Is Paradise worth striving for? This question has been posed by some friends.
Question
Some of my friends say that in the Prophet's time, there were very few luxuries,so Paradise seemed attractive to them. But nowadays they say there are many luxuries and they say that Paradise is not worth striving for. Dear Mufti Sahab, please refute their claims by providing daleel that Paradise will be better than anything on Earth forever. Jazaak Allah Khair !
Answer
It is our belief as Muslims that Almighty Allah Ta'ala sent s to this world to test our obedience to Him. We also believe in resurrection from the grave and accountability in the court of Allah Ta'ala. If we are successful in the court of Allah, we will be favoured with the Mercy of Allah through His bounties in Jannah (paradise, heaven). If we are unsuccessful, then if Allah wishes He may forgive us or punish us through Jahannum (hell).
The realities of Jannah are beyond our understanding, therefore, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'The bounties of Jannah have not been seen by any eye, heard by any ear or have not passed the imagination of any heart. (Mishkaat).
However, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) described some bounties of Jannah according to our level of understanding. The ground in Jannah will be of strong musk, thereby giving out the most beautiful scent. (Ibid). The pebbles of Jannah will be of precious pearls and rubies. (Ibid). The bricks of the palaces in Jannah will be of gold and silver. The cement attaching the bricks will also be of musk. (Ibid)
The carpets in the palaces will be as thick as the distance between the skies and the earth. (Ibid) There will be four streams of milk, honey, wine and crystal clear water. The Jannah of the lowest person will be ten times this world. (Bukhari).
No person in Jannah will be regarded low, irrespective of his position. (Mishkaat). After having witnessed and enjoyed all the bounties of Jannah, Allah will grant the opportunity to witness His magnificent countenance. Every dweller of Jannah will be dumb stricken by that view and will continuously stare at Allah. (Ibid). According to Imaam Ghazzaaly, a person will continuously stare for at least 80 million years. Thereafter, that opportunity will be afforded to individuals according to their closeness and sacrifices they made in this world. Lastly, but not least, Allah will announce to His successful servants that He has favoured them with His eternal pleasure and that He will never be displeased with them. (Ibid). There would not be any great pleasure in Jannah that being conferred with the pleasure of Allah.
We make Du'aa to Allah to forgive us, our parents, our Asaatidha, our wives and all our children and the entire Ummah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and to favour us with His Jannah, Aameen.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.
- Answered by
- Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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