—any hour of his life in which he fails to draw nearer to Allah is a wasted hour. Every moment that slips by without bringing you closer to Him is a loss, for it passes without benefit.

Seize the opportunity, then, through prayer, remembrance, reciting the Quran, and holding fast to Allah. Keep your heart constantly with Him. Your Lord is above while you are on earth, so do not neglect His remembrance—on your tongue, in your deeds, and in the depths of your heart. This worldly life is transient; it will last for no one.

Reflect on those who came before you, on the distant nations of old, and on your own companions who only yesterday were with you, enjoying life, eating as you eat and drinking as you drink. Today they are confined to the consequences of their actions, and the same end will reach you, whether your lifespan is long or short. Allah the Exalted says: “O mankind, you are laboring toward your Lord relentlessly, and you will meet Him” (Q 84:6).

So seize the chance, my brother—seize it! On the Day of Resurrection neither wealth nor children nor family will avail you; only one thing will benefit you: to come before Allah with a sound heart. I ask Allah to make me and you among those who come to their Lord with a sound heart and to take our souls in a state of faith and pure monotheism. He is Powerful over all things.