Sayyidunā Khiḍrعَلَیْہِ السَّلام  and an extraordinary wonder

On one occasion, Sayyidunā Khiḍr عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلاَم was asked, "What is the most astonishing thing you have witnessed in your life?"

He replied:

I once passed through a place that was extremely terrifying and desolate. Then, 500 years later, I passed through there again, and it had transformed into a most beautiful, lush green city. I asked someone there, “When was this city built?” He replied with great astonishment, “ سُبْحٰنَ اللہ! We and our forefathers have been residing here for centuries; it has always been in this state.”

I departed from that place. After another 500 years, I passed through there once more. This time, there was a large river, and people were engaged in fishing. I asked a fisherman, “There used to be a city here; where has it gone?” He replied in amazement, “سُـبْحٰـنَ الـلّٰــه ! Was there ever a city here? Neither I nor my forefathers have ever heard of such a city.” He continued, “Then, after a further 500 years, I passed through the same place, and this time, it was a city again.”^[1]

اللہ! اللہ! Such is this world! We assume that everything here has remained unchanged for centuries and will continue to do so for centuries to come, but this is not the reality; it is a deception. This world is ours today; tomorrow, we shall be in our graves, and this world will belong to another. There is only one abode of permanence, the Hereafter. Therefore, successful is he who views this world not with eyes of greed and worldly desires, but with the eye of reflection and admonition.