Ramadhaan 2022 - Day 8
The Prophet (peace be upon him) “Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveller along a path.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 6416]
This is a very important hadith as it governs how we should be in this life and how we should look at it. This life is a trial, and this hadith reinforces and guides a person in how to deal with the trials of this life.
Ibn Rajab رحمه الله said, “And this hadith is a foundation in having short hopes of this life, for the believer should not take this life as a home for him that he feels tranquil in. Rather, he should be in it like he is about to leave, preparing himself for his departure, and the advice of the Messengers عليهم السلام and their followers are all in agreement with this idea.”
A few qualities of a stranger are that his main concern will be on focusing his efforts in getting to his homeland, Jannah. He is not content with residency in this life because it is not his home. This doesn’t mean he should be sad, but a believer’s apparent sadness (due to hereafter matters) is in fact his happiness. We are content with the decree of Allāh, but are not content with staying in this dunya.
Ibn Rajab رحمه الله said, “When Allāh created Ādam عليه السلام, Allāh placed him and his wife in Jannah. Then, they were taken down from Jannah, and promised to return to it along with the righteous from their offspring. Hence a believer is always longing and yearning to return to his first (and original) home.”
Understand the reality of this life and that it is very lowly. Being a stranger comes naturally to whoever is following teachings of the Quran and Sunnah correctly. A believer should live as if he will die tomorrow but plan as if he will live for long. Look at the ill people around you and take heed from their illness and focus on doing more good while you are still healthy.
Understand that your true home is Jannah and you are now here on a trip towards Jannah – InshāAllāh – so ensure you follow the right path so you can reach your goal, and do not waste your time taking with you unnecessary items that will only slow you down and push you further away from real home.
أللهم إني أسألك الجنة و أعوذ بك من النار
