There was once a big ship that landed on an Island. The Captain said to the people: "Dear passengers, we will anchor here for you to gather provision and admire the nature and we shall move on with our journey in a few hours time."

All the passengers got off and roamed around the island in groups. Some 'Wise' gentlemen and ladies walked peacefully, collected some souvenirs and food for the journey and returned quickly to the ship. Since they were the first ones back, they got the best and comfortable places on the ship.

The second group of 'Forgetful' people walked, played and enjoyed their time. They admired the island and explored its nature. But soon they remembered the ship, so they ran back, without any food and souvenirs. Coming on board, they were tired, but alas the best seats were taken, so they had to do with the less comfortable ones.

The third group of 'Greedy and Lustful' people got amazed by the wonders of this island and they began to collect its plants and precious stones. After a while, having heard the call of their captain, they started to head back to the ship, carrying plants, stones and jewelry of all colours and value. However, the heaviness of the treasure they eagerly wanted to bring back slowed their return, and by the time they reached the shore, the boat had already left.

And finally, some 'Aimless and Narrow-Minded' people, convinced themselves that the island was all there is and the ship was just something they had imagined. They thus explored the island and built for themselves houses. The boat, of course left them to perish on the island and to be forgotten by everyone.

Similarly, on our journey to Allah (SWT), The Creator, we have landed on this island, called the World (Dunya).

Some 'Wise' gentlemen and ladies will walk around and collect good deeds, love and knowledge of Allah and quickly return to The Creator. They of course will be handed paradise, the best of it!

The second group of 'Forgetful' people will get distracted by the world (Dunya) until their last moment. They will then repent at the last minute. Perhaps they will make it and get the lowest levels of paradise (Jannah).

The third group of 'Greedy and Lustful' people will be amazed by the world, and get attracted by its temporary and fake beauty. They will indulge in desire and food and be illusion by it. Perhaps, a call will bring them back to realization, but alas, the attraction will be too much to leave behind and they will miss the ship of salvation.

And finally, some 'Aimless and Narrow-Minded' people will just ignore the journey to Allah and pretend that this world is all there is. They will take their houses as their homes and their desires as god. Indeed history as seen many people as such, but no one remembers them. They have been left in hell.

So, my friend… The ship is waiting, please jump on board!

Your Creator Allah subhanauh wa Ta'ala is calling you: “O man! Surely you must strive to your Lord, a hard striving, until you meet Him.” (84:6)