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The Superiority Of Paradise Over the Pleasures Of This World

The pleasures of this world are tangible and present, whilst the delights of Paradise are as-yet-unseen promises. People are readily influenced by what they can see and know instantly; it is hard enough for them to forgo something that is in front of them for the sake of something else that is in the future, so how much harder it is if the promise will not be attained until after death! So Allah (SWT) drew a comparison between the pleasures of this world and the joys of Paradise and explained that the delights of Paradise are far superior to this world’s pleasures. The Qur’an speaks at length denouncing this world of instant, fleeting pleasures and stating that the rewards with Allah as far better, to encourage man to strive hard for success in the next world:

“And strain not your eyes in longing for the things We have given them for enjoyment to various groups of them [mushrikeen and kuffaar] the splendour of this life that We may test them thereby. But the provision [good reward in the Hereafter] of your Rabb is better and more lasting” [20:131]

And “Beautified for men is the love of things they covet: women, children, much of gold and silver [wealth], branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world’s life but Allah has the excellent return with Him. Say: “Shall I inform you of things far better than those? For al-Muttaqoon there are Gardens with their Rabb, under which rivers flow. Therein [is their] eternal [home] and Azwaajun mutahharatun [purified mates or wives], and Allah will be pleased with them. And Allah is All-Seer of [His] Slaves” [3:14-15]

There are many reasons why the delights of Paradise are superior to the pleasures of this Dunya; Amongst them:

(i) The Pleasures of this Dunyaa are Fleeting.
“Say: Short is the enjoyment of this world. The Hereafter is [far] better for him who fears Allah..” [4:77]

The Prophet (saw) illustrated the inferiority of this Dunya by comparing it to what Allah has prepared in Paradise, “By Allah, this world in comparison with the Hereafter is nothing more than as if one of you put his finger” – and he gestured with his forefinger – “in the sea; let him see how much water he would retrieve” [Saheeh Muslim, 4/2193, no. 2858]. A finger dipped in the ocean would not even pick up one drop; this is how little this world is worth when compared with the Aakhirah.

Because these pleasures are so insignificant, Allah (SWT) has rebuked those who prefer the pleasures of this world to the joys of the Aakhirah:

“O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that when you are asked to go forth in the Cause of Allah [Jihaad] you cling heavily to this earth? Do you prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter” [9:38]

The Poor Will Enter Jannah Ahead Of The Rich

Muslim reports from ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said “The poor of the Muhajireen will enter Paradise forty years ahead of the rich”. (Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 2/663, no. 5235)

at-Tirmidhi reported from Abu Sa’eed, and Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Maajah reported from Abu Hurayrah, that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ” The poor of the Muhajireen will enter Paradise five hundred years ahead of the rich of the Muhajireen” (Saheeh al-Jaami’ 4/90, no.4104).

Elsewhere the Prophet (saw) explained that these are the people who have nothing to be brought accounted for, and this is in addition to their jihad and virtue. al-Haakim reported from ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “Do you know who will be the first of my ummah to enter Paradise?” I said, “Allah and His Messenger know best”. He said, “The poor of the Muhajireen. They will come to the gate of Paradise on the Day of Resurrection and ask for it to be opened. The gatekeepers will say to them, “Have you been brought to account?” They will say, “What do we need to be brought to account for? We were carrying our swords and fighting for the sake of Allah (SWT) until we died.” Then the gates will be opened for them and they will stay there for forty years before anyone else enters”. (Silsilah al-Hadith as-Saheehah, 2/532, no. 853, al-Haakim said it is sahih according to the conditions of al-Bukhaari and Muslim).

al-Bukhaari reports from Usaamah ibn Zayd that the Prophet (saw) said, ” I stood by the gate of Paradise and saw that the majority of those who entered were the poor and wretched. The rich [Muslims] were detained while the people of Hell were ordered to be taken to Hell”. (Sahih al-Bukhaari, Kitaab ar-Riqaaq, BAab Sifaat al-Jannah, wan-Naar, Fath al-Baari, 2/345)

Some of the hadith quoted above stated that the poor will enter Paradise forty years ahead of other people while others state that the difference will be five hundred years. The two statements may be reconciled by pointing out that the poor are not all alike, and neither are the rich. As al-Qurtubee suggested (at-Tadhkirah, p.470) the poor vary in the strength of their Iman and their achievements, and the same applies to the rich. If we think in terms of the first of the poor and the last of the rich to enter Paradise then the time span will be five hundred years, but if we are thinking of the last of the poor and the first of the rich, then the time span is forty years. And Allah knows best.” (Ibn Katheer, an-Nihaayah, 2/345)

Do You Want To Be Praised By Allah?

