An e-mail to share :
Assalamu'alaikum Nuha,
Everyday we need to make choices that either help us achieve comforts in Dunya or comforts in Akhira and these at times can be quite a dilemma for a productive Muslim. Below are some examples of such choices:
- Should you wake up early for Tahajjud/Fajr prayer and risk being tired/sleepy during the day?
- Should you fast for a day for the sake of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) and risk not being able to focus at work/school?
- Should you give a substantial amount in charity and not have enough for what you want to buy?
Although most of us know how we should answer the above questions, but let's be honest, it's quite tough!
Having said that, below are 3 thoughts to help you always choose the akhira driven choices inshaAllah:
- Remember that your choices for akhira are linked to your purpose: When you make akhira driven choices, you're connecting to your ultimate purpose and that is to worship Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala). For example, when you get up and pray tahajjud/fajr, that's you fulfilling your purpose in life more directly than worrying about an afternoon meeting which may not be directly linked to your akhira.
- It's all in your mind: A lot of times we create in our mind the fear that if we make choices for our akhira we'll lose out, but that's Shaytaan playing with your mind as Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) says in the Quran: "Shaitan (Satan) threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha (evil deeds); whereas Allah promises you Forgiveness from Himself and Bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower" (Quran: Chapter 2, Verse 268).
- Part of the struggle: Yes, it's quite tough to make akhira driven choices all the time, but that's part of the struggle that we've to go through in this temporary life in order to achieve the ultimate pleasure of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala).
Sincerely,
Abu Productive
