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The Muslim is like a
stranger in this worldly life: The stranger is one residing in a country other
than his country. The worldly life is not the Muslim’s permanent place of
residence; rather the Muslim’s permanent place of residence is paradise. He is
in this worldly life to work for entry into Paradise. He takes what is needed
from this world to aid him work for entry into paradise.
The Muslim is like a traveler in this worldly life: The traveler
takes rest during his journey and then carries on travelling. He does not
reside permanently in that place he stopped to take a rest. In the life of this
world the Muslim is that traveler. In reality he is not a permanent resident in
the worldly life because his time in it is very little. His nights and days
take him towards the afterlife.
What is befitting the Muslim with regards to the days, nights, and
his health etc! If you reach the morning do not delay good deeds till in the
evening because it maybe that you will not reach the evening. If you reach the
evening do not delay good deeds till the morning because it maybe that you will
not reach the morning. Do not delay repentance and righteous deeds till another
time.
As long as a person is in a state of good health and wellbeing, he is able to perform fasting, the night prayer etc; but when he becomes sick he is not able to perform fasting, the night prayer etc. Therefore, as long as Allaah has given you good health, then hasten towards righteous actions because a time will come in which you will be unable to perform them-either due to illness, old age, or senility. Prepare for death and what is to come after it. Allaah gave you this life in order that you busy yourself with what will benefit you in the afterlife. So do not spend your life in play and jest.
Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Minhatur Rabbaaniyyah Fee sharh al-arba’een of Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) pages 285 287. slightly paraphrased]
Selected from the article: Believers
Warned Against Those Who Make The Worldly Life Their Goal or Greatest Goal!
https://salaficentre.com/2022/02/07/believers-warned-against-those-who-make-the-worldly-life-their-goal-or-greatest-goal/
