Life is all about choices. In fact, the ability to make choices is what makes us unique as human beings. Angels do not have choices; rather, they were created to always be in total obedience to God without error. Allah said: They do not disobey God in whatever He commands them. [Indeed], they do whatever they are commanded (Qur'an, 66:6).
But not all choices are equal. The most important choice that we face in this life is related to our existence, our purpose and the very reason we live. Without doubt, there is great wisdom in Allah creating us with "will" and the ability to make choices. He wants us to make the right choices regarding belief and righteous conduct. There is something special about choosing faith and choosing moral and just behavior when the options to do otherwise are available. Allah attaches great value on making right choices and not having them forced upon us. The most important choices that we confront in this life are: Do we believe in Allah? Do we believe in Him properly, that is, One and Unique? Do we acknowledge that we shall return to Him in the Hereafter? Do we acknowledge and accept the teachings of His Prophets and Messengers? And don't these beliefs have a role in human conduct? Allah said: Rather, say [to one and all]: The truth has come from your lord [in this Quran]. So whoever wills let him believe! And whoever wills let him disbelieve! (18:29).
Truly, Allah is the Truth. From Him everything came. He is the Ultimate Truth and we can only understand things by His truth. Our life will be meaningless if it did not relate to this highest truth. In fact, among His 99 names is "The Truth" (Al-Haqq).
All that exists was meant for something and has a purpose. So our choice now is do we want to embrace our purpose and live in peace and harmony with the great will of Allah, and prepare to meet Him in the best of conditions? Or do we devote our lives to fading and limited pleasures, and then, after our deaths, face indescribable difficulty and misery? Is it a good choice to live for something that was meant to serve us (money, wealth, recognition, etc)? The truth is: no choice makes sense except to live for the One to whom we owe everything. Allah said: Say [to them]: indeed, my prayer and my rites [of worship] and my life and my death are for God [alone]. Lord of [all] the worlds. No partner is there for Him. And to this I have been commanded. Moreover, I am the foremost of those who are Muslims, in willing submission to God [alone] (6:162-163).
When we look into ourselves, we see a combination of body and soul. Are we being fair and balanced with both of them? Is it a good choice to serve one without the other? Only through balance between these two can someone enjoy life now and in the Hereafter. The Prophet's response to those who committed themselves to extremes toward either side was: "But I do fast and break my fast [on other days] and I pray [in the night] and I sleep and I marry women and this is my path. Whoever chooses other than my path does not belong to me." (Hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari).
We live with people around us. Such people are family, friends, neighbors, strangers, and even enemies. Our choice now is this: Are we up to the responsibility to live right with all these people 
around us? Is it a good choice to ask for rights and offer none? Is it a fair choice to run away from our responsibilities toward others but demand our needs? Our parents deserve from us mercy, humility, and respect. Allah said: And to [your] parents, [you shall be] good. Should either one of them, or both of them, reach old age in your care, then you shall not say to either of them [even so much as] 'fie'. Nor shall you rebuke them. Rather, say to both of them a gracious word, [in loving kindness]. Moreover, lower for them the wing of humility out of mercy, and say [in supplication for them]: My lord! Have mercy upon them both even as they have raised me up as a little one" (17:23-24). Our family members (especially spouses and children) deserve from us love and care. The prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The best among you are those best [in treatment] to their families." (Hadith narrated by Imam Tirmidhi). People we don't know deserve from us respect and to treat them like we want to be treated, namely with kindness and fairness. Allah said: God does not forbid you from [honorable relationships with] those who have not fought you over religion, nor expelled you from your dwellings that you relate kindly and equitably with them. Indeed, God loves those who are just (60:8).
Every day we have choices to make. Our choices define us and speak on our behalf. Sometimes we make wrong choices, but every morning we are given the chance to make new and correct choices. Allah said: Is it not time for those who truly believe that their hearts be humbled at the remembrance of God and at [the utterance of] truth that has been sent down! (57:16).
This is a call for right choices. Now is the time for it. Look for the truth, learn it, act on it, and live under its reflection. O Allah, You are the Truth, Your Word is the Truth, Your promise is the Truth, guide us to the Truth by Your mercy and grant our hearts peace; for nothing would bring tranquility to our hearts but the Truth. Ameen.
Sh. Kifah Mustapha