WHO amongst us dislikes being praised? Well, we might not do a certain act to be praised but yes we do feel happy when our work is appreciated. How we go ‘over the moon’ when our bosses appreciate our work.

Should I not remind you of a small deed by which Allah will remember you and praise you! That’s Dhikr, remembering Allah.
“Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying). I will remember you….’’ (Qur’an, 2:152)

You may remember Allah on this earth in a small gathering, but Allah, Who is high above the heavens, will remember you in a better gathering, amongst the angels.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Allah says: “I am as my slave expects me to be, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me inwardly, I will remember him inwardly, and if he remembers Me in an assembly, I will remember him in a better assembly (i.e., in the assembly of angels).’’ (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

So when we attend Islamic lectures and classes of Qur’an and Hadith in which Allah is remembered, His Religion is taught, Insha, Allah, our Creator will mention us in gatherings better than ours. When we do Dhikr, like Tasbeeh (Subhan Allah), Tamheed (Alhamdulillah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and Tahleel (Laa ilaha illAllah) to ourselves, Allah will also Insha, Allah remember and mention us. What a great honor!

Why should we do Dhikr?
• Command of Allah
“And remember the Name of your Lord every morning and afternoon.” (Qur’an, 76:25)
• Path to success
“…and remember Allah much, that you may be successful.’’ (Qur’an, 62:10)

• Best of deeds
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Shall I not inform you of the best of your actions which are the purest to your Lord, which exalt you to the high ranks, which are more efficacious than spending gold and silver (in charity), and better for you than you should encounter your enemies whom you will smite their necks and they will smite your necks?’’ They said, “Certainly.’’ He (peace be upon him) said, “Remembrance of Allah the Exalted.’’ (Al-Tirmidhi)

• Easy way to earn a reward
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Wudu’ is half of Salat, and the expression: Subhan Allah (Allah is free from imperfection)’ fills the Balance, and the expression: `Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah)’ fills the space between the heavens and the earth.’’ (Sahih Muslim)

There are many more benefits of Dhikr, mentioning which is not possible in a short article. Dhikr is a deed that doesn’t take more than half a second of our time and has enormous benefits. Dear brothers and sisters, let’s keep our tongues moist with Dhikr. Besides it’s a very easy Ibadah. It doesn’t require us to be in ablution or facing the Qiblah; it is also not restricted to specific timings – we can do it while driving, doing our household work, buying groceries, etc.

Healthy Living Taught By The Prophet

Health is the most important aspect of human life; without it we cannot function well. Today we have made material progress and technological advancement, but the world is widespread with an increasing number of diseases. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us many aspects of healthy living which Allah ordered him to teach mankind. He himself enjoyed good health.

