The Teachings of Islam
Some Earn the World, Others Eternity
~ 63 ~
SOME EARN THE WORLD, OTHERS
ETERNITY
A man set on making money, chooses a lucrative
profession and devotes all his time and energies to
it. If his efforts yield financial reward, well and
good. If not, he is upset about his choice of
profession. If he is after fame and prestige, he looks
for a career which holds the promise of publicity.
He thrives on popularity and esteem. If these things
elude him, he feels as if all is lost. If a man is thirsty
for power, his overriding ambition is to rule others.
He longs to have people under him and to control
their fortunes. Such people seek worldly reward for
their actions, but no matter how much they manage
to acquire in this world, they will have no share in
the hereafter.
God’s true servant on the other hand, seeks
everlasting reward for his actions and concentrates
on an eternal goal. While people are busy in
worldly affairs, he functions in the silent world of
nature. While people display their fervour in public,
he struggles on in seclusion. He has no thought of
worldly fame or success. He longs solely for God’s
