by Jinx Shay

Created on: July 13, 2008

'And walk not on the earth with conceit and arrogance'; this phrase, amongst many like it taken from the Quran provides an insight into why muslims should not strive for heaven on earth. Life for Muslims is seen as a journey, its main purpose to abide by the rules and the conduct layed out in the quran and in the sayings of the Prophet Muhammed,referred to as hadith. It is common and indeed rewarded if a Muslim struggles in this life, for it only strenghtens his/her character and patience towards God's plan.

Why cant both be the case? Why cant we strive to be pleased on earth yet remain bound to God's will? Because sooner or later the two will contradict each other, balancing both acts would seem almost impossible. Almost all efforts should go in remaining true to yourself and ultimatley to your position on earth, merely a servant of God. Islam does not frown on knowledge which is encouraged passionalty but is against the indulgence of self beyond what you need.
In all of this, the word humble is most appropiate for a humble muslim who does not dwell or engage in matters of greed and pride are the ones who will eventually taste the rewards of true paradise upoun their death. Muslims are encouraged to ignore or in the least not lay stress on material aspects, they are encouraged to give away charity (zakat), to feed the poor and to look after the elderly and orphans. Life then should be aimed at fulfilling these duties rather than accquring wealth for the sake of it.
God repeats numerous times that nothing in this world can compare even in the slightest to what awaits the believers in the day of judgement. Meaning that no matter how much happy you may seem, or how wealthy you are, only true happiness can be felt after death.
The Prophet himself is to have said, "A place in Paradise as small as the bow or lash of one of you is better than all the world and whatever is in it".
So the issue here is not of what is discouraged in characteristic but also what awaits muslims when they die. If a muslim strives for Heaven on they are pursuing an impossible and false path. Not only do they waste energy on gaining false happiness in this life, but they neglect their duties as muslims in the next.
Pride, arrogance and flattery are frowned upoun in Islam, which instead advocates a world where people are equal and where no one is above the laws set out by God. This life then is a preparation for the next, God allows muslims to choose to use it as they wish. No doubt they should strive to accquire their place in heaven after death rather than strive for it on earth.

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