The priority of the Sahabah (RA) was the Akhirah and all else was secondary, due to their companionship with Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. Do we ever think about that difficult valley mentioned in the Hadith of Abu Darda (RA) which has to be crossed on the Day of Qiyaman with the burden of worldly possessions? Incidents from the lives of the pious servants of Allah Ta’ala are a manifestation of their deep concern and preparation for the Akhirah, such as the Sahabi (RA) who rolled himself in the hot desert sand as a reminder of the fire of Jahannam, which earned him the mention of the Mala’ikah and the gates of Jannah being opened for him. Imam Ghazali (R) describes how severely the pious castigated themselves for the slightest mistakes, yet strangely in contrast, one is eager to punish and discipline one’s servants and families, unconcerned about the rebelliousness and disobedience of one’s own nafs which causes one greater harm. Reading about the lives of pious personalities inspires an eagerness to follow their example and diligence in Ibadah, highlighting their intelligence in opting for the temporary pain and ‘deprivation’ in this world in exchange for the eternal bliss of the Akhirah. From the incident of the youth visited by Umar bin Abdul Azeez (R) and the words of Abu Darda (RA), it is learnt that the comforts of this world are in reality bitter and that true happiness is found in devotion to Allah Ta’ala, fasting on hot days and in the fruits of Nasihah from the companionship of the pious.

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