Once, there was a poor man who lived a simple life. He married a woman in his youth, and together they faced the struggles of poverty with patience. After some years of hard work and good fortune, his circumstances changed. Wealth and comfort entered his home, and he soon found himself enjoying the status of a prosperous man.
With prosperity, however, came new thoughts. He remembered that Islam allows a man up to four marriages. Temptation grew inside him, and he decided to take a second wife. This time, he married a young girl of only 18 years.
His first wife, though wise and intelligent, noticed the change in her husband’s priorities. She was deeply hurt but chose not to quarrel or show much reaction. She quietly observed his behavior. Then, one Thursday night, something unusual happened.
Around midnight, her husband received a call on his phone. He stepped outside and got lost in conversation. Hours went by, but he didn’t return. His first wife grew suspicious and checked on him. She found him happily speaking and laughing. When she asked what was happening, he replied with joy, “Tomorrow is Friday — a very blessed day. From tomorrow onwards, we will live happily, and life will be even better for both of us.”
His wife smiled faintly but said nothing. That night, she could not sleep. Restless thoughts troubled her heart. By morning, she served him breakfast as usual, then gently said, “I only ask you for one thing. Give me just one hour of your time. After that, you may live the rest of your life however you wish.”
The husband, slightly surprised but curious, agreed. Later that day, she requested him to take her somewhere. He followed, expecting perhaps a market or a relative’s house. But she guided him to a graveyard.
Standing among the silent graves, she pointed and said, “Look carefully. These people once lived like us. They too had desires, dreams, wealth, and families. They made plans, just as you do. But now, all their voices are silent. Their homes are gone, their laughter has ended. This is the reality that awaits us all.”
Her words struck deep. She continued, “Life is short. It passes quicker than we realize. One day, very soon, you and I will also be lying here beneath the soil. Neither wealth nor beauty nor multiple marriages will matter then. Only our deeds will follow us into this ground. Think carefully — are you preparing for that day?”
The man stood still, staring at the rows of graves. A strange silence fell over him. His wife then said, softly but firmly, “If you truly reflect on this moment, it will change your entire life. Otherwise, you will continue sleeping in the illusion of desires, and your eyes will never open until it is too late.”
Her words pierced his heart like an arrow. For the first time, he realized how fragile and temporary life really was.
