At the age of seventeen, I experienced a vivid dream. In that dream, I was seated in a mosque when a small girl approached me with an unexpected question: “Why must people part from one another?”
The essence of her inquiry touched on our world’s transient nature—a realm defined by brief moments and temporary bonds where those dear to us may vanish with the passing of time. This fleeting reality cuts deeply into our nature, for we are inherently drawn to love and to the pursuit of that which is perfect and everlasting. Our true home is not found in this temporal life but in a Paradise that is both flawless and permanent. It is only natural for our souls to long for something eternal.
The pain of separation arises because it contradicts our deep-seated yearning for permanence. In our hearts, Allah has implanted a desire that can only be fulfilled by what is eternal and unchanging. Yet, we are given glimpses—a mere sample of the eternal life to come. In this world, we encounter hints of both suffering and bliss. Just as we feel the sting of fire or the burn of scalding water, we also discover moments that remind us of Paradise. Among these, the spiritual vicinity of Mecca and Medina stands unparalleled, a terrestrial echo of Paradise itself. Even though being near the sacred sites feels like a taste of eternal joy, it remains only a sample. As with the story of Adam and his progeny who were momentarily expelled from Paradise, we too must part from what we hold dear in this world.
The experience of leaving Mecca symbolizes the broader pattern of life—a journey in which we must eventually bid farewell to the people and places we cherish. Yet, there is one constant that we never need to leave: Allah. His presence is eternal. As the divine words remind us:
“Everyone on earth will perish, but the Face of your Lord, full of Majesty and Honor, will remain.”
In another verse, Allah assures us:
“Do not call upon any deity along with Allah. There is no deity except Him. Everything else will fade away except His Face. His is the ultimate judgment and to Him you shall return.”
He is closer to us than the very pulse in our neck; indeed, Allah tells us:
“It is We who have created man, and We are fully aware of the secret suggestions of his soul, for We are nearer him than his jugular vein.”
Often, we search far and wide for Allah in the world around us. It is tempting to feel devastated by the absence of a beloved place like Mecca. However, our connection with the Divine is not found in a specific location; it resides within our hearts. Adam was once removed from Paradise, but even then Allah promised him guidance and eventual comfort. The sacred message was clear:
“We said, ‘Descend from here, all of you. And when My guidance reaches you, whoever follows it will have no fear or sorrow.’”
The bittersweet departure from the sacred Ka’bah is a reminder that physical places, no matter how hallowed, are temporary. However, the Divine remains with us always—unless we consciously decide to turn away. And when we do stray from His guidance, the consequences are dire:
“But whoever deviates from My Message will find life narrowed, and on the Day of Judgment we shall raise him up in blindness. Then he will ask, ‘My Lord, why did You raise me blind when I once saw?’ And He will reply, ‘Our signs reached you, yet you forgot them; and today you are forgotten.’”
There is a singular path to maintain the closeness, awe, and peace that we once experienced—a path found in the remembrance of Allah, or Dhikr. As the revelation states:
“Those who believe, whose hearts find solace in the remembrance of Allah; indeed, in His remembrance do hearts find true rest.”
While we yearn for the eternal Paradise promised in the hereafter, and although Mecca represents a glimpse of that perfection in this life, the inevitable parting from such physical manifestations is part of our earthly journey. Yet, Allah never abandons us. His promise to Adam still resonates with us today—guidance is our guarantee of protection from fear and grief.
The eternal Paradise available in this life lies not in a location but in the continual remembrance and obedience to Allah. Those who wholeheartedly embrace His guidance have, in essence, entered Paradise here and now.
As expressed by a wise scholar, truly, one who fails to experience the Paradise present in this life will also find no access to the Paradise of the hereafter.
Embracing Faith, One Insight at a Time!
The teachings of the Quran have always guided my path. With a deep passion for Islamic knowledge, I strive to blend the wisdom of tradition with the relevance of today, making the timeless messages of Islam accessible and meaningful for everyone.
Muslim Culture Hub is my platform to share historical insights and thought-provoking articles, exploring both well-known and lesser-discussed aspects of Islamic culture and beliefs. My mission is to create an inclusive online space where everyone can learn, strengthen their faith, and connect with the profound message of Islam.
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May peace be upon you.
