Malfuzat – Volume II — Page 265
265 serves the Faith. Hence, the fundamental point is that the world must not be one’s ultimate ob- jective. As a matter of fact, in pursuing worldly affairs, the primary purpose must be religion, and the world ought to be pursued in a manner that serves the Faith. For example, when a person travels from one place to another, they will take a mount and pack their provisions. They do this because their actual purpose is to reach their final destination, not because they seek the mount itself or the provi- sions for the journey. In the same manner, one ought to strive in the world, but only so that this may serve the Faith. Allah the Exalted has taught us the following prayer: 1 ِ عَذَابَ النَّار الْاٰخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَّ قِنَا حَسَنَةً وَّ فِي الدُّنْيَا فِي رَبَّنَا ۤ ٰاتِنَا Our Lord, grant us good in this world as well as good in the world to come, and protect us from the torment of the Fire. In this prayer, the world has been given precedence, but what ‘world’ exactly? It is the good of this world (hasanatud-dunya) which becomes a means by which to reap good in the hereafter. The fact that we have been taught this prayer clearly demonstrates that in attaining the world, a believer ought to have in view the good of the hereafter. The words hasanatud-dunya as mentioned here encompass all the best means by which a Muslim believer ought to pursue the world. Pursue the world in every such way that leads to benefit and goodness, not in a manner that causes pain to another human being, nor in a manner that is disgraceful or ignoble amongst the people. Engaging in the world in such a manner would defi- nitely enable one to reap the good of the hereafter (hasanatul-akhirah). Be Not Indolent Therefore, bear in mind that an individual who dedicates their life for the sake of God is never left in a helpless state. Nay, not at all. In fact, religion and devoting oneself to the cause of Allah makes an individual vigilant and active. Indolence and sloth can come nowhere near such a person. In a narration it is related by Ammar ibn Khuzaymah ra that Hazrat Umar ra said to his father: ‘What has held you back from planting trees on your land?’ My father responded: ‘I am an old man, I will die soon. ’ Hazrat Umar ra responded by saying: ‘You must do this task. ’ 1 al-Baqarah, 2:202