For Tomorrow And Forever

"Conduct yourself in this world, as if you are here to stay forever; prepare for eternity as if you have to die tomorrow." (Bukhari)

In explaining the above Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, the narration does not mean that there should be no sense of immediacy or urgency to action. Rather it suggests that there should be continuity in life. It also suggests that one should not be obsessed with attaining immediate results and worldly success.

On the other hand, the narration goes on to state that one should act with respect to life in the Hereafter as if one were to die tomorrow. And this is the main priority. In this, it conveys a sense of urgency about having one's conscience in good order of his deeds and sins which will be presented to Allah SWT.

Thus:

• A Muslim must not be indulged in worldly pursuits to such an extent that it will affect his / her vital preparations for the Hereafter, and that there is no excuse to delay this preparation for later, and there should be no procrastination.
• A Muslim who is preparing for the Hereafter should not - in his / her enthusiasm and passion for Aakhirah, cannot let go and ignore his responsibilities in terms of Akhlak, Mu'amalat and Mu'asharat and other aspects of the responsibility of a human being living in this world. No rights of any beings must be forsaken as that is a grave sin.