Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an:
“The life of this world is nothing but a deceiving enjoyment.”
(Surah Aal-Imran 3:185)
And our beloved Prophet ﷺ said:
“The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.”
(Sahih Muslim 2956)
This dunya is not our final destination. It’s a test. A temporary space to sow the seeds of what we hope to reap in the Aakhirah (Hereafter). Yet many of us get so caught up in chasing comfort, validation, money, and image — that we forget our real objective is to earn the pleasure of our Rabb and prepare for what comes after death.
This doesn’t mean we must reject all worldly things — Islam encourages excellence, responsibility, and balance. But everything we do should be done with intention:
“I am doing this for the sake of our Rabb”
Whether it’s working to provide for your family, studying, raising children, helping a neighbor — your intention changes the weight of your deed.
We will all face trials in life. But if you bring Deen into your home, into your heart and daily routine, Allah will give you the strength to handle those trials with sabr (patience) and faith, instead of doubt or despair. Calamities won’t shake you to your core because your foundation will be rooted in the knowledge that this life is temporary, and that Allah never burdens a soul beyond what it can bear (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286).
Reflect on the lives of the Sahabah رضي الله عنهم — they were human like us. They had emotions, fears, and desires. But they always prioritized the Aakhirah. Think of Sayyidina Bilal رضي الله عنه, who was tortured for believing in one God, yet kept saying “Ahad, Ahad” (One, One). Think of Sayyidina Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه who gave all his wealth in the path of Allah — knowing that what is with Allah is better and lasting.
They were not attached to this world. Not because they had nothing — but because they saw this world for what it really is: temporary, fragile, and full of illusions and deceit.
There is a hadith that says:
“If the world were worth even the wing of a mosquito in the sight of Allah, He would not have given a disbeliever even a sip of water from it.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
The world holds so little value in the sight of Allah — and yet we exhaust ourselves trying to chase it. Why not put even more effort into securing something that will never fade away?
Let us live with purpose. Let us walk through this dunya with our eyes on the Aakhirah. Let us teach our hearts to be content with what Allah has given — and trust that what lies ahead with Him is far better.
Please remember this sinful slave in your duas.
what is our true purpose in this dunya (world)
