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In the process of trying to earn a livelihood in order to fulfil our basic necessities, we often struggle to strike a balance between the accumulation of material goods and the completion of religious duties.
We are repeatedly cautioned about allowing the pleasures and charms of this world to divert us from our true purpose: to worship Allah.
A traveller’s possessions
The Prophet (ﷺ), whilst providing clear guidelines on how to strike that very balance, said,
إِنَّمَا يَكْفِي أَحَدَكُمْ مَا كَانَ فِي الدُّنْيَا مِثْلُ زَادِ الرَّاكِبِ
“Verily, it is enough for you to have in the world the likes of a traveller’s provision.” [1]
The pomp and glitter of this momentary world are described to be a form of delusion, completely deviating human beings from their true objective (in this life). Similarly, this report guides us to have a traveller-like approach when managing our worldly possessions, with the purpose of securing our Hereafter.
What’s the link between us and travellers?
A traveller carries out his journey while minimising his possessions, to avoid any hindrances along his quest. Similarly, we, as believers are encouraged to be wary of our worldly possessions consuming us, consequently swaying us from living a life that pleases our Creator.
Look at it this way: this life is short-lived and turbulent, making it like that of a traveller’s journey. Therefore, it’s only befitting that we look at it through a traveller’s lens!
As we try to make the most of Ramadan, within a limited time span, let’s try to cultivate a traveller-like vision, which will hopefully allow us to become more focused and mindful.
Action plan
Try and do the following:
- Regularly engage in introspection and determine whether our worldly possessions are stopping us from fulfilling our religious obligations;
- Repeatedly refine our mindset in this world, making the preparation of the eternal life – the Hereafter – our ultimate goal.
Coming up
While we take steps to refine our focus and vision, let’s keep an eye out for Part 11 of this series, where we are going to be shedding some light on the immense reward accompanied with loaning money to those who need it.
Have you ever had the opportunity to provide financial assistance to a person in need before? The upcoming article will teach us to truly value those opportunities.
Intro | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14
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Source: Islam21c
Notes
[1] Shu’ab al-Īmān: 13/39
