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If the worldly life is blameworthy, then why do we supplicate to God for its bounties and pleasures?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The world is condemned for what it contains of disobedience to Allah or what incites to it, and it is praised for the good and obedience found within it. Ibn Al-Qayyim clarified that the world itself is not truly condemned; rather, the blame is directed at the actions of the servant within it. It is a bridge to the Hereafter, but because desires and heedlessness have largely overcome it, it has acquired the name of blame. It is the foundation and the cultivated land of the Hereafter, and through it, souls acquire faith, knowledge of Allah, and love for Him. It is narrated that Imam Ali said: "The world is a house of truth for whoever treats it truthfully..." For in it are the mosques of the prophets, the descent of revelation, and the marketplace of the saints. And when a servant asks his Lord for some enjoyment of this world, he is only asking for what will benefit him in his Hereafter and not distract him from obeying his Lord. Among the supplications of the Prophet is: "And do not make the world our greatest concern, nor the limit of our knowledge."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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