The Best Of Both Worlds

Allah says in the Qur'an:

And among the people is he who says, "Our Lord, give us in this world," and he will have in the Hereafter no share.But among them is he who says, "Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." (2:200-201)

Sometimes one may wonder, observe and ponder over the plight of the one who lives for this world and has been blessed with so many riches this life has to offer. You may have come across a disbeliever for example, who has everything he wishes, and gets what he desires - instantly in this life. Yet, a believer, on the other hand, who too has gifts and provision, but some of those gifts came after struggle, patience, tawakkul and strife. 

Although, we are made for the hereafter, Allah still out of His Mercy gifts and showers us with our share of provision and sustenance in this dunya. Yet, sometimes we will be tested with such gifts, other times we will have to work hard for them, sometimes they will come after a period of hardship, which brought us closer to Allah.

Perhaps Allah is teaching us in these ayahs, that yes He will give you, and yes He will provide, and yes you may seek out sustenance in this world, but whilst doing so, always keep the ultimate goal in mind; the akhirah. Every gift can be a means to invest in our Jannah and protect ourselves from the hellfire if our intentions and attitudes are correct.

The disbelievers may receive instant pleasures in this world, with no boundaries, rules, and the freedom to do what they wish - yet they miss out on the sweetness of seeking the pleasure of Allah, pleading to Him and trusting in Him and gaining rewards in the process.

Allah loves us so much, that even when He gifts us in this dunya with things that brings us happiness, those same gifts and favours can be utilised as an opportunity to build our Jannah. Perhaps the patience and Du'aas you have to make are an opportunity for you to invest in your Akhirah.

Seek the best of both worlds, but in doing so, remember your ultimate goal.