It is often that we may no longer have the required willpower to do what we’re obliged to as servants of The Most Merciful. In such moments, we must remember that Jannah is reserved for those who strive and apply themselves in life. As for those who want comfort and ease, they are driven by the desire of immediate pleasures. The underlying motive is pleasure first and total disregard to any consequence.  Allah says: 'Whoever desires the immediate - We hasten for him from it what We will to whom We intend. Then We have made for him Hell, which he will enter to burn, censured and banished'. (17:18) Such mindset are of those who are so shortsighted their gaze does not extend to the afterlife. It is like a shortsighted person who travels on a hot day in the desert and sees a mirage, thus rushes towards it, but fails to see the quicksand before it. His pursuit of immediate pleasures leads him into danger and ultimate peril. Whereas a farsighted person spots the danger, and waits to embrace the water at a secure fountain albeit after some distance. Allah sets forward such a parable in respect of those who disbelieve.  'But the deeds of those who disbelieve are like a mirage in a desert: the thirsty person thinks there will be water but, when he gets there, he finds only God, who pays him his account in full- God is swift in reckoning.' (24:39) It's not about denying ourselves pleasure, but it is about controlling our impulses. This is the true willpower, remembering that our ultimate goal is to attain Allah’s pleasure. If His pleasure is attained, we will be rewarded with eternal bliss. Next time you feel lazy and lack the willpower to get up and go to the mosque (one of many examples), recite the following verses as a reminder: '[Such niches are] in houses [i.e., mosques] which Allah has ordered to be raised and that His name be mentioned [i.e., praised] therein; exalting Him within them in the morning and the evenings.' (24:36) 'Men who are not distracted, either by commerce or profit, from remembering God, keeping up the prayer, and paying the prescribed alms, fearing a day when hearts and eyes will turn over.' (24:37) 'God will reward such people according to the best of their actions, and He will give them more of His bounty: God provides limitlessly for anyone He will.' (24:38) 'But the deeds of those who disbelieve are like a mirage in a desert: the thirsty person thinks there will be water but, when he gets there, he finds only God, who pays him his account in full- God is swift in reckoning.' (24:39) In these verses, Allah refers to the devout worshippers as those who are not distracted by immediate profits and pleasures, as they seek the pleasure of Allah and His reward,  for nothing can ever be more profitable. This thought and desire for ultimate eternal pleasure, and fear of consequences, motivates them and springs them into action. Lastly, to remain motivated, remember the words of the Prophet, peace be upon him:                                                                                                                                                     عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ '‏ حُفَّتِ الْجَنَّةُ بِالْمَكَارِهِ وَحُفَّتِ النَّارُ بِالشَّهَوَاتِ ‏'‏  'The Paradise is surrounded by hardships and the Hell-Fire is surrounded by temptations.' (Sahih Muslim 2822) May Allah make us of those who strive to seek His pleasure. Ameen. What are your reflections on this theme? I would love to read your reflections. Remember to reflect, reflect to remember! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  🎙️ Join me for a heartfelt and thought-provoking QuranReflect Webinar with our special guest Dr Redwan  Karim as we share insights into our journey with the Quran, along with advice on building your own journey with the Quran.  📅 Session Date: Friday, January 31st, 2025 ⏰ Time: 5:00 PM GMT (UK Time) 12:00 PM EST (New York Time) 👉 Register now: