Written by: Hania Fatima Qadria
Allah Almighty created man as the best of creation and did not send him into the world merely for play and amusement, but created him for a great purpose. The summary of this purpose is: worship of Allah, obedience to the Holy Prophet ﷺ, and preparation for the Hereafter. The real goal of a true Muslim's life is not just to achieve worldly success, but to attain Paradise. That is why a believer sincerely desires to become a traveler on the path of Paradise.
But the question arises, are we really on this path? Or do we just assume that since we are Muslims, we will automatically get Paradise? Unfortunately, today many people are Muslims in name only. Their names are Islamic, but their actions, morals, character, and way of life are contrary to Islamic teachings.
Islam is not just a religion of having a name, but a complete way of life. If we are not punctual in prayer, lie, disobey our parents, violate the rights of others, then how can we claim that we are travelers of Paradise? Allah Almighty has made it clear in Surah Al-Asr that mere faith is not enough, but righteous deeds, exhortation to truth, and patience are also necessary.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ also said: Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.
(Bukhari and Muslim)
This hadith makes it clear that the effect of faith must be evident in a person's speech, actions, behavior, and morals. Otherwise, the claim of faith will be considered hollow.
The path to Paradise seems easy at first glance, but it is traversed not only by worship but by acting on the complete religion. Speaking the truth, maintaining kinship, earning a lawful livelihood, avoiding the forbidden, doing justice, and treating people with kindness are all signs of the path to Paradise.
Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: When a servant resolves to walk on the path of Paradise, Allah Almighty makes the path easy for him.
(Sahih Muslim)
Some people only make verbal claims that they are destined for Paradise, although their actions are contrary to it. The lives of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) are a practical example for us. Hazrat Bilal, Hazrat Khabbab, and other Companions endured severe trials for the sake of Paradise, but remained steadfast in their religion. Their lives teach us that making sacrifices in the path of Paradise is the real success. We should also follow in their footsteps.
In the end, we will only say that the journey of the path of Paradise is not traversed by mere claims but by sincerity, truthfulness, good deeds, patience, sacrifice, and piety. If we really consider Paradise to be our final destination, then we must spend our entire lives according to the Quran and Sunnah.
Come! Today we make a firm intention that we will become Muslims not only in name but also in deed, and prepare for our Hereafter. This is the path of Paradise, and this is the path to success.
Allahumma ij'alna min 'ibadik as-salihin, wa ij'alna min ahl al-jannah, warzuqna as-saira 'ala siratik al-mustaqim. Ameen Ya Rabb al-'Alameen.
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