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Seize five things before the coming of other five things
Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them, narrated that the Prophet , may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Seize five things before the coming of other five things: life before death, health before sickness, free time before becoming busy, youth before old age, and wealth before poverty.”
This Hadeeth is clear in meaning and strong in its purposes, it combines religious and worldly benefits for he who applies it. There is no doubt that the goodness of this world lies in sticking to the Prophetic commandments, and the goodness of the Hereafter lies in their goodness together, considering that the world is a farm for the Hereafter, and that it will not be so unless Islam is its method and its constitution. Life is but a few breaths in limited places that are cut off by death at a time that may not be taken into account.
One regrets the loss of life in useless matters. Yet regret will not avail him or free his liability from falling short to fulfill the due rights of people or neglecting of the rights of Allah. It is the teachings of Islam to benefit from the first life to prepare to the great life. It is one of the favors and signs of Allah to inspire man to exploit every hour of his age in working, or recreation in preparation for another effort.
