Islam says the world is not a permanent abode, and is transient.

In the Name of God, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate

Welcome to the sixth episode of Heavenly Call on the occasion of the blessed fasting month of Ramadhan.

We start with the special supplication of the 6^th day.

“O Allah, forsake me not this day by letting me venture to disobey You, and do not strike me with the lash of Your vengeance! Keep me away from the causes of Your displeasure, with Your favour and support, O ultimate object of the desire of those who yearn.”

One of the basic issues in management science is foresight. The economic, cultural, military and security policies of most countries are based on long term plans. Some countries have 5-year plans, some have 20-year perspectives, and still others have half-a-century long planning. In the dynamic culture of Islam, foresight has no time limit, since the laws of the One and Only Creator are for all time and all places, till the Day of Resurrection, that is, the raising of the dead for the final judgment. Prophet Mohammad (blessings of God upon him and his progeny), as the Last and Greatest Messenger of God with the universal mission of Islam, has set a perennial practical precedent in this regard, based on his foresight.

Islam says the world is not a permanent abode, and is transient. Whatever bounties God has provided for mankind are tests and trials. If, during our short life, we plan for the future, we ought to focus on afterlife, in addition to the basic needs of the mortal world. In other words, it is only our good deeds that will guarantee the bliss of paradise in the Hereafter, while bad deeds lead to the punishment of hell for disbelievers and unrepentant sinners, after the intense mercy shown by our Loving Lord.

Thus, we should be fully prepared for the provision of the Hereafter, as is evident by ayah 18 of Surah Hashr:

“O you who have faith! Be wary of Allah, and let every soul consider what it sends ahead for tomorrow,”

The holy Qur’an tells mankind, especially believers that before they die they should plan for the eternal future of afterlife. During the transient life of the mortal world, there is the possibility of pretensions, but firm faith stems from the depth of the heart, of which the Almighty is well aware. On the Day of Resurrection, our deeds will be evaluated, and accordingly we will get the rewards, after much mercy. Nothing is hidden from the Almighty Creator, Who says in ayah 197 of Surah Baqarah:

“And whatever good you do, Allah knows it. And take provision, for indeed the best provision is Godwariness. So be wary of Me, O you who possess intellects!”

In view of this and other ayahs of the holy Qur’an, one of the important factors that inspire greater efforts and strengthen motivation, is the end and result of the work. The more sincere our endeavors, the more fruitful will be the result, and accordingly the hope in the bright future is strengthened.

In ayah 73 of Surah Zumar, God Almighty says in this regard:

“Those who are wary of their Lord will be led to paradise in throngs. When they reach it, and its gates are opened, its keepers will say to them, ‘Peace be to you! You are welcome! Enter it to remain [forever].”

Gratitude towards divine blessings is among the prominent characteristics of the pious and the true believers. They are humble in their behaviour and are thankful to God for whatever that He the All-Wise has decreed. The Lord Most High prevents the faithful from going astray, since He is fully aware of their sincerity and inner intentions. In view of this, when they enter the eternal paradise, the true believers speak as the holy Qur’an says in ayah 74 of Surah Zumar:

“They will say, ‘All praise belongs to Allah, who has fulfilled His promise to us and made us heirs to the earth that we may settle in paradise wherever we may wish!’ How excellent is the reward of the workers [of righteousness]!”

FK/AS/EA