Avoiding Thoughts About Matters that Destroy Worldly Ambition (1. Consideration of the fleeting nature of life)

Some avoid thinking about the temporary nature of worldly life—not, however, because of their inability to understand this truth. Almost every day, they meet with a great many incidents that make it clear. At various times they witness loved ones going bankrupt, having accidents, even losing their lives.

 Most importantly, they witness that everyone, including themselves, moves closer to death with every passing day. The loss of beauty that comes with aging, illnesses, incapacities and weaknesses are more than enough to let people understand the transitory nature of this worldly life.

Despite all, some people avoid thinking about these matters, being aware that doing so will loosen their attachment to the world.

Considering that life is very short; that one can lose it unexpectedly at any moment for any reason; and that prized qualities such as beauty, wealth and respect can be wiped out at any time will place on these worldly things only the value they deserve. As a result, one will understand the irrationality of desiring temporal possessions and direct himself towards gaining Allah's approval and eternal life in the Hereafter.

At times, this habit of avoidance from thought—common in ignorant societies—can be observed even in people who claim to be believers. Of course, their outlook on life differs greatly from those people of the ignorant societies.

But in spite of understanding the true nature of the life of the world, they err in not living this truth as they should. They know perfectly well that they should not be ambitious in any matter concerning the life of the world and that their lives will end within 60 to 70 years, at most.

They are also aware that they must make an effort towards the eternal life in the Hereafter and take every opportunity to tell this to others. However, they fail to adopt this realization into their daily lives.

An example will illustrate. One who buys a brand-new car may take every opportunity to admit that it is only one of the fleeting blessings of worldly life and thus, it's unreasonable to be passionate about this car.

However, in case someone wants to borrow the car in an emergency, he may forget what he has said and succumb to a protective passion for his car. Though he has condemned such behaviors at every opportunity up till then, he fails to act correctly when faced with such a test in real life.

These people ignore these moral matters when they conflict with their interests, despite their consciences' awareness.

This causes serious trouble with their conscience, and a spiritual torment brought about by these people's failure to live what they know to be right. Therefore, they continually experience a troubled spiritual state.

Aging, illness, loss of property and others' respect are major causes of tension for anyone with worldly passions.

A person who keeps in mind that he will die one day and can take none of his money and property with him cannot feel a passion for anything. He uses everything generously in the way Allah approves; he concentrates on the eternal life of the Hereafter rather than the fleeting life of this world and works towards this end.

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