In a heartfelt sohbet held at the Royal Ottoman Society in Ludwigshafen on 21 December 2019, Ayberk Efendi turned the well‑known prophetic saying—“Live in this world as if you will never die, and strive for the Hereafter as if you will die every moment”—into a living guide for today’s seeker. The gathering reminded us that the words of the Prophet (peace be upon him) are not abstract slogans but practical compass points directing our daily actions toward both worldly service and eternal preparation.
Two Complementary Directions
The hadith contains two seemingly opposite injunctions, yet they are meant to balance one another.
“Never die in this world” – This part urges relentless effort in serving humanity: honest work, compassionate deeds, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. When we act as though our time on earth is endless, we become less fearful of failure and more willing to invest fully in projects that benefit others.
“Die every moment for the Hereafter” – The second clause pulls us back from worldly immersion, reminding us that each breath could be our last before the final judgment. It cultivates humility, detaches the heart from material attachment, and fuels a constant readiness to meet Allah. In practice this means pausing regularly for prayer, self‑reflection, and acts of worship, allowing the awareness of death to sharpen our intention.
Ayberk Efendi emphasized that many people latch onto only one side—either chasing worldly success without spiritual grounding or obsessing over the afterlife while neglecting their earthly responsibilities. The true path lies in weaving both strands together, so the heart remains alive to the fleeting nature of life while the hands remain busy serving creation.
Applying the Teaching Today
Set Intentional Priorities – Begin each day with a brief remembrance that our time is limited. Let this awareness shape a schedule where work, family, and community service are performed with gratitude, yet always leave space for prayer, Qur’an recitation, or quiet contemplation.
Measure Success Differently – Instead of counting achievements solely by material gain, evaluate them through the lens of lasting impact: have we helped ease someone’s burden? Have we grown in patience and humility?
Cultivate “Near‑Station” Thinking – The talk used a vivid analogy of a driver who refuels at the nearest station rather than trying to reach a distant main depot. Likewise, we should focus on the immediate opportunities for good that are closest to us—small acts of kindness in our neighborhoods, honest dealings at work, and sincere devotion in private worship.
By keeping the Hereafter “near” in consciousness, every ordinary moment becomes an occasion to earn eternal merit while still contributing meaningfully to the world.
If you feel inspired to deepen this practice within a supportive community, consider joining one of our live meetings, where seekers gather for collective dhikr, study, and the opportunity to take Bayah on the Sufi path.
May Allah keep our hearts open, guide our actions, and grant us the wisdom to balance both worlds.
