Are You Preparing for the Right Destination?

The place where human beings were made perfect is called “Ulya” the high station, and the place where Allah descended us is known as Dunya. Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri
Just as we came from the presence of Allah to this world, we shall return from Dunya back to the presence of Allah (SWT). Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri

Introduction:

In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, we often find ourselves deeply immersed in building careers, accumulating wealth, and securing our future on Earth. However, a profound spiritual question remains: Is this world our final destination or merely a temporary stop on a much longer journey? Understanding our true origins and the nature of our current existence is essential to redirecting our efforts toward what truly matters.

Our True Origin: The High Station of Ulya:

Human beings did not originate from this material world. Instead, we were created in a “high station” known as Ulya. This is a majestic realm where righteous souls and angels exist in the divine presence of Allah, a place of paradise and purity. It is the home we have come from, and it represents the perfection of the human state before our descent into the physical world.

Understanding Dunya: The Temporary Descent:

The world we live in now is called Dunya, a term derived from roots meaning a “low”, “dirty”, or “impure” place. Unlike the majestic station of Ulya, Dunya is a place of transition. We have “fallen down” into this state, not to stay forever, but to experience a stage of our journey before returning to our Creator. Recognizing the lower nature of this world helps us detach from its temporary allure.

The Traveler’s Logic: Why Pack the Entire House?

Consider the logic of a traveler moving between cities for a few days. No one would pack their entire closet, sofa, or kitchen appliances for a three-night stay. We naturally take only what is necessary for the duration of the trip. Yet, in the journey of life, we often act contrary to this logic, spending all our energy accumulating possessions as if we are never going to leave.

The Illusion of Accumulation:

We are often consumed by the pursuit of wealth, power, recognition, and authority. We gather these things as if Dunya is our final stop, forgetting that we are merely in transit. The principle of any temporary stay is to take only what you need. By obsessing over worldly accumulation, we risk neglecting the preparations required for our return to the presence of Allah.

Conclusion:

Our life on Earth is not the end of the road; it is a bridge. Just as we descended from the divine presence into this world, we are destined to return from Dunya back to Allah. The ultimate spiritual reality check is to realize that we are travelers. By shifting our focus from accumulating worldly baggage to preparing for our true destination, we can align our lives with our eternal purpose.

Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chishti (Research Scholar)