Competing With Others

“How dare he?” Zaid stamped his foot in anger pacing up and down. He was dumbfounded--- too shocked to bear the fact that his classmate had achieved first position in the Science Exhibition and what pricked him most was that he had won a brand new Rolex watch. Now by any means he wanted to show him down.
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The sky wore a mantle of black. Silence haunted the room. Everybody was snoring as it was past midnight but there was still one beating heart that couldn’t sleep. The agitation was killing her. Sadia was over-whelmed with grief because her friend possessed the latest handsome cell phone which she herself couldn’t afford. She just couldn’t do anything. A tear trickled down her cheek and got absorbed in the pillow.
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“Mr. Ahmad do you know Mr. Farrukh has bought a vast piece of land, double than yours? Furthermore, he has finalized his plans for building a mansion there.” Mr. Fahad left after giving this news to Mr. Ahmad. Mr. Ahmad cursed Mr. Farukh, his business partner, under his breath and started thinking of how he could surpass him.
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“Hey Sundus, you know this dress of mine is from Turnstyle and my sister is wearing one from the second best fashion designer in the city,” Farah told her, her voice filled with pride. “Oh, and my shoes are from Asim Jofa!”

Now Sundus was mentally planning on fixing a day to go to these outlets though she had abundant clothes at the moment but what about the competition then?

I am sure you must have undergone or heard such scenarios. They are too common these days. Everybody is engrossed in racing each other in luxuries. Each one of us wants to look his best, to have the best and to be the best! People have buckled up their belts in order to lead others but wait… while chasing these nine-day wonders or pleasures and being busy in the embellishment of this mortal world, haven’t we forgotten the aim of our life? Aren’t we straying from the path guided by Rasoolullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم?Our life is a journey and every journey has a purpose. And what is our goal our purpose? The Holy Quran says: And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. [Chapter 51 ayat 56].

Remember everybody is sent in this world to be taken away one day and that ‘one day’ we just don’t know. Surah Takasur best describes it and makes us realize our loss. Instead of frittering your precious time it should be taken into consideration how much we are prepared for that Day of Accountability.

We must pray to Allah Almighty and seek His help and forgiveness and stem the flow of wishes and desires of getting more. Stop nurturing the bitter thoughts. Our quality of life is affected by being absorbed in the phobia of earning more and having more than others and then contentment is forever out of reach. Yes one should have a fair comfortable house to live in, latest gadgets and stuff if they are affordable but spending your time in earning and having more all the time is not appreciated. Our Lord has sent us here to worship Him and earn His pleasure..

So readers what should our aim be now? We ought to be greedy of praying and spending more time in the pleasure of Allah than others. Having competition in deen is allowed. We must surpass others in this task and ask forgiveness from the All forgiving. We should ace people in salah and ibadah rather than clothes and jewellery. Because spending time in the running after this world would eventually be of no use. I hope now no one will procrastinate.