The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Take benefit of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your preoccupation, and your life before your death.” (Al Hakim)
I came across this Hadith the other day, and it really struck a chord with me – It is a beautiful, succinct statement which encompasses what so many people today have forgotten – youth, health, wealth, free time and life are luxuries granted to us, and any one of these can be taken away from us at any time.
I have seen so many situations where people forget that one day, these luxuries will be taken away – the mother-in-law who alienates her daughter-in-law while she is fit and able – and in her old age spends her days alone; the wealthy man who does not want to help his brother pay his medical bills and forgets that the man lying helpless in hospital could have easily been him; the family who poured their life savings into their home and business which is destroyed by fire - it only takes a moment, a split second, a blink of an eye for your life to change completely.
Always remember that life is transient. Who you are, and what defines you today may be taken away tomorrow. So treat others with respect, take care of your health, share what you have with those less fortunate, and thank Allah (SWT) for all of His favors. You may not be around to do so tomorrow.
