Author: Mufti Nusratullah Esmati
The World in the Mirror of Truth (Part One)
Abstract
This article examines the nature of the world through the perspective of the Quran, Sunnah, the Sahaba, the Tabe’een, and Islamic scholars. The work includes several sections that analyze in detail different aspects of the world and its relationship with the Hereafter.
In various sections of this article, the world is portrayed as a means of testing humanity. This work emphasizes the importance of asceticism, avoiding greed, and focusing on the eternal life of the Hereafter, describing the world as a mirage that deceives individuals.
This research also includes statements by the Sahaba and Tabe’een regarding the world and asceticism, and it offers solutions for curing the love of the world. Ultimately, the purpose of this article is to help readers find a balance between worldly and spiritual life, inspiring them to live based on divine values.
Given the richness of the sources and the depth of the topics covered, this work can serve as an inspiration and guide not only for students and scholars but also for Muslims in general.
Introduction
The world is the name of the impermanent and fleeting home in which a person lives. However, it should be known that the purpose of creating the world is not merely to live; rather, the world has a higher purpose, as the Holy Quran indicates: «وما خلقت الجن والانس الا لیعبدون» (“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me.”)
Therefore, the criterion for human success and moderation in the world lies solely in obedience to Allah Almighty. Whoever deviates from this criterion will undoubtedly tread the path of spiritual misguidance and destruction, ultimately ruining their good destiny. One fundamental factor contributing to deviation from the path of obedience is the love of the world; as the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stated: “Love of the world is the root of all sins.”
This noble hadith clearly illustrates that steadfastness on the path of religion and moderation is achievable only by distancing oneself from worldly love. Mawlana Jalal ad-din Rumi states in this regard:
“Greed hides the sun; how strange it is to hide the proof.”
This truth is echoed by many great religious scholars, may Allah have mercy on them, who assert that the love of the world is the source of all spiritual and moral diseases—a widespread affliction that impacts both men and women and is rightly called the “mother of diseases.” It is from this disease that corruption and wars emerge. If there were no greed and love of the world in a person’s heart, oppression, usurpation of property, disputes, and wars would never occur. Many undesirable actions, such as theft, plunder, injustice, and failure to respect the rights of Allah and His servants, have their roots in greed and the love of the world.
A person whose love for the world has penetrated their heart leaves nothing behind and is always seeking to satisfy their desires. Such a person is neither afraid of sin nor inclined to do good, as love for the world and love for the Hereafter are two opposing forces that can never coexist in the same heart. As Sahl Abul-Hasan (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “The example of a person who wants to combine the world and the Hereafter is like a slave who has two masters and does not know which one to please.”
This article, titled “The World in the Mirror of Truth,” aims to unveil the reality of the world by relying on Quranic verses, Prophetic hadiths, and the sayings of esteemed religious figures (may Allah have mercy on them) and to demonstrate how one can pursue happiness and divine pleasure by avoiding love for the world.
What is the World?
Human life, from the moment of birth to death, along with all its effects, accessories, and credentials, is referred to as the world. Life in this world is an opportunity to gather provisions for the Hereafter. However, when a person becomes attached to worldly affairs and their desires are focused solely on this fleeting home, they fall behind in the Hereafter, and curtains of darkness form between them and their Lord. In such cases, the truth remains hidden from their eyes, and attachment to the world distorts one’s true position.
Many people consider achieving worldly pleasures and desires as the highest level of happiness. Consequently, they strive to increase these pleasures without regard for how they attain them. This attitude leads individuals to neglect the truth of their existence, rendering them dependent solely on the world and its pleasures. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said in this regard: “Whoever loves this world will harm his Hereafter, and whoever loves the Hereafter will harm his worldly life. So prefer what is permanent over what is temporary.”
However, those who have placed their hearts in Allah, seeking love and intimacy solely in worship and obedience to Him, do not benefit from the world except to the extent necessary, for they understand clearly that the world and everything within it is temporary.
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