Humanity has a natural disposition towards Allah (swt), yet often we may feel that our lives are disordered and chaotic, lacking cohesion. We are easily swayed by worldly vanities, and from this arises a barrier between our desires and pleasing Allah (swt). 

This world is a means by which we are able to reach a higher state of being. In order to lead a harmonious life, our successes in this world must also be deemed successes for our akhira; otherwise, we fall into a trap of disunity and illusion. As stated in the Nahjul Balagha, “Your ultimate goal (reward or punishment) is before you. Behind your back is the hour (of resurrection) which is driving you on. Keep (yourself) light and overtake (the forward ones). Your last ones are being awaited by the first ones (who have preceded)” (Sermon 21). Our actions in this world, from the first to the last, should be focused on pleasing Allah (swt) so that they can be used towards our akhira.