Building on Piety

This verse compares two foundations: one solid, one fragile.

أَفَمَنۡ أَسَّسَ بُنۡيَٰنَهُۥ عَلَىٰ تَقۡوَىٰ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضۡوَٰنٍ خَيۡرٌ أَم مَّنۡ أَسَّسَ بُنۡيَٰنَهُۥ عَلَىٰ شَفَا جُرُفٍ هَارٖ فَٱنۡهَارَ بِهِۦ فِي نَارِ جَهَنَّمَۗ

Is he who founds his building on piety and approval from Allah better, or he who founds it on the edge of a crumbling cliff, which collapses with him into the fire of Hell?

Quran, At-Tawba 9:109

The verse contrasts two ways of building. Building on piety and seeking Allah's approval gives a solid foundation. Building on anything else is like leaning on a crumbling cliff: it leads to ruin.

In our lives, our choices are like constructions. Choosing piety means acting with sincerity and awareness of Allah. This makes our actions stable and lasting, even in difficulties.

Today, before acting, ask yourself: am I founding this action on piety and Allah's approval? If so, do it with sincerity.