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The recognition of life’s impermanence can be a powerful motivator. It can push us to live with purpose, to make the most of our time, and to leave a positive mark on the world.
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While our physical bodies may perish, the ideas we generate, the knowledge we share, and the art we create can live on for generations.
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Our actions, both good and bad, have a ripple effect. They can influence not only our immediate circle but also future generations.
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The awareness of our own mortality can lead us to question the meaning and purpose of life. This can drive us to seek deeper connections, to explore our values, and to strive for a life of significance that transcends our own limited lifespan.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
Life is a fleeting river, constantly flowing. We are born, we grow, we age, and we inevitably return to God. Just as a river flows, so too does our existence, a continuous stream of experiences and emotions. Nothing is permanent; relationships, possessions, even our own bodies are subject to change and decay. This impermanence is the very essence of life, a reminder to cherish each moment and find joy in the present flow.
Sahir, the Urdu Poet, says:
Of this world, everything is just a tale
To come from a mist, and to go into a mist
Sahir Ludhianvi’s this poignant couplet beautifully encapsulates the transient nature of life. It likens our existence to a fleeting mist, suggesting that we emerge from obscurity and return to it. This evocative imagery serves as a reminder of the impermanence of all things and the cyclical nature of life and death.
Yet, within this transience lies a profound opportunity for growth and meaning. The awareness of our limited time can serve as a powerful motivator, urging us to live with intention and purpose. It can push us to embrace new experiences, to cherish our loved ones, and to strive for a life of significance. Knowing that our time is finite can make us more appreciative of the present moment, more mindful of our choices, and more eager to make the most of every precious day.
While our individual lives may be fleeting, the impact we leave upon the world can endure long after we are gone. Our actions, our words, and our creations have the potential to ripple through time, influencing generations to come. The ideas we generate, the knowledge we share, and the art we create can continue to inspire and shape the world long after our physical bodies have ceased to exist.
Think of the towering figures of history – scientists, artists, philosophers, and activists. Their contributions to humanity transcend their own lifetimes.
Once hailed, a name of such renown,
Now lost, without a trace in town.
How could the heavens be so unkind,
To leave such emptiness behind?
Our own impact, though perhaps on a smaller scale, can also be significant. The kindness we show to others, the support we offer to those in need, the positive changes we make in our communities – these actions, though seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme of things, can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our own lifetimes.
Furthermore, the legacy we leave behind is not solely defined by our achievements or accomplishments. It is also shaped by the values we uphold, the relationships we cultivate, and the love we share. The memories we create with our loved ones, the lessons we impart to our children, and the positive impact we have on those around us – these intangible gifts can endure long after we are gone.
The awareness of our mortality should not be a cause for despair, but rather a call to action. It is a reminder that life is precious and that every moment is an opportunity to make a difference. It encourages us to live with intention, to pursue our passions, and to strive for a life of meaning and purpose.
Ultimately, the transitory nature of life is a fundamental truth, but it is not a truth to be feared. By embracing the present moment, living with intention, and striving to leave a positive impact on the world, we can ensure that our legacy endures, even as our physical forms fade away. Our impact, like the echoes of a distant bell, may diminish over time, but it will forever remain a part of the grand symphony of human existence.
Concluding with two verses from Holy Quran:
“But seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of legal enjoyment in this world, and do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. [Q. 28:77]
“Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up, and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment”. [Q. 57:20]
Suhaib Nadvi
[Email: Contact@Laahoot.com]
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