The meaning of the world (Dunya) can be considered from two perspectives: lexical and idiomatic.
1. The lexical meaning: The world (Dunya) is derived from two roots:
a) “Denu” means proximity (in essence, time, place, or rank).
b) “Dani” means low and insignificant. The word “Adna” encompasses both meanings.
2. The idiomatic meaning: In idiom, the world includes all beings: the earth, trees, animals, humans, plants, minerals, and everything that exists in this world. However, the concept of the world differs for humans; everyone interprets it according to the extent of their enjoyment of its pleasures and blessings.
Reasons for Naming the World
There are two main reasons for naming the world (Dunya):
1. Proximity to humans: The world is closer to the Hereafter. As Allah the Almighty says: «وَلَلْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لَكَ مِنَ الْأُولَى» (And surely, the Hereafter is better for you than the world.)
2. The inferiority and insignificance of the world: The world is very insignificant compared to the Hereafter; as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “A whip placed in Paradise is better than the world and everything in it.”
Human Interest and Attachment to the World
Human attachment to the world is divided into two types:
1. Heart attachment to the world: This type of attachment is a love that makes a person dependent on worldly matters. This interest is reprehensible and undesirable from the perspective of Sharia.
2. Physical interest in the world: This interest refers to a person’s occupation and action in worldly affairs. This type of interest is not only acceptable but encouraged, as the world serves as a means to reach the Hereafter.
Abu Sa’id Abul-Khair, may Allah have mercy on him, once made the nails of his horse’s stable out of gold. When someone looked at this act with astonishment, he said: “We have driven the nail into the wall, not into the heart!”
Rumi also says in this regard:
“Water under the ship is the guardian; water inside the ship is the ship’s ruin.”
The Tradition of Allah Almighty in the Creation of the World
In the system of creation, Allah Almighty has adorned the world with various beauties and attractions, such as women and children, gold and silver, and fine animals. These blessings have been created to serve humanity and as a means to test it. Therefore, a believer should not immerse themselves in these fleeting attractions and remain oblivious to the Hereafter. Piety is the key to overcoming this neglect and reaching eternal Paradise.
The Truth of This World and the Hereafter
1. Understanding the truth of this world and the Hereafter: Just as people in this world understand its realities using their senses and believe in the existence of the earth, the sky, and thousands of other realities, they will also clearly observe Heaven, Hell, and all other realities in the Hereafter. Just as the material world is an undeniable truth, the Hereafter is also a certain reality. Belief in the Hereafter is based on reason and revelation, and we await it with complete confidence.
2. The transience of this world and the eternity of the Hereafter: The world and everything in it are destined for destruction, while the Hereafter is eternal. In the Hereafter, humanity attains eternal life and will never face destruction again. The blessings promised to righteous servants will also be permanent and unfading in the Hereafter.
3. The natural weakness of humans in paying attention to the world: Because the world and its blessings are always before our eyes while the Hereafter remains hidden, even among believers, there is a dominant tendency toward the world. This situation is similar to a child who is very attached to his toys and is unaware of the future. Humans often do not pay enough attention to the warnings of the prophets and the heavenly books.
4. The emphasis of the prophets on the value of the Hereafter: The divine prophets have always warned humanity against neglecting the Hereafter by reminding them of its high status. The Holy Quran states: “Rather, you prefer the life of this world, while the Hereafter is better and everlasting. This truth has also been mentioned in the previous scriptures, the scriptures of Abraham and Moses.”
5. The guidance of the prophets about the world and the Hereafter: One of the most important messages of the prophets is that humanity should despise the world and not rely on it. The world should not be the main goal of life; rather, the Hereafter should be the final abode and the eternal destination of humanity. To achieve the happiness of the Hereafter, it is essential for the heart of man to be turned towards it and to resonate with the truth that “true life is only in the Hereafter.” The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) always emphasized the perishability of the world in his teachings.
6. Condemning the world in comparison to the Hereafter: In the Quran and Hadiths, the world is condemned as a means of serving religion and drawing closer to Allah. However, if the world is a means to that end, it is not only acceptable but is also a pathway to Paradise.
Humans should use the world as a bridge to the Hereafter with foresight and piety, and not become overly attached to its mortal beauties. The Hereafter is the main abode and eternal dwelling of humanity, so preparation for it is essential.
