The Search for the Truth

dampen his oratorical zeal. The Prophet was shocked by Umar’s suggestion. “God would disfigure me for this on the Day of Judgment, even though I am His messenger,” he said to Umar. (Sirat Ibn Hisham, vol. 1, p. 649) This is what is meant by the world being a planting-ground for the Hereafter. One who realizes this fact lives a life oriented towards the Hereafter – a life in which all efforts are aimed at achieving success in the next, eternal world; a life in which real value is attached – not to this ephemeral world – but to the life beyond death. One becomes aware that this world is not the final destination; it is only a road towards the destination, a starting-point of preparation for the future life. Just as every action of a worldly person is performed with worldly interests in mind, so every action of God’s faithful servant is focused on the Hereafter. Their reactions to every situation in life reflect this