Reminder:
This dunya is not the destination—it is the field of cultivation for the Akhirah. Every hardship, every struggle, and every trial is not a punishment but an opportunity. The mere fact that you are alive right now is a blessing beyond measure. Why?
- You can still do good deeds—even a simple dhikr can tip the scale in your favor.
- You can still repent—Allah's mercy is open, no matter how many sins you have.
- You can still seek knowledge, pray, fast, and give charity—all of which bring you closer to Allah.
Once the angel of death comes, your book is closed. No more chances. No more repentance. No more deeds. But right now, every second you breathe is a chance to earn Allah’s pleasure.
Evidence from the Qur’an and Sunnah
This Life Is a Test and Preparation for the Akhirah
Allah says:
﴿وَمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَآ إِلَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡغُرُورِ﴾
"And the life of this world is nothing but a deceiving enjoyment."
(Surah Aal ‘Imran 3:185)
Ibn Kathir رحمه الله said regarding this ayah:
"This means the enjoyment of this world is temporary, deceiving, and distracting from the real purpose, which is seeking the Hereafter."
The Value of Every Second in This Life
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Two blessings that many people waste: health and free time."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6412)
Explanation: Many people fail to use their time wisely. The Prophet ﷺ warned that free time and good health are wasted by those who do not invest them in righteous deeds. Every moment you are alive is a gift—use it wisely before you regret it in the grave.
The Regret of the People of the Grave
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him."
(Sahih Muslim 1631)
Explanation: The moment death comes, your actions stop. No more salah. No more dhikr. No more fasting. But right now, while you are alive, you can build your akhirah. This is the ultimate opportunity.
The People of Hell Will Beg for Just One More Chance
Allah describes the regret of those who wasted their life:
﴿رَبِّ ٱرۡجِعُونِ لَعَلِّىٓ أَعۡمَلُ صَـٰلِحًۭا فِيمَا تَرَكۡتُۚ﴾
"My Lord, send me back! So that I may do righteous deeds in that which I neglected."
(Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:99-100)
Explanation: Once death comes, there is no return. The people of Jahannam will beg for just one more moment, one more chance to do good. But right now, you have that chance!Statements of the Salaf & Scholars
Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه said:
❝If you reach the evening, do not expect to reach the morning. And if you reach the morning, do not expect to reach the evening. Take from your health before your sickness, and from your life before your death.❞
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6416)
Explanation: Time is limited, and we do not know when we will die. Every second is an opportunity to seek Jannah and protect ourselves from Hellfire. Hasan al-Basri رحمه الله said:
❝O son of Adam! You are nothing but days. Whenever a day passes, a part of you has gone.❞
(Al-Zuhd by Ibn al-Mubarak)
Explanation: Every day that passes is part of your life gone forever. How are you spending your limited time? Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:
❝This world is a farm for the Hereafter. Whoever plants good in it, will harvest good in the Hereafter. And whoever plants evil, will harvest regret.❞
(Sharh Riyadh as-Saliheen 1/10)
Explanation: Every action in this life affects your eternity. Are you planting good deeds or bad deeds?Conclusion: Your Life Is the Greatest Opportunity
Imagine meeting Allah on the Day of Judgment, and your efforts in this dunya—your patience, your tawbah, your salah, your dhikr—lead you to Jannah, eternal bliss, never-ending joy.
And imagine the regret of those who wasted this life, who ignored their purpose, who neglected their akhirah.
This dunya is not your home. It is your chance.
Use it wisely before it’s too late.
"Indeed, the Hereafter is better and more lasting." (Surah Al-A‘la 87:17)
