Observe how the life of this world deceives those around you. It lures them into the traps of vanity, wealth, and fame, and exalts them above others. This splendor blinds them, and they are lost forever in illusion. But then in one instant, life deals the blow of death, and all is gone!
Allah, the Exalted, says:
"Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment." [Surah al-Hadid, 57:20]
"They rejoice in the life of the world, whereas the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter is but a brief passing enjoyment." [Surah Ra'd, 13:26]
Those before us used to give to their worldly affairs what was left over from their pursuit of the hereafter. But today, we give to the matters of the hereafter the left-overs from our pursuit of worldly affairs....
