Another Year is Ending

Once again we have reached the end of the year and about to begin a new one. It is that time of year where wishes of happiness, heath and success are exchanged. It is a time to recapitulate the events of the year, the happy and joyous ones as well as the sad and tragic ones. It is also a chance to reflect on our personal journey. As Muslims, we believe that this life, no matter how comfortable or short, hard or long, is but a journey to the eternal one, the Hereafter.

In the Holy Quran, Surat Al'Ana'am, Chapter 6, verse 32, Allah says:

"And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason?"

وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلاَّ لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَلَلدَّارُ الآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ أَفَلاَ تَعْقِلُونَ

Therefore, no matter what faith you believe in or what calendar you follow, one thing is for certain and that is at some point, this journey will end just as this year is ending. What we do in the coming year and the rest of our life will determine our final destination. Worldly matters or personal ego often sway us but we should not loose sight of what matters. We are all humans, created equally and must live together on this earth peacefully. We should struggle to improve our character, be better human beings, strive to help one other, reach out to those in need and try to make a difference in someone else's life. We should try giving without expecting anything in return. Most of all we should try our best to make the world we live in a better place for all of us.

On that note, I wish you all blessings and peace in the coming year and in everyday of your lives.