A TRAVELER’S LIFE

Abdullah ibn Umar narrates that the Prophet of Islam once placed his hand on his shoulder and said:

“Live in this world as though you are a stranger or a traveller passing through.”

Following this, Abdullah ibn Umar used to say: “When evening comes, do not expect the morning; and when morning comes, do not expect the evening. Take advantage of your health before illness strikes, and your life before death.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6416)

In this saying of the Prophet and the explanation by his Companion, the true philosophy of life is revealed. When a person is at home, they feel settled, as if they are in a permanent place. This mindset shapes how they live. But someone traveling in a foreign land sees themselves as temporarily placed—and that outlook shifts their entire perspective.

A believer lives in this world like that traveller. They consider this life temporary. This awareness keeps their heart from becoming overly attached to worldly things. Outwardly, they live in the world, but inwardly, they dwell in remembrance of the Hereafter. This mindset instills deep patience. They can endure hardship, knowing it is short-lived. They can bear even great losses, recognizing that gains and losses here are fleeting.

Even the fire of vengeance cools within them, for they know that both the one who forgives and the one who retaliates will ultimately be overtaken by death.

This way of thinking also makes them highly conscious of time. They never assume they will live to see the next day, and so they strive to make the most of the present. They are unwilling to waste even a single moment of their life.