Life is a journey that begins in the womb, continues through this transient world, and ultimately ends in the hereafter. In the womb, we lived without having to labour for our provisions. Everything we needed was provided for us without effort on our part. In this sense, our life in the womb bears a resemblance to the life of Adam (AS) in Paradise, where provision was readily available without the struggle and labour that characterise our worldly existence.
But the life outside the womb is different. It is temporary, delicate, and demanding. Here, we are required to strive, make choices, endure tests, and account for our actions. This worldly life is not the final destination; rather, it is the place where we plant the seeds whose fruits we shall ultimately harvest in the Hereafter.
The delicacy of this life lies in the fact that what we do here has consequences beyond this world. Our words, choices, deeds, and decisions all contribute to the life that awaits us in the Hereafter. Every step therefore matters, and every decision carries a significance far greater than we may sometimes realise.
For this reason, none of us can afford to journey through life relying solely on our own understanding. We need the continuous guidance, mercy, and protection of Allah (SWT). We need Him to guide our hearts when we are confused, to restrain us when our desires overwhelm us, to strengthen us when we are tested, and to keep our steps firmly upon the path that leads to His pleasure.
May Allah (SWT) guide us throughout this transient journey, make our choices pleasing to Him, and grant us a beautiful ending of everlasting peace and happiness in the Hereafter.
Today, I want to remind you of six simple but profound ethics of life that is rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah and which nourishes the mind, heal the heart, and strengthen the soul:
1) Believe before you pray or trust before you seek.
Prayer without belief is an empty ritual. It is our faith that gives power and direction to our du’a.
Allah says;
Whenever my servants asks of Me, (let them know that) surely, I am very near and I answer prayers as I am called upon. Hence, let them obey My dictates and believe in Me so that they might be rightly guided.
From this verse, belief in and obedience to Allah’s dictates forms the twin factors that must be observed for answered prayers
2.) Listen before you speak
The Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said that silence often carries wisdom, while listening builds deeper understanding.
So, listen well, understand what is being said before speaking.
3.) Earn before you spend
Money is said to have just one language and that is:
Save me today and I will save you tomorrow.
Allah also cautioned us in Q17:26-27 thus;
Do not squander your wealth wastefully. Surely the squanderers are brothers of the devils.”
This verse warned us against future regrets as dignity is preserved when we earn lawfully and spend responsibly.
4.) Think before you speak or write
Allah caution us in Q50:18 as follows;
Not a word does a man uttered, but there is a watcher by him ready to record it for or against him.
The wisdom here lies in the fact that words once released can not be retrieved and that wisdom is in reflection before expression.
5.) Try before you quit
The Prophet (SAW) said:
The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer. While there is good in both, strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allah, and do not give up.
This underscores the fact that effort is often the bridge to success.
6.) Live before you die. Allah says in Q63:10;
And spend from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, ‘My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.’”
This shows that true life is one lived with purpose before death calls.
As you reflect on these profound ethics of life, I pray Allah (SWT) grants you clarity of mind, peace in your heart, and strength in your spirit. May every silent prayer of your soul find divine acceptance.
No matter the challenges, may you never taste bitterness in any of its forms.
May Allah fill your home with endless joy, harmony, and prosperity. I pray for enduring blessings upon you, greater grace in your steps, and divine favor in all your endeavors.
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