Compared to the World

Narrated Anas (radi Allahu anhu): “The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, ‘A single endeavor (of fighting) in Allah's Cause in the afternoon or in the forenoon is better than all the world and whatever is in it. A place in Paradise as small as the bow or lash of one of you is better than all of the world and whatever is in it. And if a hoor from Paradise appeared to the people of the earth, she would fill the space between Heaven and Earth with light and pleasant scent and her head cover is better than the world and whatever is in it.’” [Sahih Bukhari]

This hadith gives us an indication of the true value of the things of this world. When the entire world with all its treasures and pleasures is insignificant compared to a square foot of Jannah, then why do we kill ourselves over it? We commit all sorts of injustices and harbour grudges, jealousy and animosity towards others for the material things of this world, despite the fact that all the goodness this world can offer is insignificant compared to the everlasting reward in Jannah that Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has prepared for His righteous servants.