The Endless Chase of Vanity

The nature of vanity is that it is never enough. Just when you think you have reached the top, it shifts — another mountain appears. There is no final summit until death snatches us away.

You think you need a million, and when the million-dollar check finally comes, you realize it is not enough — now you want a hundred million. When that comes, the desire shifts again — a billion. We are never satisfied with worldly things; we keep chasing, and the chase never ends.

This dunya deceives us. We think, “If only I had this gadget, this car, this specification, I would be content.” But once we have it, it becomes old, and something new appears. Another brand trends, another model overshadows the last. Nothing lasts here.

Fame burns out too quickly. Someone trends today, and in a few months, he is forgotten. The latest phone, car, or designer brand soon becomes outdated and stale. The chase never ends — the more we fill ourselves with vanity, the deeper the emptiness becomes.

We compare ourselves with friends and family — “Such-and-such is not up to me,” or “Such-and-such is doing better.” But these are illusions. This life is nothing but a test. Jealousy, envy, and hatred are poisons that corrode the heart, while contentment heals it.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Be content with what Allah has apportioned for you and you will be the richest of people.”

(Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 2305)

The grass always seems greener on the other side, but true happiness comes only from Allah.

Whatever we strive for should be to please Allah, not to glorify ourselves. Let our intentions be pure — to fulfill His will, not to seek grandeur.

May Allah purify our hearts, cure us of jealousy, envy, and hatred, and increase us in ‘ibadah and ikhlas.

Ameen.