Discovering the importance of moderation, contentment and humanity in our fleeting existence

Life is a fine mixture of grief and joy. In other words, it is a delicate balance of happiness and sadness. Maintaining and treading the path of moderation is the only way to attain eternal bliss. Who lives forever? It is Allah who is forever. However, human beings have been endowed with a short journey that they must strive to make long-lasting. Falling into the depths of despair and losing hope are characteristics of human beings. Almost all people lament when a disaster or calamity befalls them. In contrast, moments of happiness often prevent people from remembering soul-bruising adversities. In both situations, the rope of moderation is loosened, and the person swings like a pendulum, without attaining or gaining anything fruitful or tangible. The unseen nature of this grand universe is difficult to comprehend.

The majority of people see life through the lens of ease and monetary benefit. They are never ready to face difficulties or part with the property and money they have accumulated. However, some people are enlightened to such an extent that adversities are the only assets they possess. They want moments of despair and difficulties to persist so that their inner and outer selves are refined. However, for common people, the rule is to maintain moderation in the daily activities of life. Going to the extreme right or left has severe consequences. Holding on to the extremes of anything is like a pigeon that closes its eyes in the face of danger. As the title suggests, no one lives forever. We are all mendicants. Some are well-off beggars, while others have nothing to carry, save their ephemeral bodies. Since time immemorial, billions of people have lived and left this so-called beautiful place, never to return. Their moments of happiness and grief are now only to be seen in memories. They are remnants that are recalled when the situation arises.

If this is the case, then what should we do to live peaceful lives? The first priority should be contentment. Craving more and more material possessions will never allow us to remain content. If the luggage is light, the journey is smooth and comfortable, with no fear of robbery. Disasters will come and go. However, the quality of contentment will not allow us to lament and will make us understand that no one lives forever. Losing and gaining things are in the hands of Allah, who is able to create everything out of nothing.

The second priority is understanding the purpose of life. When the purpose of life is to perish, it is inconceivable to be forever inclined toward moments of happiness and sadness. Living for a reward is no reward at all. On the contrary, going through the different stages of life, whatever they may be, is life. In worldly affairs, rewards make the mare go. However, in the larger scheme of things, life transcends the narrow considerations of rewards. Cherishing the transient goal of life is what makes it colourful and extraordinary.

The third priority is understanding the true nature of things. Worldly things, though attractive, are dirt and full of stench. The glittering waters of a stream hide the stinking dirt at the bottom. The same is true of earthly things. Every shining object has a dreadful face hidden within it. We have been advised to examine everything thoroughly, without falling for fragrance or dirt. Both dirt and fragrance must be weighed and put through the toughest grinds.

The fourth priority is to wait and watch. Pablo Neruda also says that in the busy scheme of things, it is appropriate to keep quiet for some time to let peace prevail. The monotonous life of talking endlessly and tarnishing the modesty of others must end for a while. It will allow us to introspect and bring ourselves to the virtues of waiting and watching.

In short, live life as it is. Amidst millions of ideologies, follow the path of humanity and service. Our beautiful bodies will decay one day. Before that, let us pledge to put our bodies into the service of humanity and care. Feeding the poor, wiping a tear from someone’s eyes, shouldering someone in difficult times, listening to those who have no one to listen to, weeping with the weeping, and laughing with the laughing are nice gestures to embrace. Accepting defeat and shaking hands with the opponent, happily eating the mound of poison, getting slapped for no fault of yours, getting wounded on the path of love, planting hopes among the seeds of toxicity, and dressing the wounds of affection without any kind of sigh are not necessarily deeds to be done immediately. However, they are reminders that no one lives forever. Grudges and lamentations of any kind are nowhere to be seen when death is the last nail in the coffin of the scheme of things. Silently watching oneself and observing the ticking clock brings us to the reality of moderation.

Death is certain while life is uncertain. No one can deny death; it will necessarily come. However, life is uncertain. While living, death will slowly take us away to far lands from where no sound returns. So, no one lives forever! Shall we begin to live? While living this ephemeral life, one must necessarily die. Overall, no one lives for eternity.

Syed Mustafa Ahmad