Be in this world as if you are a stranger or a way-farer!

By Mohammad Rafique Etesame

`Abdullah bin Umar R.A. said, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) took hold of my shoulder and said, 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler." The sub-narrator added: Ibn `Umar used to say, "If you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive in the morning, and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening, and take from your health for your sickness, and (take) from your life for your death."

This hadith reveals that a man (faithful believer) should live in this world as if he is a stranger or a traveler! But, although this is not impossible yet difficult definitely. Only the companions R.A. of the holy Prophet PBUH could act upon this advice.

 As regards the current era, we see that everyone wants to pass a comfortable and luxury life. In which he should have all facilities, a furnished and spacious home, a sound business and a car etc.

 Although everyone cannot get all of this, but he tries his best to do so. The hadith further reveals that, “take from your health for your sickness, and (take) from your life for your death.

 It means that he should value his time and don’t waste it, and does sufficient work lest any sickness falls on him and he cannot do any more. Similarly, he should get from his life that will be useful to him in the Hereafter.

 It means he should pass his life following to the good example of the holy Prophet PBUH and act upon Shariah orders. Because this is a temporary life while the life after death is everlasting and unlimited.

Therefore, the wise man is the one who should value his time and do good actions. May Almighty give us power to act upon this hadith, Amin.