Racing toward Allah with no provision
except piety and deeds for the Hereafter,
and steadfastness for Allah’s sake in jihad.
Every provision is liable to run out,
except piety, righteousness, and right guidance. (1)
There is a vast difference between the conduct of one who lives in this state and that of another who believes neither in Allah nor in the Last Day, with its reward and punishment. “One who believes in the Day of Judgment acts with his eyes on the scales of heaven, not the scales of earth, and on the reckoning of the Hereafter, not the reckoning of this world” (2). His conduct in life is distinctive, marked by uprightness, breadth of vision, strength of faith, steadfastness in hardship, and patience in affliction as he seeks reward and recompense. He knows that what is with Allah is better and more lasting.
Imam Muslim narrated from Suhayb (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “How remarkable is the believer’s affair! His entire affair is good, and that is true of no one except the believer. If prosperity comes to him, he gives thanks, and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he is patient, and that is good for him” (3).