“And do not stretch your eyes to that thing which We have...

“And do not stretch your eyes to that thing which We have given parties of them to enjoy; (this is) the splendour of the life of the world that We may try them in it; and the provision of your Lord is better and more lasting.” There has been narrated a tradition from Imam Sadiq (as) who said: “Whoever longs for the people’s help, his sorrow will prolong and his rage will remain.” [^1] The Qur’an considers the wealth of the world as goodness, virtue, and adornment and counts the enjoyment of it lawful and permissible, yet it condemns intensive love unto it, because the life in this world is like a bud or a blossom, which has a short lifetime and, with a faint wind or breeze easily vanishes.

In this verse the Prophet (S) has been ordered some instructions which are completive to the statement of patience that was mentioned in the previous verse. These instructions, in fact, are for all Muslims. At first, it says: “And do not stretch your eyes to that thing which We have given parties of them to enjoy…” Yes, these worldly bounties are temporary and unstable. They are blossoms of the life of this world, the blossoms which soon open, and fade soon and fall on the ground.

They remain stable only for a few days. The verse says: “…(this is) the splendour of the life of the world…” In the meantime, all these are for that they may be tried by them. The verse continues saying: “…that We may try them in it…” And, however, whatever Allah has provided as sustenance for you is better and is more lasting.

“And bid your family to pray and be constant therein.