engaged in the worship of Allah. He asked, “Why have you not built a house for yourself, by which you could protect yourself from the heat and cold?”

The elderly man replied beautifully, “O prophet of Allah! I had the honour of being in the company of previous Prophets, and they informed me that I would not live in this world for more than seven hundred years. My mind could not accept that I should abandon the worship of Allah to build a house for such a short period of time.”

Prophet ꜤῙsā عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام said, “Soon, there will come a people whose lifespans will not exceed one hundred years, yet they will build grand palaces.”^[1]

اللہ اکبر A lifespan of seven hundred years, yet reflect upon this beautiful mindset! The elderly man knew he would die one day, so why waste time building a home when he could spend his short life worshipping Allah Almighty instead?

Our condition today is exactly as Prophet ꜤῙsā عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام foretold. Our lifespan is less than 100 years- nowadays, on average, around 60 years- but we behave as though we will live forever.

Summary of the Speech

In conclusion, this world is a temporary abode, and we are travellers who will soon leave this mortal realm and journey to the next world. We should try our absolute best to spend this brief life in the best way, performing good deeds, and treating others with kindness. There is no benefit in fights, arguments, greed, and jealousy. Houses, cars, money, medals, and awards will all be left behind when we depart from this world. So, live in such a way that people aspire to be like you, and your conduct becomes a model for others.

May Allah grant us the ability to live a pure and righteous life.

Imam Aḥmad Razā Khan رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه made a beautiful supplication. Here is its translation: