages Muslims to live simply and modestly, avoiding excessive attachment to worldly possessions and desires.
11. Hadith emphasises that living like a stranger or traveler can foster a sense of contentment and gratitude for the blessings one has. By recognizing the temporary nature of worldly possessions and relationships, one can cultivate a greater appreciation for what he has.
12. Hadith teaches us that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was always called attention of his companions to things that would benefit them, to the extent of holding Ibn Umar by his collar to establish the importance of the admonition, not only to them alone, but to the generality of Muslim Ummah at all times.
Prayers:
Please, O Allah! As we witnessed the third Jumua’h in the month of Rabiu’th-Thani, 1447 AH, may He bless us with blessings He bestowed the month, relieve our worries, accept our prayers and requests, put in our minds tranquility, faith and guidance
O Allah, help us to guide our children in worship and character, provide for us to take care of them adequately and make them a source of joy for us on the Day of Judgement.
O Allah! We confessed our sins before you and hardship we are going through, please forgive us and cushion the effect of the hardship by Your Mighty and guide our leaders on their plans to better our standard of living and alleviate our abject poverty that is killing us, save us from bad governance, protect Muslims from all worrying lands, save all Muslims from the calamities of our time and restore the world and Nigeria in particular, back to normal from pandemic, insecurity, hunger, banditry, kidnapping, war and other social evils rampaging the world with the blessings you accorded this month. Amin
Jumu’ah Mubarakah
Imam Yusuf Mashood Dagbo is the Chief Imam, Government Girls Day Secondary School, GGDSS Central Mosque, Okesuna, Ilorin, Kwara State & Director, YUMAD Consults, specializes in educational consultancy, cultural orientation, marriage counselling, event organization, public presentation, columnist, etc.
