Quick Hadith 102

Mustawrid ibn Shaddaad RA narrates:

"I heard the Prophet of Allah (SAW) saying, ‘By Allah, (the luxuries of) this world in comparison to the Hereafter is nothing but as though one of you dipped his finger in the sea. So ponder how much (of sea water), the finger returns with’." (Mishkaat, Mi’raaj)


COMMENTARY

The wetness of the dipped finger in the vast ocean is likened to the luxuries of the world. The vast ocean itself is likened to the luxuries of the Hereafter. Just as the proportion of the wetness of the dipped finger in the vast ocean cannot be compared to the ocean itself, similarly, the very limited comforts and luxuries of this world cannot be compared to the unlimited comforts and luxuries of the Hereafter.

Why should we then not exhaust ourselves to earn the unlimited comforts of the Hereafter which is eternal as opposed to exhausting ourselves only to the limited comforts of this temporary world.

Our attitude is similar to preferring the wetness of the finger to the extremely vast ocean! What a selfish choice!

So called modernists say that "Dunia" is also "Aakhirah". If that is so, then what is the meaning of the above Hadith?

A narration which is so clear of its context and simili.

Indeed - those who have a sick heart will try to modify and mutilate any content and context of Ahadith to suit their desires. And with this easiness and "shooting two birds with one stone" attitude do we expect to be awarded Paradise, just like the Sahabah RA and the Pious Predecessors? You must be joking!

Just like how we consult doctors and consultants for health care, we need to consult pious Ulama (scholars) to ask of how to best lead our lives in preparation for the Hereafter.

THIS WORLD IS A TEST. IT IS NOT A PLACE FOR ENJOYMENT AND FULFILMENT OF WANTS AND DESIRES.