For children, - Big Ship that Landed on an Island: Life of this World and Hereafter in Islam

There was once a big ship that landed on an Island. The Captain said
to the people: "Dear passengers, we will anchor here for you to gather
provision and admire the nature and we shall move on with our journey
in a few hours time".
All passengers got off and roamed around the island in groups.
Some 'Wise' gentlemen and ladies walked peacefully, collected some
souvenirs and food for the journey and returned quickly to the ship.
Since they were the first ones back, they got the best and comfortable
places on the ship.
The second group of 'Forgetful' people walked, played and enjoyed
their time. They admired the island and explored its nature. But soon
they remembered the ship, so they ran back, without any food and
souvenirs. Coming on board, they were tired, but alas the best seats
were taken, so they had to do with the less comfortable ones.
The third group of ' Greedyand Lustful' people got amazed by the
wonders of this island and they began to collect its plants and
precious stones. After a while, having heard the call of their
captain, they started to head back to the ship, carrying plants,
stones and jewelry of all colors and value. However, the heaviness of
the treasure they eagerly wanted to bring back slowed their return,
and by the time they reached the shore, the boat had already left.
And finally, some 'Aimless and Narrow-Minded' people, convinced
themselves that the island was all there is and the ship was just
something they had imagined. They thus explored the island and built
for themselves houses. The boat, of course left them to perish on the
island and to be forgotten by everyone.
Similarly, on our journey to Allah (SWT), The Creator, we have landed
on this island, called the World (Dunya).
Some 'Wise' gentlemen and ladies will walk around and collect good
deeds, love and knowledge of Allah (SWT) and quickly return to The
Creator. They of course will be handed paradise, the best of it!
The second group of 'Forgetful' people will get distracted by the
world (Dunya) until their last moment. They will then repent at the
last minute. Perhaps they will make it and get the lowest levels of
paradise (Jannah).
The third group of 'Greedy and Lustful' people will be amazed by the
world, and get attracted by its temporary and fake beauty. They will
indulge in desire and food and be illusion by it. Perhaps, a call will
bring them back to realization, but alas, the attraction will be too
much to leave behind and they will miss the ship of salvation.
And finally, some 'Aimless and Narrow-Minded' people will just ignore
the journey to Allah (SWT) and pretend that this world is all there
is. They will take their houses as their homes and their desires as
god. Indeed history as seen many people as such, but no one remembers
them. They have been left in hell.
So, my friend... The ship is waiting, please jump on board! Your
Creator Allah (SWT) is calling you: Oh man! Surely you must strive to
your Lord, a hard striving, until you meet Him. Noble Qur'an (84:6)
Imam Ali Naqi (as)said: The world is a market in which one group makes
profit and another group incurs loss.
Imam Mohammad Bagher (as) said: The one that sincerity of truth and
faith took place in his heart, will turn his face from decorations and
ornaments of the world.
Moral of the Story: Those who spend their lives devoted blindly to
worldly goods will realize that they consumed all their lives chasing
illusions. They will realize their ridiculous situation after they
die. Only then will the ultimate purpose of life, to be a sincere
servant of Allah (SWT), be clear to them.