You Don't Own Anything: The Freedom of Non-Attachment
In our pursuit of material success, we often forget a fundamental truth: we don't truly own anything in this world—not even our bodies. Everything is merely a temporary trust, or as known in Islamic tradition, an "Amanah."
The Illusion of Ownership
Watch how people become obsessed with ownership: land, homes, cars, and countless possessions that are ultimately transient. We convince ourselves we're buying things that will "last," but what is "lasting" in the grand scheme of time? Our lives are mere moments in the arc of history. When we depart this world, we leave everything behind. The only lasting legacy we can offer our loved ones is their empowerment, faith in Allah, and cherished memories.
As Abdullah bin `Umar narrated, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) took hold of my shoulder and said, 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler.'"
The Weight of Possessions
As we progress through life, we accumulate titles, wealth, assets, and influence. We build what society calls "a life"—defined by our job, house, car, relationships, and reputation. Though temporary, these possessions often gain power over us, becoming not just things we own, but things that own us.
Consider the owner of an expensive car who becomes its servant: obsessing over mileage, maintenance, and preservation of its resale value. We see powerful 4x4s that never taste dirt, luxury vehicles exiled to the furthest corners of parking lots, all to protect "investments" that will be outdated in a few years. Even a fully paid home isn't truly yours—it's a trust, a temporary stewardship.
What Should We Really Own?
There are two things worthy of our complete ownership:
Our Relationship with Our Creator This is the only truly everlasting connection. Allah is constant, and the stronger we build this relationship, the more we thrive in both this life and the next.
Our Commitments and Actions
Keep your promises
Be present for your family without conditions
Honor your business agreements
Dedicate yourself to developing meaningful skills These investments yield returns that transcend time.
The True Legacy
When we leave this world, material possessions we leave behind can become a source of trial (fitna) for our loved ones. However, the example we set through our integrity and actions carries weight beyond this life. Our true legacy isn't in what we accumulated, but in how we lived and what we stood for.
Remember: We are all renters in this world, temporary custodians of the blessings we're given. True freedom comes not from possession, but from understanding this fundamental truth.