If you ask what they think will happen after they die, many people will tell you that they believe in heaven and in hell. But, few people live their lives in accordance with this mental model, so there is a sort of cognitive dissonance and incoherency on their part, also called hypocrisy by some. Those that spend their short duration in this world as coherent beings actually intend the everlasting life which is to come.
The Quran says “O my people! This worldly life is only a fleeting enjoyment, whereas the Hereafter is truly the home of settlement." (40:39)
يَـٰقَوْمِ إِنَّمَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا مَتَـٰعٌۭ وَإِنَّ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ هِىَ دَارُ ٱلْقَرَارِ
Knowing this to be true, a person will have no desire to live an indulgent and consumerist life. They will be drawn toward reflection and careful thought, taking account of themselves for everything that they utter and do, before being taken to account by God.
They have a balance of hope and reverence, acknowledging their own helplessness and dependence in all matters. They seek to rely upon God instead of upon themselves alone, following the sacred teachings of the prophets across time like Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.
They see the purification of the self, in all physical, mental and spiritual matters as a crucial objective. This entails abstaining from sins that cause the displeasure of God such as lying, cheating, slander and ungratefulness, and instead engage their time in virtues like charity, prayer, remembrance and care for others which bring along the blessings of God.
They engage in thoughtful reflection upon themselves and the people and world around them as signs of the grand and majestic art of the Creator who made everything as an ornament of the kingdom and as an indication of His great names and attributes.
They dedicate themselves to study and education of the sacred message of God as preserved in the Quran, a letter of mercy, guidance and healing for humanity. They embody the virtues that God calls toward and reject the vices that are the opposites.
The Quran says "Successful indeed is the one who purifies their soul, and doomed is the one who corrupts it!" (91:9-10)
قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن زَكَّىٰهَا , وَقَدْ خَابَ مَن دَسَّىٰهَا
Referring to the objective described above, a seeker grows closer in recognition of the self (ma'rifat al nafs) to gain recognition of God (ma'rifat Allah) thereby.
The Prophet said “Whoever knows himself, knows his Lord.”
مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ فَقَدْ عَرَفَ رَبَّهُ
Let us ask what we occupy ourselves with, what kinds of thoughts dominate our day, what contribution we are headed toward making. Life is short, and the life to come is eternal. Do the best that you can every day, because God looks for your sincerity and effort with mercy and gratitude.
References
Minshawi's Recitation in Mujawwad - Quran Chapter 40 Verse 39
