only what he needs for his journey while still on the move.

This comparison drawn by the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) corresponds exactly to reality, for every human being in this world is a traveler. This world is not a place of settlement; it is a passageway whose mount races quickly, never stopping by night or day. An ordinary traveler may pause at a station to rest, but the traveler through this life never dismounts; he is always on the road. With every moment that passes you cover another stretch of this world and draw nearer to the Hereafter.

What, then, do you think of a journey whose traveler never ceases to walk and move on? Will it not end swiftly?

Indeed it will—and for this reason Allah says: “On the Day they behold it, it will seem as though they had not stayed [in the world] except for an afternoon or a morning” (Al-Nazi‘at 79:46).

A person should weigh the portion of his life that remains against the portion that has already slipped away. What has passed is as if it were nothing; even the nearest moment, once it is gone, seems never to have been, or appears like a dream. The worldly time still ahead of you is of the same nature as that which has elapsed. Therefore, one ought not to rely on this world or be satisfied with it, as though he were to remain in it forever.

For that reason Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to say: “When you enter the morning, do not wait for the evening,” for you may die before nightfall; “and when you enter the evening, do not wait for the morning,” for you may die before dawn. Rather, seize the opportunity: do not postpone good deeds, do not lean on this world and hope for a long stay when you have no certainty.

“And make use of your health before your sickness, and of your life before your death.” Take advantage of good health; make the most of life, for you may fall ill and become unable, you may become poor and be unable, and you may die—whereupon your deeds will be cut off.