The Prophet (peace be upon him)) prescribed black seeds (habbas-sawda), which he said is a cure for all diseases except death. It is true that if we take a few black seeds in the morning we are protected from many diseases – to mention only a few: coughs, colds, arthritis, nausea, constipation, etc. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said olive oil is a cure for many diseases which is quite true as has been proved by medical standards. One tbsp. of olive oil daily in the morning overcomes pains in the joints and lessens the risk of a heart attack. In the Qur’an, Allah prescribed honey as a cure for mankind, which is so true. If we take honey at breakfast we are protected from many diseases, for example, coughs, colds, asthma and depression, etc. We should make sure the honey is pure. If we apply it to our eyes we do not need glasses.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regularly ate dates, which have been proved by medical standards to contain all the nutrients of a well-balanced diet. It is very energizing as well, and we know from the Prophet Muhammad s life that he was always energetic. He relished goat s milk, which is very low in fat and is a cure for many diseases. Moreover, he was very fond of all milk, drank himself, and presented it to others. Drinking milk reduces the risk of heart attacks as has been established by medical standards. He used to put honey in it and drink it which too is very energizing. Then he didn t have milk, he used to put honey in water and drink it which is also very energizing.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prohibited the intake of pork as enjoined by Allah, as it is not healthy to eat its meat because it feeds on dirt which causes many diseases. In the Quran, it is also forbidden to use intoxicants that are not healthy as has been proved by medical standards. Even occasional drinking of wine causes migraine headaches.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended using the miswak regularly, which keeps the teeth and gums clean and healthy. It is a cure for thyroid problems too, if we use it in the interior teeth and gums.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended sleeping early, the night after Ishaa prayer, as early night sleep promotes health. He enjoined us to wake up early, as the early morning sunlight is beneficial for health and cures many diseases. He also advised us to rest in the afternoon after lunch, which refreshes us and now most workers in the U.S.A. are demanding a break in the afternoon for short naps as they say the Mediterranean naps refresh them and they have a better input to continue work instead of increase in wages.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to wash after relieving ourselves, which protects us from many diseases. He also ordered the use of the left hand for washing afterward since it protects us from becoming a carrier of many diseases. He recommended clipping the nails, which also keeps us from becoming a carrier of many diseases.

If we follow all the above-mentioned recommendations we can lead more healthy lives, which will be very fulfilling for us and the people around us, as was practiced and enjoined by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Cleanliness and personal hygiene were taught and practiced by the Prophet (peace be upon him). He taught us to clean our teeth and wash ourselves by performing ablution before prayers, which protects us from many diseases. Cataract of the eyes develops due to air pollution, so doctors recommend washing the eyes after exposure from outside or workplaces to avoid cataract from developing. If we follow all these health points preached and practiced by the Prophet (peace be upon him), we can lead more healthy and fruitful lives.

Prophet Lut (Alaih Assalaam)

Prophet Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and his family lived among very evil and disobedient people. These people did many things which Allah had forbidden. So Allah commanded Lut (Alaih Assalaam) to tell them: You must stop doing evil and believe in Allah. Allah has sent me to warn you of a terrible punishment that is going to befall you if you do not obey Him.

But people refused to listen to Lut (Alaih Assalaam). They even laughed at him because he would not join them in doing evil deeds.

One day, some visitors came to Lut (Alaih Assalaam). The evil people wanted to capture his visitors and harm them. Lut (Alaih Assalaam) was very afraid that he would not be able to protect his guests. But to Lut (Alaih Assalaam)’s surprise and relief, the visitors said: You need not be frightened. Those evil-doers cannot harm us. For we are messengers of Allah. We have come from Allah to tell you to take your family and leave this town at night. None of you should try to turn and look back or stay behind. Only those who go without looking back will be saved.
Lut (Alaih Assalaam) knew at once that the visitors were indeed Allah’s angels. They had come so that Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and his family could escape and be safe, for Allah was going to punish the evil-doers of that town. Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and his family, however, had believed in Allah and prayed to Him. Therefore they were to be saved.

At once, Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and his family got ready and left their house at night when it was dark so that the evil people would not see them. But then, just as they were leaving, Lut (Alaih Assalaam)’s wife turned back and stayed behind. She refused to believe in Allah and was also disobedient. So she was not saved from punishment and death when Allah sent down a rain of fire and stones. All the houses in the town were destroyed and the disobedient people perished in the rain of fire and stones.

Only Lut (Alaih Assalaam) and the rest of his family were rescued, and they praised and thanked Allah for having saved them.

Relationship Between Parent And Child In Islam

The relationship between parents and their children is one of the sacred human relationships to which Islam gives due attention. This relationship should be based on respect, giving, tenderness, and mercy.

The Holy Qur’an mentions this relationship in many Surahs (chapters), usually after mentioning Tawheed (Monotheism) as if Allah wants to inform people that being kind to one’s parents is the second important thing after believing in Allah: “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them, but address them in terms of honor. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy even as they did bring me up when I was young.” (17:23-24)

You find a lot of parents in the West living in retirement homes who are only accompanied by their pets because their sons and daughters have totally forgotten them. You rarely find such cases in the Muslim world because Muslims do follow what the Holy Qur’an says regarding being grateful to one’s parents throughout their lives.

