Dunya & Akhirah: This World & The Hereafter

It is not an end in itself but a means to an end. Life in Dunya is essentially a test from Allah, where humans are given free will to choose between good and evil. Every action, intention, and thought is recorded.

"And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. But indeed, the home of the Hereafter — that is the [true] life, if only they knew." (Quran 29:64)

This worship is comprehensive, encompassing not just rituals but all aspects of life – how one interacts with others, earns a living, acquires knowledge, and manages their affairs, all done with a consciousness of Allah.

"And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (Quran 51:56)

Trials (poverty, illness, loss) test patience and reliance on Allah. Blessings (wealth, health, family) test gratitude and how one uses these gifts in obedience to Allah. Both require a believer to maintain a balanced perspective.

"And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient." (Quran 2:155)

It begins with death, followed by the Barzakh (interim period in the grave), the Day of Judgment (Qiyamah), and finally, the eternal abodes of Heaven (Jannah) or Hell (Jahannam).

"And the Day the Hour is established the criminals will swear that they had remained but an hour. Thus were they deluded." (Quran 30:55)

Good deeds will be rewarded manifold, while evil deeds will be justly punished, unless Allah forgives. This belief motivates believers to strive for good and avoid evil, knowing that true justice awaits.

"So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, And whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it." (Quran 99:7-8)

Jannah is described as a place of eternal bliss, unimaginable beauty, and peace, where believers will enjoy Allah's pleasure. Jahannam is a place of severe punishment for those who denied Allah and persisted in wrongdoing.

"Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and springs." (Quran 15:45)
"Indeed, Hell has been an observance." (Quran 78:21)

A Muslim works diligently, earns honestly, takes care of their family, and contributes to the community, all while remembering their ultimate purpose and accountability to Allah. Worldly actions can become acts of worship with the right intention.

"But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world." (Quran 28:77)

This means using the blessings of Dunya in moderation, avoiding excessive attachment to material possessions, and remembering that they are temporary. The Prophet (PBUH) taught that the world is like a bridge to the Hereafter.

The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Be in this world as if you are a stranger or a traveler." (Bukhari)