The reality of our life is only this:
From Allah______To Allah.
From eternal_____to eternal.
The blank space in between is temporary—what Allah swt calls mata‘ul gharur in the Qur’an: fleeting pleasure. To fill that gap, mankind often forgets the eternal. We forget where we came from and where we are heading.
Some try to fill the gap with worship of the dunya, some with false gods built within themselves. Others fill it with regrets of the past or worries about the future. But in truth, none of it matters compared to what lies ahead.
We try to control everything as if we are in charge of the world, forgetting that the true Disposer of affairs is Allah swt. Our duty is to do our work, trust in Him, expect reward from Him—in this world or the next—and leave the outcome to Him alone.
The problem comes when we demand answers to everything—every “what, why, where, if, and but.” Yet Allah Himself has kept some matters unseen to test our faith. Still, we burden ourselves with unrealistic expectations, doing zulm on our own souls by insisting we must know what He has chosen to conceal.
The truth is this: people, situations, circumstances, battles—all of it will leave us when we are buried. What remains with us are only our deeds.
So how does a believer fill the gap?
The way of Musa (AS).
When he did not know where he was heading … when he had no idea what lay ahead … when he didn’t know how he would make it—he still knew he had a Lord who would guide him. He said, “My Lord is certainly with me—He will guide me.” [26:62] And Allah swt inspired him to strike the sea with his staff. With unwavering faith, he struck his staff upon the sea, and Allah parted it.
That is how the believer fills the gap: with faith that is unshakeable. Dedicate yourself to keep moving, put forth your best effort, and trust in Allah’s help. Strike your staff hard—with certainty that your Lord will make a way.
Yes—your faith will part the sea.
Yes—the fire will cool down.
Yes—the whale of darkness will cast you back into the light.
It will happen, inshallah.
So fill the gap with what is real and lasting: your faith, your Creator, and your trust in Him. Carry that faith everywhere you go … and keep moving forward until you return to Him.
“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return.” [2:156]
Islam is perfect, and any mistakes are solely mine. I take responsibility for my mistakes and seek your pardon for any errors I may have made. And Allah Knows Best!
