The day of reckoning: the real endgame

I was once on my way to work when, just moments before I was to board the train, a tragic incident occurred. Someone had been found on the train tracks. The chaos that followed was overwhelming—blue lights flashing, emergency services rushing in, and passengers hurriedly evacuated the carriage and platform. Amid the commotion, a thought struck me with profound weight: “Imagine what the Day of Judgement will be like.”

What could have driven this person to such a devastating end? Was it overwhelming stress? Were they so disillusioned with life that they saw no way forward? Had they lost all hope? Life, no doubt, can be deeply challenging, but moments like this remind us of the importance of refocusing our attention on Allah عزوجل and the ultimate purpose of our existence—the real endgame. If we centre our lives around Him عزوجل, He عزوجل will guide and care for us, not just in this world but on the Day of Reckoning.

About this, the Blessed Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم is narrated to have said:

مَنْ جَعَلَ الْهُمُومَ هَمًّا وَاحِدًا هَمَّ الْمَعَادِ كَفَاهُ اللَّهُ هَمَّ دُنْيَاهُ وَمَنْ تَشَعَّبَتْ بِهِ الْهُمُومُ فِي أَحْوَالِ الدُّنْيَا لَمْ يُبَالِ اللَّهُ فِي أَيِّ أَوْدِيَتِهِ هَلَكَ

“Whoever focuses on only one concern, the Hereafter, Allah will suffice them for their concerns in the world. Whoever disperses their concerns among the matters of the world, it does not matter to Allah in which valley they meet their demise.” — Ibn Majah #4106

This powerful teaching reminds us that by prioritising the Hereafter, we can find peace and reassurance in the world. However, when our hearts are pulled in countless directions by worldly distractions, we lose our anchor, and our lives become fractured and aimless.

It is never too late to turn to Allah عزوجل. He عزوجل is always there—watching, listening, and ready to forgive. He عزوجل accepts our return, no matter how far we may feel from Himعزوجل. Let this be a call to refocus our lives. Let us evaluate our relationship with Him عزوجل, centre our concerns on the Hereafter, and trust in His عزوجل Mercy.

May we strive to nurture our bond with Allah عزوجل, seek His عزوجل clemency, and ultimately be granted a beautiful end and an even more beautiful Hereafter. May we live our lives in a way that prepares us for the day when all truths are laid bare, and may our efforts find acceptance in His عزوجل infinite mercy.

And Allah عزوجل and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم know best.