How to avoid getting lost in pleasures?

One of the greatest challenges facing humanity in this world is managing our relationship with its transient pleasures and attractions. The Holy Quran frequently addresses this topic, offering comprehensive guidance and practical strategies to maintain balance and avoid getting lost on life's journey. Fundamentally, Islam does not advocate asceticism or the complete abandonment of worldly life; on the contrary, it encourages humans to enjoy the good and permissible things (Tayyibat) that Allah has provided, but with a correct understanding and without excessive attachment. The core question then becomes: How can one utilize pleasures without becoming enslaved by them, and without forgetting the ultimate purpose of creation? The Quran provides a profound and holistic answer to this question, which can be summarized in several key axes. First and foremost, the essential strategy is to foster a correct understanding of the nature of this world (Dunya) and the Hereafter (Akhirah). The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the transient and unstable nature of worldly life, contrasting it with the permanence and eternity of the Hereafter. Dunya, with all its beauties and delights, is merely a passing station, a cultivation ground for the Afterlife. Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, beautifully articulates this reality: “Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, an adornment and boasting among yourselves, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is like the rain whose vegetation is pleasing to the tillers; then it withers and you see it yellowing; then it becomes debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion?” This verse clearly illustrates that worldly pleasures are fleeting and impermanent. If a person grasps this profound understanding that these pleasures are temporary and not the ultimate goal, they will never fully immerse themselves in them. They know that every worldly pleasure, no matter how great, will eventually come to an end, whereas the rewards and punishments of the Hereafter are eternal. This perspective allows individuals to experience lawful pleasures, but without binding their hearts to them, always keeping their gaze fixed on the superior and lasting rewards from Allah. Similarly, in Surah Al-A'la, verses 16 and 17, it states: “But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more enduring.” These verses explicitly show the precedence of the Hereafter over this world. Secondly, a crucial strategy is the constant remembrance of Allah (Dhikrullah). A human heart, without the remembrance of God, is prone to falling into heedlessness and becoming enslaved by pleasures. The remembrance of God, whether verbally (reciting Quran, supplicating, uttering glorifications) or by heart (contemplating Divine verses, meditating on blessings), illuminates the heart and awakens the conscience. When a person is constantly mindful of God, they know that every action, every pleasure, and every decision is under His watchful eye. This spiritual presence prevents excess in pleasures and forgetting one's responsibilities. The five daily prayers, fasting, Hajj, and other acts of worship are all means to strengthen this remembrance. Prayer, in particular, establishes a direct and regular connection with the Creator and restrains individuals from indecencies and unlawful acts, as the Quran states: “…and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing…” (Al-Ankabut, 45). Constant Dhikr acts like an anchor, preserving the ship of human existence in the turbulent sea of pleasures and desires, preventing storms from dragging it towards ruin. Thirdly, Taqwa (God-consciousness or piety) is paramount. Taqwa means fearing God and abstaining from forbidden acts, while diligently observing His commands. A person with Taqwa recognizes boundaries and understands how far they can go. They differentiate between lawful and unlawful pleasures and refrain from anything that displeases Allah. Taqwa acts as a protective shield, safeguarding individuals against the surge of desires and satanic temptations. The Quran says: “And worship your Lord and fear Him that you may succeed.” (Al-Baqarah, 21). A person imbued with Taqwa observes moderation even in permissible pleasures, avoiding extravagance and wastefulness, knowing that excess in anything, even lawful matters, can lead to heedlessness and deviation from the Divine path. Fourth, moderation and balance (I'tidal) are essential. Islam is not a religion of extremism or negligence but one of balance. This balance extends to all aspects of life, including pleasures. The Quran permits the enjoyment of adornments and good things but forbids extravagance: “O Children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” (Al-A'raf, 31). This verse provides a general principle for benefiting from blessings: utilize them, but do not exceed the limits. Moderation in pleasures means that one neither deprives oneself entirely nor allows them to dominate every aspect of life. Instead, they should be regarded as tools to achieve greater and eternal goals. Fifth, prioritization and goal-setting are vital. Individuals must recognize their ultimate purpose of creation, which is servitude to Allah and drawing closer to Him. When this goal is clear, all worldly pleasures and activities gain meaning in its light. The Quran states in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46: “Wealth and children are the adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.” This verse indicates that while wealth and children can be adornments of life, what truly remains and holds real value are righteous deeds. Therefore, one should focus their energy and time on deeds that benefit their Hereafter, not making fleeting worldly pleasures their ultimate goal. Instead, these pleasures should serve one's primary objective (i.e., gaining Allah's pleasure and building for the Hereafter). This implies time management, wise selection of hobbies and activities, and avoiding anything that distracts one from the remembrance of God and their ultimate purpose. In summary, avoiding getting lost in pleasures requires a comprehensive approach that includes a deep understanding of the reality of this world, maintaining a continuous connection with God through remembrance and worship, observing Taqwa and divine limits, adhering to the principle of moderation, and ultimately, prioritizing the Hereafter over this world. These principles not only protect individuals from the harms of excessive indulgence in pleasures but also help them genuinely enjoy lawful worldly pleasures in a proper manner, leading to true tranquility that is attained only through Allah’s pleasure and walking on the path of truth. With this perspective, pleasures are not enemies but can be tools for gratitude and greater closeness to Allah, provided that one does not surrender the reins of their soul to them and always looks beyond the superficial towards the Absolute Truth.