I begin with the Name of Allaah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
“And We shall remove from their breasts any Ghill (mutual hatred); rivers flowing under them, and they will say: “All the praises and thanks be to Allaah, Who has guided us to this, and never could we have found guidance, were it not that Allaah had guided us! Indeed, the Messengers of our Lord did come with the truth.” And it will be cried out to them: “This is the Paradise which you have inherited for what you used to do.’’ Qur’an 7:43
Every destination has a path, some are easy to walk on while others are difficult to walk on, and depending on the destination chosen by individuals, their experiences, sacrifices and challenges differ.
Allaah, Exalted be He, says: “Verily (O Man), your efforts are diverse.” Qur’an 92:4. Man aspires for the best in this world and as a result he works tirelessly to attain his set goals, he sacrifices his time, resources and everything just to be at the top. He does all these despite having the certainty that whatever he gains of wealth, power, affluence in this world is but a temporary possession. For the faithful, they not only aim for the temporary possessions of this world but ultimately aim for the permanent possession of the Hereafter for they truly understand the meaning of Allaah’s statement in Qur’an 28:77 “But seek, with that (wealth) which Allaah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of legal enjoyment in this world, and do good as Allaah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allaah likes not the Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupts).”
Every individual that believes in Allaah, Exalted be He, hopes for a favourable decision when final decision is made regarding the destination of people whether they be from among the dwellers of Paradise or denizens of Hell. For the believers, it is destination Paradise through the path that has been described many times in the Glorious Qur’an, the path travelled by all Prophets of Allaah, the path with the footprints of the pious, the path marked with traces of Tauheed (Oneness of Allaah).
The highest success any individual can attain is not in being the wealthiest or the most knowledgeable or the most powerful but it is exclusively kept in making it to Paradise. The people of Paradise are the most honourable people but no honour comes without responsibility. The way to Paradise requires dedication, effort and passion from he who believes in the Oneness of Allaah and follows strictly the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
A narration on the strength of Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) in Bukhari and Muslim makes this clear, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ”Paradise is surrounded with difficulties and Hell is surrounded with desires.” He (peace be upon him) also said in a narration which has been authenticated by Al-Albani in Sahih At-Tirmidhi that: “Whoever is concerned should set out when it is still night and whoever sets out when it is still night will reach the destination. Verily, the merchandise of Allaah is expensive, verily the merchandise of Allaah is Paradise.”
Allaah has revealed the books and sent the messengers to show mankind how it could save itself from Hell-fire and be admitted into Paradise, hence, there is no greater matter than knowing the path that leads to Paradise. A Muslim’s day and night is filled with the desire to be in Paradise and Allaah through His Messenger (peace be upon him) has made the path known with nothing left hidden on the map to destination Paradise. The acts that attract Paradise are easy but difficult and heavy on the mind except for those whom Allaah’s favor has been conferred. In an authentic narration in Tirmidhi, the great companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him) Muaadh ibn Jabal (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, inform me of an act which will place me into Paradise and keep me away from the Fire.” He said, “You have asked a great matter but it is easy for whomever Allaah, Exalted be He, makes it easy. (You should) worship Allaah and not ascribe any partner to Him, establish the prayer, give the Zakat, fast Ramadan and make pilgrimage to the House.” Ibn Hajar al-Haitami said in Fathul Mubeen, a commentary on An-Nawawi’s forty hadith, that entering Paradise and escaping the Hell-fire is indeed a great matter. It is for this reason that people fulfil the commands and remain away from what is prohibited. But, in reality, this is great and difficult matter. It is great matter with respect to its consequences in the Hereafter and it is a great matter upon the soul in this life. Allaah has shown that most mankind will not be able to be victorious in this most important of affairs. He said: “But few of My servants are grateful.” Qur’an 34:13. Allaah, Exalted be He, also says: “You will not find most of them thankful (to Allaah)” Qur’an 7:17
Analyzing the deeds that mostly lead to Paradise, it could be said that they are deeds that can be performed by almost every one whether rich or poor, strong or weak, advantaged or handicapped. In eleven verses in Qur’an 23, Allaah, Exalted be He, describes the believers and their distinct characteristics which qualify them to earn Paradise, He says: “Successful indeed are the believers. Those who with their Salah are Khashi`un (humbly submissive). And those who turn away from Al-Laghw (falsehood). And those who pay the Zakah. And those who guard their private parts. Except from their wives or their right hand possessions, for then, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors. Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat (trusts) and to their covenants are Ra’un (attentive). And those who strictly guard their Salawat (prayers). These are indeed the heirs. Who shall inherit Firdaws (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever.”
From the above verses it is very clear that Paradise has been made readily available for anyone that is willing to pay the price. Salah (prayer) can be performed in whatever circumstances, whether at home or while travelling, healthy or sick, standing or lying (as the circumstances dictate), poor or rich, young or old. Similarly, almost everyone has the ability to turn away from Al-Laghw (falsehood) which includes shirk and sin. Zakat here refers to the poor due given by the wealthy, however, some Qur’anic commentators said it could mean purification of the soul from shirk and filth, this also is not beyond the ability of anyone. Also, abstaining from Zina (illegal sexual intercourse) is a possibility for everyone that controls his lust. Being trustworthy and truthful are not a characteristics specific to some set of people, anyone that strives for them can attain them.
The path to Paradise has so many traveling companions in the form of righteous deeds which most people have not taken full advantage of. A good example is what Abdullah ibn Salam (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrated in At-tirmidhi that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “O people, exchange greetings of peace (say: As-Salamu ‘Alaikum to one another), feed people, strengthen the ties of kinship, and be in prayer when others are asleep (Tahajjud), you will enter Jannah (Paradise) in peace.”
How many people today overlook these simple acts? Those that aspire for Paradise must strive their utmost and do deeds for Paradise and should not belittle any good deed no matter how small it seems. No sincere effort on the path to Paradise is wasted, Allaah, Exalted be He, says: “(And it will be said to them): “verily, this is a reward for you, and your endeavor has been accepted.” Qur’an 76:22. Allaah also says: “Their way of request therein will Glory to You, O Allaah! and Salam (peace, safe from each and every evil) will be their greetings therein (Paradise)! and the close of their request will be: Al-Hamdulillahi Rabbil-“Alamin (All the praises and thanks are to Allaah, the Lord of mankind, inns and all that exists.” Qur’an 10:10
To conclude with what was started with, Allaah says: “And We shall remove from their breasts any Ghill (mutual hatred); rivers flowing under them, and they will say: “All the praises and thanks be to Allaah, Who has guided us to this, and never could we have found guidance, were it not that Allaah had guided us! Indeed, the Messengers of our Lord did come with the truth.” And it will be cried out to them: “This is the Paradise which you have inherited for what you used to do.’’ Qur’an 7:43.
Scholars said that one’s actions alone are not sufficient to earn the great rewards and pleasures of Paradise. It is only by Allaah’s grace, by His rewarding a person much more than he deserves that one is entered into Paradise.
May we be entered into Paradise.
Mr Abdul (Penabdul), an architect, teaches at the Baze University, Abuja. He is also the Chairman/CEO of Sustainable Project Works (SPW) Ltd. He can be reached on Twitter: @Penabdull and Instagram: @Penabdul
