By Raeesa Padia
When we lay our heads down at night, do we ever pause to think about how we spent our day?
Did we please Allah Ta’ala in our words, actions, and intentions, or did we fall short?
Each day passes, yet how many of us truly take a moment to reflect on our purpose in this dunya?
As Muslims, we are constantly reminded that this world is temporary, fleeting like the setting sun. But how often do we act upon that reminder? Have we tried, even a little, to become better Muslims today than we were yesterday? Have we increased in our ibaadah, our good deeds, or even in our remembrance of Allah?
Every day, we hear of someone returning to their Creator. Sometimes it’s a close friend, a neighbor, or someone we knew only from a distance, but the message is the same: death is near. Yet, how quickly our hearts move on as if we will not be next. SubhanAllah, how many wake-up calls does Allah have to give us before we open our eyes? How many signs must we witness before realizing that our stay here is short, and our return is certain?
This world, no matter how beautiful it may seem, is filled with deception. It entices us with its illusions, wealth, fame, desires, and distraction, pulling us away from the Qur’an and the Sunnah. The more we chase after it, the further we drift from Allah. And when that final moment arrives, what will we have to show for our time here? How will we answer for the wrongs we committed, the hearts we hurt, the prayers we neglected, and the opportunities to do good that we ignored?
We must remind ourselves that our purpose in this dunya is not to chase pleasure or perfection, but to seek Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ wept and prayed for his ummah out of deep love and concern. He cried, “Ummati, Ummati,”, “My nation, my nation.” Can you imagine that moment? His tears were for us. His worry was for our salvation. Yet, how often do we think of him when we make our choices in life? How often do we pause and ask ourselves if our actions would please our beloved Nabi ﷺ?
Let us not be the reason for his pain. Let us instead strive to be among those who bring joy to his heart by living as he taught us, with sincerity, humility, and devotion.
May Allah Ta’ala awaken our hearts before it’s too late. May He make us among those who reflect at night, seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, and rise each morning with the intention to do better. Life is short, but the mercy of Allah is vast. Turn back to Him, before you are returned to Him.
Ya Allah, guide us, forgive us, and never let our hearts become heedless of You.
Ameen
