Paradise is the ultimate place that the believers will reside
in. The present world stands in no comparison with the world to come – a
heavenly abode where sheer happiness knows no bounds. To be fed up with any
ecstatic and euphoric experience is just inevitable in the present world. While
in Heaven, the pinnacle of pleasure will be the beginning of yet another
ecstatic excursion.
Belief in the Day of Judgment and the promised reward in the
form of Paradise effectually prevent the believers to feel an intimate
attachment with the world. The Holy Qur’an also unveils the transitory nature of
this life in its unparalleled manner of explanation. It exhorts us to fix our
eyes on the life to come; to tread the threshold of Paradise is what true
success stands for.
The formula proposed by the Holy Qur’an for this success is
however not seclusion from this world. Man is not here to exhibit perfect
aloofness and isolation from all that goes on around him. To turn a blind eye to
worldly affairs is not what he is supposed to do. On the one hand, he is to
perform all the good deeds and on the other, he is called upon to curb evil; he
is to personify truthfulness, justice, and generosity; and at the same time he
is to eliminate oppression, persecution and inequality. For both the positive
and negative objectives to realize, he will of necessity have to launch an
internal and external full blown battle. Obviously, the nature of the battle
will vary according to the position of the individual. Nonetheless, it will be
fought for Allah and to materialize the nobler ideals set by the religion of
Islam.
For the rich, it will mainly take on the form of spending;
for the rulers, it will manifest itself in establishing justice and equality,
and combating against persecution. The writers will contribute invaluable essays
to the treasure of knowledge, and the teachers will train the youth; the
stronger will offer their lives in the battlefield and the weaker will maintain
the provision of food and clothing. While their nights are spent in Sujud
(prostration), their days are passed in carrying out the specific functions they
have chosen. It is for them that Paradise will be adorned with what eyes have
never seen. |