Belonging to the Next World

Heaven belongs to those who long for it. To one who really longs for heaven, everything else seems insignificant in comparison. Things of the world lose their value. Eternal matters become so important in his sight that worldly matters pale into insignificance.

When does one really belong to the next world? When one is so absorbed in thoughts of the hereafter that one tends to forget worldly matters. When one is so concerned with eternity that one forgets earthly concerns. When one is so preoccupied with thoughts of eternal content and torment that one’s position in the world ceases to seem important. When one is so drawn towards life everlasting that one seems to be neglectful of the present world. When one’s concentration is so fixed on sublime realities that one lives in this world, but is not of it. When the sight of worldly luxury only makes one wonder what will befall one in eternity. When affliction makes one cry out, “Lord, I cannot bear worldly torment; how will I be able to withstand the torments of the next world.” When one neither derives satisfaction from the pleasures of this world, nor is affected by worldly difficulties.

Only when all of these conditions are fulfilled can one truly be said to have faith in the life to come. The gates to heaven will be opened for such fortunate souls.