By Barrister Olori-Aje Adam
Today’s reminder flows from the understanding of Qur’an 29 verse 64.
Life is a grand stage upon which each of us is called to play a role. Some of us play briefly, some play for long but, none of us can play forever. As the curtain rises and falls with time or death, our moment on the stage inevitably comes to an end.
Take a moment to look back twenty years. Reflect on your field, your community, your society. Where are the Professors who once dazzled minds, the Preachers whose voices filled the air, the Captains of industry who once shaped destinies, the Leaders whose names echoed everywhere?
Today, their seats are occupied by others, just as ours will one day be.
If you now find yourself on the stage of relevance, be wise. Remember always: the stage will outlast you. Positions in life rotate; no one owns time, and life itself belongs to none but Allah.
When life smiles upon you and your name is on the lips of men, do not let pride darken your heart. Celebrate your blessings with gratitude, but stay humble. Recognize the fact that, every applause is temporary, every triumph is fleeting, and every honour is a test from the Almighty.
If the music of life beats joyfully in your favour, dance with grace but remain mindful that the melody will soon change. When the winds of change blows and they surely will, may humility, patience, and gratitude be your anchor.
Others are waiting and praying for their turn, just as you once did. And when their time comes, as ordained by Allah, may you find no regret for been replaced.
Indeed, no one reigns forever. Thrones are temporary, fame fades, and every sunrise brings us a step closer to our final rest. So be thankful, be humble, and let the fear of Allah illuminate your journey until your final bow from the life’s stage.
Are you now on stage or about to? Then remember this one scaring and sobering truth about life:
When the sun finally sets on you… when your time on the stage is over… life will move on as though you were never there. As though you never stood in the spotlight. As though your voice never echoed. As though your presence never commanded attention. As though your name was never once on everyone’s lips. As though time itself never paused for you.
Are you now on stage or about to? Then, I urge you to let your ‘time’ counts. Use your moments wisely. Live with humility. Serve with sincerity. Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, and as long as ever you can. And leave a legacy that outlives the applause.
Ya Allah, protect us from pride in moments of success and despair in moments of trial. Grant us humility in prosperity, patience in adversity, and steadfast faith until our final breath.
Ya Rabb, envelop us in Your mercy, guide us by Your light, and make our end a blessed one.