When one of the Companions asked Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), about the person who is entitled more to his companionship in this life to which Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), answered; “Your mother.” The man again said “Who else?” and the Prophet (peace be upon him) again said “Your mother.” The man asked, “And then who?” The Prophet (peace be upon him), said, “Your mother.” The man then asked, “Then who?” to which the Prophet said “Your father.” Muslim scholars said that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), preferred the mother three times to the father because she is distinguished by three roles: pregnancy, delivery, and breast-feeding.

The Qur’an mentions a lot of positive examples of parent-child relationships such as the one between Prophet Yahya’s parents and this is clear when Allah praises Yahya in Surah Mariam, Mary: “And piety (for all creatures) as from Us, and purity: He was devout. And kind to his parents, and he was not overbearing or rebellious.” (Qur’an, 19:13-14) And in the same Surah, Prophet Isa, Jesus (peace be upon him says): “He has made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable.‘ (Qur’an, 19:32) In other words, the Holy Qur’an aims at instilling in the reader’s or listener’s mind the fact that being grateful and kind to one’s parents is the shortest way to win Allah’s approval.

Differences Between The Levels Of Paradise

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) explained that the people will be on different levels in Paradise according to their status. al-Bukhaari and Muslim report from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri that the Prophet (saw) said, ” The people of Paradise will look at the people dwelling in the chambers above them in the same way that people look at a brilliant star shining far away on the horizon, in the East or West, because of their superiority [in reward] over them.” The people asked, “O Messenger of Allah, are these the dwellings of the Prophets which no one else can attain?” He replied, “No by the One in Whose Hand is my soul, they are for the men who believed in Allah, and also in His Messengers.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaari, Kitaab Bid’ al-Khalq, Baab Sifaat al-Jannah wan-Naar, Fath al-Baari, 6/220; Saheeh Muslim Kitaab al-Jannah, Baab tara’i Ahl al-Jannah Ahl al-Ghuraf, 4/2177, no. 2831]

Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah, and Ibn Hibbaan reported from Abu Sa’eed that the Prophet (saw) said,”The people in the higher levels will be seen by those below them as if they were looking at a star rising on the horizon. Abu Bakr and ‘Umar will be among them; what good people they are!” [Saheeh al-Jaami’ as-Sagheer, 2/187, no. 2026]

al-Qurtubee said, “Know that these chambers will differ in height, and appearance according to the deeds of their occupants. Some of them will be higher than others. When the Prophet (saw) said, “No by the One in Whose Hand is my soul, they are for the men who believed in Allah (SWT) and also in His Messengers; he did not mention deeds or anything other than faith and belief in the Messengers, with no doubts or questions. Otherwise, how could these chambers be reached through the faith and belief of the ordinary people? If that were the case, then all the Muslims would reach these highest levels, and that is impossible” As Allah says, “Those will be rewarded with the highest place [in Paradise] because of their patience..” [25:75]

This patience often involved self-sacrifice and being steadfast for the sake of Allah, focusing on Him, and being a true slave to Him. These are the attributes of al-Muqarraboon, as Allah (SWT) says:
“And it is not your wealth, nor your children that bring you nearer to Us, but only he [will please Us] who believes and does righteous deeds; for such there will be twofold reward for what they did, and they will reside in the high dwellings [Paradise] in peace and security“. [34:37]

Here Allah mentioned the highest chambers or dwellings of Paradise and states that they will not be attained by means of wealth and children, but through faith and righteous deeds then they will have a double reward. Their place will be the high dwellings, which tells you that this is faith that gives one tranquillity and certainty and fills the heart. A person with such faith is content no matter what happens to him and in all situations and circumstances. If he does a good deed, he does not mix it with the opposite, which are evil deeds. Good deeds that are uncontaminated with evil deeds cannot be achieved except by the one whose Iman is very great and who is content and has no doubts, no matter what his circumstances. The faith and deeds of the one whose good deeds are contaminated are not like that, so his status will be lower” [al-Qurtubee, at-Tadhkirah, p. 464]

The inhabitants of the highest levels of Paradise will enjoy greater pleasures than the people below them. Allah (SWT) has promised two gardens to those who fear Him:
“But for him who fears the standing before his Rabb, there will be two gardens” [55:46]