07/12/2023
Reflection on Surah Al-Kahf (Q18:45)
A journey that begins from nothing and ends with nothing, except the Face of Allah (Everything perishes except that which is done seeking the love of Allah). It commences in weakness and concludes in weakness, such is the transformation during the state of embryogenesis in every human. From a single fertilizing spermatozoa out of millions of competitors, the process unfolds into a Zygote and later a blastocyst, forming an embryo. Human vulnerability is evident from the embryonic stage, where dependence on nourishment from the Lord within the amniotic sac persists until the end of the toddler stage.
Similar is the situation for plants and many living organisms. Plants undergo embryogenesis, starting with the fertilization of an ovule to produce a fully developed embryo. The embryo relies on nourishment from sunlight, water, and CO2, maturing into a fully grown state.
At the final phase of human, animal, and plant existence, all worldly materials acquired become the sustenance for detritivores, and decomposers revel in the offerings of nature. Decayed animals and plants also serve as the substratum for the growth of new plants.
Returning to the Quranic verse where Allah illustrates the parable of life:
“And give them a parable of this worldly life. It is like the plants of the earth, thriving when sustained by the rain We send down from the sky. Then they soon turn into chaff scattered by the wind. And Allah is fully capable of doing all things.” (Q18:45)
“The enjoyment of worldly desires—women, children, treasures of gold and silver, fine horses, cattle, and fertile land—has been made appealing to people. These are the pleasures of this worldly life, but with Allah is the finest destination.” (Q3:14)
“Know that this worldly life is no more than play, amusement, luxury, mutual boasting, and competition in wealth and children. This is like rain that causes plants to grow, to the delight of the planters. But later the plants dry up and you see them wither, then they are reduced to chaff. And in the Hereafter, there will be either severe punishment or forgiveness and pleasure of Allah, whereas the life of this world is no more than the delusion of enjoyment.” (Q57:20)
“Your wealth and children are only a test, but Allah alone has a great reward.” (Q64:15)
In the subsequent verse, after illustrating the parable of this world, Allah emphasizes the best of what we can hold onto, having established that “Wealth and children are the adornment of this worldly life (Q18:46).” Every wise person understands that beauty fades over time, and the true beauty of this world is most everlasting. That is why Allah said:
“But the everlasting good deeds are far better with your Lord in reward and in hope. (Q18:46)” Most interpreters translate "everlasting good deeds" to mean remembrance of Allah (SubhanaLlahi, WalHamuduliLlahi, La illaha illa Allahu, La hawla wa Quwwata, and also the Salah).
Brothers and sisters in Islam, this life is not worth wasting your existence for; Allah does not value it as much as you may think. When Prophet Ibrahim requested Allah to provide safety for the believers in Mecca, Allah answered by including the unbelievers as beneficiaries of the delights of this world.
“And remember when Abraham said, ‘My Lord, make this city (of Mecca) secure and provide fruits to its people—those among them who believe in Allah and the Last Day.’ He answered, ‘As for those who disbelieve, I will let them enjoy themselves for a little while, then I will condemn them to the torment of the Fire. What an evil destination!’ (Q2:126)”
Sahl ibn Sa’d reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “If the world were as worthy to Allah as the wing of a mosquito, an unbeliever would not even be given a sip of water.”
Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2320
"And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death). "
