Secret to the best in this life and the next

Generally, the scholars say that taqwa is protecting ourselves from the punishment of Allah by staying away from things that displeases Him.

 

But as we go through the journey of taqwa, we will actually realize that by practicing taqwa, we aren’t just saving ourselves from the punishment in the next life. Rather, we are also saving ourselves from the torture and pain that sins cause us in this life.

 

You may have held yourself back from consuming haraam food and you later realize that it wouldn’t have been good for your health anyway. You may have held yourself back from taking haraam money or interest-based loans and later you realize that your life is much better off without the debt or the stress of having something illegal. You may have left a relationship that was displeasing to Allah and perhaps years down the line, you realize your life may have gone down in ruins if you stayed in it. Or your life may not have played out the best way if you were focused on that relationship at that time of your life. You may have left all those bad habits for the sake of Allah but that’s what taught you resilience and boosted the quality of everything you do.

 

Subhaanallah this reminds be of the dua Allah Himself taught us.

 

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَ فِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَ قِنَا عَذَابَ النَّار

“Our Master, grant us the best in this world, and in the next and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” Suratul Baqarah, 201

 

The fact that He Himself taught this dua, is proof that He swt Wills to give us the best both in this world and in the next. And the fact that He taught us a way to achieve that success is a sign of His Love and Care towards us.

May Allah make us people of taqwa, thereby grant us the best in this world and in the next and protect us from the punishment of the Fire. Ameen!