Have you ever paused to ask yourself what is the real worth of this life if it doesn’t lead us to Jannah (Paradise)?
We wake up every day chasing goals like education, wealth, fame, relationships, comfort, recognition and there’s nothing wrong with striving for a good life. Islam encourages excellence and ambition. But the true believer never loses sight of the ultimate goal Al-Jannah.
Because at the end of all our struggles, dreams, and daily efforts, what truly lasts is what draws us closer to Allah.
This world, with all its glitter, is temporary. It is full of distractions, tests, and illusions. Allah ﷻ tells us:
ٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌۭ وَلَهْوٌۭ وَزِينَةٌۭ وَتَفَاخُرٌۢ بَيْنَكُمْ وَتَكَاثُرٌۭ فِى ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَوْلَـٰدِ...
“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…” (Qur’an 57:20)
So, what is the point of accumulating worldly success if it doesn’t contribute to our place in the Hereafter? What is the purpose of a life lived far from the remembrance of Allah, if it ends without the reward of His eternal pleasure?
Imagine a person who builds a mansion in a land they’re only visiting for a few days, while ignoring the home they’ll live in forever. It doesn’t make sense, does it?
That’s how life is.
This world is a passage, not the destination. Real success isn’t in how many followers you have, or how much you’ve earned but real success is standing before Allah on the Day of Judgment and hearing: "Enter My Paradise."
So, What Should We Be Pursuing?
A heart that constantly remembers Allah
Deeds done sincerely for His sake
Repentance, humility, and reliance on Him
Love for His Book, His Messenger ﷺ, and His deen
A life that reflects submission, gratitude, and striving
This is not to say we should neglect worldly responsibilities. No Islam teaches balance. But when dunya becomes a ladder to Jannah, it becomes meaningful.
In conclusion, this life is precious but only when it is lived with purpose. And the highest purpose is to please the One who gave us life in the first place. So ask yourself daily:
“Is the path I’m on bringing me closer to Jannah, or pulling me further away?”
Because in the end, the only life worth living is the one that leads to Paradise.