وَلَا تَمُدَّنَّ عَيْنَيْكَ إِلَىٰ مَا مَتَّعْنَا بِهِ أَزْوَاجًا مِّنْهُمْ زَهْرَةَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا لِنَفْتِنَهُمْ فِيهِ ۚ وَرِزْقُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ
And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring. (Surah Taha: 131)
Have you ever caught yourself staring at another woman’s designer bag? Just staring..and staring..and desperately wanting one for yourself. Or the shiny red car she’s effortlessly driving. Or the diamonds on her slender fingers that sparkle every time she moves.
“Ohh if only I had those too. If only…”, you tell yourself unhappily.
Here in this ayah, Allah is telling us not to extend our eyes, or stare longingly at what other people have been given – whether it’s a nice house, a nice car, jewelry or clothes or the ability to travel. Don’t long for them. Because none of these things are here to stay forever. The Dunya is a like a flower. Bright and beautiful one day, only to become dull and wilt the next. No matter how much you may want the flower to last, it will eventually die. But sadly, people who are deceived by this Dunya, don’t understand this simple fact. They get really excited by all the things they see, not stopping to realize that it will all cease to exist one day.
So what’s the purpose of all this then? Simple. It’s a test. The one who has been given a lot in this world is being tested – to see whether he is humble? Does he remember Allah despite his riches? Is he showing off? Is he extravagant? Does he spend from what he has?
And the one who has little in comparison, is also tested. Is he grateful for what he has? Is he patient? Does he complain? Is he consumed with envy when he sees blessings in another?
So in a way, we are all being tested with the things we have.
But what is better and more enduring than all the materials things of the Dunya? The provision that Allah has given us: of Iman, Qur’an, Taqwa, Righteous Deeds which lead to Jannah.
So don’t long for the meager goods that other people have and succumb to self-pity (remember, every new thing will one day become old). What your Lord has given you is much better. The benefits are ever-lasting and simply out of this world!
