In a time when the world glorifies wealth, luxury, and status, it’s easy to forget that this life no matter how beautiful is only temporary. Every soul that breathes today will one day return to its Creator. Every possession we hold dear will one day belong to someone else. Every moment of joy or pain will eventually fade away.
Islam reminds us again and again that this dunya is not our true home. It is a path we walk, not a palace to live in forever. Allah ﷻ says:
“Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.”
(Surah Al-Hadid 57:20)
This verse beautifully captures the temporary nature of life. What seems lush and appealing today will eventually wither away. The world is like a mirage dazzling but deceptive.
THE REALITY OF DUNYA
The Prophet ﷺ gave us a simple but profound reminder:
“Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler.”
(Bukhari)
A traveler doesn’t build permanent homes along the road. He rests for a while, gathers strength, and continues the journey. Similarly, the believer understands that this world is not the destination it’s a stopover on the way to eternity.
Everything in dunya is designed to test us. Wealth, health, beauty, and even hardships all are part of Allah’s plan to purify our souls and prepare us for the real life ahead: the Hereafter. The wise believer uses this world to build for the next, while the heedless one builds here as if he will never leave.
THE DECEPTION OF WORLDLY SUCCESS
Today, success is often measured by how much we own, how high we rise, or how many people admire us. But in Allah’s sight, true success is defined differently. Allah ﷻ says:
“Whoever is removed from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has indeed succeeded.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:185)
The Prophet ﷺ also said:
“This world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.”
(Muslim)
The believer views dunya as a place of responsibility, not indulgence. Every blessing is an opportunity for gratitude; every trial is a chance for growth. The true paradise is yet to come a place where joy never ends, where there is no death, sorrow, or fear.
HOW TO LIVE IN A TEMPORARY WORLD
Islam doesn’t teach us to abandon the world, but to see it through the right lens. To live with purpose, gratitude, and detachment using dunya to earn Jannah.
Renew Your Intentions Every act, even worldly ones, can become worship when done for Allah’s sake.
Maintain Dhikr and Salah These are your anchors in a world full of distractions.
Give in Charity (Sadaqah) Whatever you give in this world is what truly remains with you in the next.
Reflect on Death Often The remembrance of death keeps the heart humble and focused on eternity.
Seek Balance Enjoy the halal blessings of dunya, but don’t let them own your heart.
THE REAL HOME AWAITS
Our true home is not this earth it is Jannah. A place of eternal peace and beauty, prepared by Allah for those who live with faith and patience. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A space in Paradise equal to the size of a whip is better than the world and whatever is in it.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
So why build permanence in a world that will end? Why attach your heart to something that was never meant to last? Let your heart reside where it truly belongs with Allah and the promise of eternity.
“The Hereafter is better for you than the first life.”
(Surah Ad-Duha 93:4)
CONCLUSION
This world is temporary a fleeting shadow of what’s to come. Build wisely. Live righteously. And never forget that every breath brings you closer to your true home.
