Our hearts are too attached to this world, our Hadith Professor told us. When we think of success for Islam and the Muslims what do we think about? Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Myanmar? Terrible atrocities are happening to our brothers and sisters in these places, no doubt. They need the support of our supplications and material wealth, no doubt. Carnage pulls at our heart strings and it should. But while the carnage of this life will end when our souls are taken, the punishment of Hell is infinitely worse in degree and duration. How many Muslims living in security and prosperity are abandoning their faith? Who's praying for them? Where are their Facebook statuses and profile filters? Look at what Allah says: "He will forgive for you your sins and admit you to gardens beneath which rivers flow and pleasant dwellings in gardens of perpetual residence. That is the great accomplishment. * And [you will obtain] another [favor] that you love - victory from Allah and an imminent conquest; and give good tidings to the believers." [61:12-13] Our Professor pointed out that the sense of distance achieved when Allah says "And another that you love" is a proverbial nod to the lesser nature of such victory compared to forgiveness from Allah. Indeed, the greatest accomplishment is to die a believer and enter paradise. Anything short of that is failure. even with all the fleeting victories of this life.