The beauties of the world are deceptive, but they should not distract us from good deeds and drawing closer to God.
The Holy Quran references the beauty of the world and also emphasizes its deceptive nature. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 14, Allah states: 'Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and tilled land.' This verse describes the beauty of worldly pleasures and reminds us of their alluring nature. However, it warns us that these beauties should not deceive us, as worldly life is temporary and our true wealth lies in righteous deeds and closeness to God. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 28, Allah says: 'And know that your properties and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.' This verse reminds us that such riches and children are a test, and ultimately, God has a great reward for us in the hereafter. Therefore, we should not become attached to the fleeting beauty of the world but rather focus our attention on good deeds and drawing closer to God. Finally, Surah At-Taghabun, verse 15 states: 'Indeed, your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.' This verse reiterates the point that attachment to worldly possessions can hinder our attainment of the afterlife. Hence, we are encouraged to perceive worldly beauty thoughtfully and consider it as a means to strengthen our faith and closeness to God.
Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and tilled land.
And know that your properties and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.
Indeed, your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.
A story from Saadi: One day, a traveler saw that pigs were playing and enjoying in the forest. He approached them, and one of the pigs said, 'We enjoy the things we see because we only know worldly happiness.' The traveler replied, 'But the beauties of the world are not permanent, and we must think of what remains in the hereafter.' This advice made the pigs reflect and think beyond worldly pleasures.