55 – Chapter: The virtue of renouncing the world, urging restraint in it, and the superiority of poverty

Allah, exalted is He, says:

“The parable of the life of this world is like water We send down from the sky: the earth’s vegetation—on which people and livestock feed—mingles with it. Then, when the earth has taken on its adornment and is beautified and its people think they have mastery over it, Our command comes to it by night or by day and We make it as stubble, as though it had not flourished the day before. Thus do We set out the signs for a people who reflect.” (Yunus 24)

He also says:

“Strike for them the parable of the life of this world: it is like water We send down from the sky; the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, then it turns into dry chaff that the winds scatter. Allah is capable of all things. Wealth and children are an adornment of the life of this world, but enduring righteous deeds are better with your Lord for reward and better for hope.” (Al-Kahf 45–46)

And He says:

“Know that the life of this world is but play, amusement, adornment, mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in wealth and children. It is like rain whose vegetation pleases the tillers; then it withers so you see it turn yellow, and afterward it becomes debris. In the Hereafter there is severe punishment, and forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure. The life of this world is nothing but the enjoyment of delusion.” (Al-Hadid 20)

He, mighty and majestic, says:

“Beautified for people is the love of desires: women, children, amassed heaps of gold and silver, fine horses, livestock, and cultivated land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but with Allah lies the finest abode.” (Al ʿImran 14)

And He says:

“O mankind, the promise of Allah is surely true, so do not let the life of this world deceive you, and do not let the Deceiver delude you concerning Allah.” (Fatir 5)