No one lives forever, but within life’s brief journey lies the potential for profound meaning. This piece delves into the balance between joy and grief, offering insights on living fully while embracing life’s uncertainties.
By Syed Mustafa Ahmad
Life is a complex and delicate tapestry woven with threads of both joy and grief. It is, in essence, a constant balancing act between moments of happiness and periods of sadness. The only way to achieve a state of enduring peace is by walking the path of moderation. But who, indeed, lives forever? Only Allah is eternal. Human beings, by contrast, are granted a brief journey on this earth, though they strive to make it significant and lasting.
It is in our nature to succumb to despair, especially when life throws its inevitable challenges our way. Almost everyone laments when struck by disaster or adversity. Yet, in moments of joy, we often forget the painful trials we have endured. In both instances—whether in sorrow or happiness—our grip on moderation tends to weaken. We find ourselves swinging like a pendulum, caught between extremes, unable to gain anything truly meaningful or tangible from the experience.
The hidden workings of the universe are beyond human comprehension. Most people view life through the lens of ease and material wealth. They are reluctant to confront hardship and are protective of their possessions and accumulated wealth. However, there are a select few who have reached such a level of enlightenment that they regard adversity as their greatest asset. These individuals welcome challenges and moments of despair, believing that through them, their inner and outer selves are refined and strengthened.
For the majority, though, the key to navigating life lies in maintaining balance and moderation. Veering too far in any direction—whether toward excess or deprivation—can have severe consequences. Holding on too tightly to any extreme is akin to a pigeon closing its eyes in the face of danger, foolishly believing the threat will disappear.
As the title suggests, no one lives forever. We are all, in a sense, beggars. Some of us may appear more fortunate, with more resources at our disposal, while others have little more than their transient bodies. Since the dawn of time, billions of people have lived and departed from this so-called beautiful world, never to return. Their moments of joy and sorrow are now but memories, recalled only when relevant circumstances arise.
If this is the case, what can we do to live peaceful and fulfilling lives? The first priority must be contentment. An insatiable desire for more and more material wealth will only rob us of peace. When our burdens are light, our journey through life becomes smoother and more comfortable. We need not fear loss or theft. Disasters will come and go, but contentment will keep us grounded, helping us to understand that no one lives forever. The gain and loss of worldly things are in Allah’s hands; He is the one who can create everything from nothing.
The second key to a peaceful life is understanding the purpose of existence. If life’s ultimate purpose is to perish, then it makes no sense to cling desperately to fleeting moments of happiness or wallow endlessly in sadness. True living is found in embracing the different stages and experiences of life, whether they bring joy or hardship. In the realm of worldly affairs, people often seek reward, but living only for reward is no life at all. Instead, true life is found in the journey itself, in navigating each stage with grace and understanding that everything we gain or lose comes from Allah alone.
In the grand scheme of life, our existence transcends the narrow pursuit of rewards. To truly appreciate life, one must cherish its fleeting moments, for that is what makes it colorful and extraordinary. The third essential truth is understanding the true nature of worldly things. Although the material world appears attractive, its allure is often deceptive, concealing unpleasant realities beneath its surface. Just as the sparkling waters of a stream can hide dirt at its bottom, the glitter of earthly possessions often conceals something far less appealing. Every seemingly bright object has a darker, more sinister side lurking within. Therefore, we are advised to scrutinize everything carefully, neither blindly falling for its fragrance nor dismissing it for its filth. Both must be weighed, examined, and tested through the toughest trials.
The fourth principle is patience—what we might call the art of waiting and watching. The poet Pablo Neruda once said that in the busyness of life, sometimes the best course of action is to remain silent, allowing peace to settle. Our endless chatter, judgment, and the constant tarnishing of others’ reputations must be paused from time to time. Silence gives us space for introspection, granting us the opportunity to cultivate the virtues of patience and observation.
In short, life should be lived as it is. Amid the countless ideologies and philosophies that surround us, the path of humanity and service stands out as the most meaningful. These beautiful bodies we inhabit will one day decay, so before that happens, let us pledge to use them in the service of others. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, wiping away someone’s tears, offering support in difficult times, or simply listening to those who have no one to listen to them, small acts of kindness are what make life truly worthwhile. Laugh with those who laugh, weep with those who weep. These gestures of empathy and compassion are the essence of what it means to live a meaningful life.
Embrace humility and grace: accept defeat and shake hands with your opponents, even when life hands you a bitter dose of poison. Be willing to bear the consequences of love—whether it’s getting hurt, suffering in silence, or planting seeds of hope in a toxic environment. These are not actions we must rush to perform, but they serve as reminders that no one lives forever. Grudges, complaints, and bitterness dissolve into nothingness when death finally arrives to close the chapter of our lives.
Taking a moment to silently observe ourselves and reflect on the passing of time brings us face to face with the reality of moderation. Death is certain; life, by contrast, is full of uncertainty. No one can escape death, but while we are alive, it slowly carries us away to a distant realm from which no sound returns.
So, what shall we do with this knowledge? Shall we not begin to live, truly live? While we exist in this ephemeral world, we must accept that death is inevitable. But in accepting this truth, we gain the courage to live fully, knowing that, ultimately, no one lives forever.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this Magazine. The author can be reached at [email protected]
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