Chapter 3: Surat Aal-'Imran (The House 'Imran), verse 14-17
Translation:
Men are tempted by the lure of women and offspring, of hoarded treasures of gold and silver, of splendid horses, cattle, and plantations. These are the enjoyments of this life, but far better is the return to God. Say: 'Shall I tell you of better things than these, with which the righteous shall be rewarded by their Lord? Gardens watered by running streams, where they shall dwell for ever: spouses of perfect chastity: and grace from God.' God is watching His servants, those who say: 'Lord, we believe in You: forgive us our sins and keep us from the torment of the Fire'; who are steadfast, sincere, obedient, and charitable; and who implore forgiveness at break of day. (14 - 17)
Commentary:
This world
is a place of trial. That is what accounts for the apparent attraction in
worldly things. Now God wants to see who are those to get lost in the
attractions of this world and how are those who rise above to make the unseen
things of the Next world as then center of attention. Man finds
satisfaction/gratification in things of this world. He sees that the worldly
acquisitions led him an honorable place in society. By possessing material
resources he can have all he wants in life. This gives him the impression that
it is these things which matter/are of consequence. All his interests and
activities center around his family, wealth and property. This presents the
greatest obstacle to advancing towards the demands of the next life. The feeling
of importance to worldly things makes him oblivious of the things/matters
pertaining to the next life. He is so engrossed in building the future of his
children in this world that he no longer remembers the fact that there is any
‘future’ beyond this present life of which he should give thought to.
Providing all comforts to his home in this world becomes so dear to him that it
never occurs to him that there is any other home save this, for which he should
pay heed. Making money/accumulating riches and possessing property in this world
seem so valuable to him that he fails to think that there is any ‘wealth’
save this to acquire which he should devote his life. However all these things
(of this world) are only the glitters of this present life. They will not be of
any use to the next eternal life.
One
who makes the permanent life of Hereafter on the center of his attention, in his
eyes all the glitters of this world will appear meaningless. He will be filled
with the conviction that the matter of the next world is entirely in the hand of
God. As a result he will fear God most and will be desirous of the next life
more than anything. He will not follow his desires, rather he will determine his
course of action in view of the court of God. There will be no difference
between his words and actions. His wealth will no longer remain his but will be
devoted to the cause of God. Whatever difficulties he faces in the path of God
he will stick to with all steadfastness because he will have the conviction that
no one can give succor to him if he leaves God. His heart will be filled with
God’s remembrance, he will start calling Him spontaneously. God will be his
companion in his solitude. In the presence of God’s greatness and perfection,
his own being will appear completely insignificant. He will have no words to
utter but—‘O my God, forgive me.’