The Brevity of Life
زندگی کی مختصر مہلت
أَحِبَّاءُ اللَّهِ هُمُ الَّذِينَ نَظَرُوا إِلَى بَاطِنِ الدُّنْيَا إِذَا نَظَرَ النَّاسُ إِلَى ظَاهِرِهَا.
دنیا کے دوست وہ لوگ ہیں جو اس کے باطن کو دیکھتے ہیں جب کہ عام لوگ اس کے ظاہر کو دیکھتے ہیں۔
“The friends of Allah are those who look at the inner aspect of the world when other people look at its outer appearance.”
Reflections: Imam Ali ؑ distinguishes between the superficial observer and the spiritual sage. While the majority of people are dazzled by the “outer appearance” of the world—its wealth, status, and pleasures—the friends of Allah look at its “inner aspect.” They see its transience and understand it as a bridge rather than a destination. This perspective allows them to live with purpose rather than attachment.