Living for Allah Ta’ala

There are all kinds of mindsets. Thus, there are all types of life on this earth. Each person has an ideal and a purpose. And he lives for that itself.

A Kaafir lives for this Dunya itself because he believes only in this life. Among them are those who live while wanting to "taste" everything. They wander hither and wither merely to eat, drink and entertain themselves. There are those who live solely for their vice such as drugs, casino, etc.

There is another category which is quite different. It is a category that lives on this earth but believes in another life after this life on earth. They are those who live on this earth to build that other life that is awaiting them after this life. It is that other world itself which is called Aakhirah. Living on this earth to build the other life is called living for Aakhirah. And to live for Aakhirah is to live for the sake of Allah Ta’ala.

Whatever we live for in this world, will not benefit us forever. There is only one way of living which will be beneficial everywhere and forever. And this is a life that a person lives for the sake of Allah Ta’ala. Living for Allah Ta’ala is an extraordinary life. It is a life that guarantees eternal salvation. Therefore, why are you wasting your life which is so precious for things which either you will have to leave behind, or they will leave you. Why sacrifice yourself for things that will decay under the ground? Allah Ta’ala is eternal. It is he Himself who has the ability to help us and to grant us our needs everywhere and forever. Neither rain, nor sun, nor cyclone, nor bad weather can prevent Him from helping us. He is here to help us everywhere, forever and under all circumstances.

Living for the sake of Allah Ta’ala is success and prosperity and it is this itself which guarantees eternal well-being:

"O Allah! Help us to live solely for You."

It should be noted that living solely for Allah Ta’ala does not mean at any moment, that one should neglect all worldly work. Allah Ta’ala has never prevented one from earning. Nabi (Sallallaahou Alaihi Wasallam) has always encouraged people to work so that he can earn a living without being a burden on others. The Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum), the Taabi'een and the Tabi Taabi'een have always practise a profession to earn a living. But they were always inspired and guided by the commandment of Allah Ta’ala and the Mubarak Sunnah of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) in all their actions. Never did they allow themselves to be carried away or to be influenced by the Dunya. Therefore, living only for the sake of Allah Ta’ala means to apply the commandments of Allah Ta’ala in accordance to the Mubarak Sunnah and principle of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) in all fields of life.

 [English version of "Vive pou Allah Ta’ala" – Al Jamiat – Vol.5 No.2]