WHY PLAY THE FOOL When You Can Play The Wise And Win Paradise?

You Are Playing An Act!

Why Play The Fool When

You Can Play The Wise

And Win Paradise?

(M. Javed Naseem)

“That which is on earth we have made

but as a glittering show for the earth,

in order that We may test them - as to

which of them are best in conduct. 
Verily what is on earth we shall make

but as dust and dry (barren) soil.

(al-Quran 18:7-8)

The above verse is a very clear declaration as well as a warning from God to us. Allah, the Almighty, declares the following:

1. This world is just an act of play; a game show; a glittering display of entertainment.
2. This game show or drama is a Test for mankind.
3. The purpose of this show is to monitor our conduct (character, behavior, manners, dealings, treatment of others, etc.). In other words, how we play our part – in a good way or a bad way; as per the laws prescribed for us by God or violating the laws of Allah; in obedience to God or in disobedience!
4. This entertainment show on earth is temporary and soon the curtain will be drawn when the end comes.
5. At the end of this game show, everything in this world will be destroyed and the earth will be turned into dust and dry barren soil, the way it was before Allah gave it life for our sake.

Let there be no doubt about the above declaration in anybody’s mind. That’s the destiny of the planet Earth and it will be met.

The above two verses are from Surah al-Kahf (Chapter 18) of the Quran. Allah, the Almighty, repeats His declaration or warning in the same chapter and tells us that nobody would be spared. We shall all be resurrected and brought together in the court of the Supreme Creator for accountability.

“One day, We shall remove the mountains,

and you will see the earth as a level stretch,

and We shall gather them, all together, nor

shall We leave out any one of them.”

(al-Quran 18:47)

There is no escape and there are no exceptions! Everybody has to go through it – whether a sinner or a prophet! It’s very strange, and unbelievable at the same time, that with all his intelligence, education and wisdom, man keeps ignoring God’s commands; His warnings and reminders. Allah give us simple and easy-to-understand examples but in our stubbornness or arrogance, we refuse to take heed.

“Set forth to them the similitude of the life of

this world: It is like the rain which we send

down from the skies. The earth's vegetation

absorbs it, but soon it becomes dry stubble,

which the winds do scatter. It is (only)

Allah who prevails over all things.”

(al-Quran 18:45)

There’s always a pay back time! And so is with our lives too which were given to us by God under certain conditions. We were also given a ‘how-to’ manual to make things easy and smooth for our lives on earth. But we started abusing the God-given facilities and out of greed started accumulating material possessions as if there was no end (death). With our riches and big families (i.e., power) we started spreading corruption and evil in the earth. We forgot that earth was to be shared with all humans – rich or poor, big families or small families. We forgot that it’s good deeds that matter, nothing else. The Almighty reminds us again:

“Wealth and sons are allurements of the life

of this world. But the things that endure, good

deeds, are best in the sight of your Lord, as

rewards, and best as (the foundation for) hopes.”

(al-Quran 18:46)

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This world is a test for all of us.

It’s like a game in the wonderland.

Make sure that you don’t get lost!

His help (guidance) will come if you

only seek it honestly and sincerely!

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When you study the Quran, you’ll find hundreds of verses wherein God invites you to think, ponder, to reflect and use your intellect or brains. We are supposed to think about our role in this worldly entertainment show. It’s not for fun. It’s a test on the basis of which we’ll be rewarded a role in the next act – the life in the Hereafter. We need to ponder over this whole worldly affair.

We need to think for a moment what would happen when the show ends, and how can we benefit from this entertainment show! At the end of the show, the spectators would be clapping and the curtain would be drawn. Then we would be wondering and asking ourselves: Now what? What did we get out of it? We missed a few things. Is there any re-run?

No, there is no re-run. But there’s definitely the second part of this show and there is no guarantee that we would be playing or participating in that. So, we should make an effort to make sure that we get a seat in the next act. Only those who pass this worldly test will be offered a seat in the next show.

This world is God’s show – brilliant, wonderful and full of wisdom! It is not in vain; it is not purposeless fun show to get your ‘vow’ and clapping. It has a purpose and that is the purpose of our lives too. We should try to understand it. Let me put it in a simple way! Remember your school days when you were given assignments? We were shown a video/film clip, or an audio-passage; and we had to answer question about it. That’s exactly what’s happening in this world. We are living this show and we will be questioned about it. The only difference is that we shall be questioned about our role in this show because we are the actors and performers.

Therefore, we should not wait for the end of this show to act. The time to act is now! Stop playing the fool and start playing the wise! You can still enjoy the show but at the same time you can pick up what you need for your destination. Do your homework! The saying goes: ‘Make hay while the sun shines!’ And you’ll get an amazing reward.

Our success and protection is guaranteed if we follow the guidelines revealed to us. Let’s seek Allah’s help and protection for success.

“There, the (only) protection comes from

Allah, the True One. He is the Best to reward,

and the Best to give success.”

(al-Quran 18:44)

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