Every second of the life we live is a test; in private, in public, in homes and in massajid, life is a test and a life of tests is not a life of continuous bliss. This test will decide whether we attain success in the Hereafter or not and if we desire success, then there a simple solution,

“Qul inkuntum tuhibbunallaaha fattabi’oonee yuhbibkumullaahu wayaghfir thunoobikum. Wallaahu Ghafoorur Raheem.
If you love Allah then follow me, Allah will then love you and forgive your sins. Allah is Most Forgiving. Most Merciful. (‘Aali Imraan 31)

This is the reason our beloved Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam was sent. Look at his life in private and in public, look at his attitude towards those who were “apne” (those who were connected to him) and those who were “ghayr” (those who were not connected). Look at his life in total and then follow him and Allah subhaanahu wata’ala will love you and forgive you your sins. If you leave his way then success cannot be guaranteed.

The question which arises now is, are we concerned regarding these tests and attaining success in the Hereafter? Is the effort present in our lives? If not, we need to reflect on how many years of our life have passed by and how many more years we could possibly live for. Once the reality of this thought becomes manifest then the worry of attaining success will follow.

Think of it another way. In worldly matters such as exams in university or college or a madrassah, an atmosphere is created whereby students begin to make an effort. This is the very “atmosphere” which needs to be created within one’s self for the effort to strive for success can begin.

From the speech of one of the respected speakers (Mufti Ibraaheem Sahib) at the IDA monthly Tazkiyah Gathering for Sisters on 5th June.