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The Yearning of the Pious for Paradise
Describing Paradise, Allah -
the Most High - said: "Indeed Allah will
enter those who believe and do righteous and correct actions
into Paradise, beneath which rivers flow. Wherein they will be
adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments
will be made of silk." [Surah
al-Hajj 24:23]
"Indeed the pious and obedient ones will
be in Paradise, amongst gardens and water-springs. It will be
said to them: Enter! In peace and safety. And We shall remove
from their hearts any ill-feeling, so that they will be like
brothers, facing each other on thrones. No sense of hardship
will touch them, and they will be of those who never leave."
[Surah al-Hijr 15:45-46]
What Is Paradise?
Paradise is the precious sanctity to which, throughout the ages,
the Believers run towards.
Paradise is a burning flame that was in the hearts of our
Salafus-Salih (Pious Predecessors), a flame that spurred them to
aim for the highest examples of valour in jihad and sacrifice.
Paradise is that noble goal which aspiring eyes are fixed
towards and which yearning souls long for, in all times and in
all places. They find worldly afflictions agreeable to them for
the sake of achieving Paradise. Indeed, to enter into it and
remain in it is considered the greatest goal for the Believers,
and it is a hope which is kept in view throughout life's
journey. How often has Paradise been the incentive and a
motivation for goodness and truth, despite the dangers,
afflictions and thorns that lie along the path - even if it
involves certain death.
Paradise in the Eyes of the Peophet's
Companions:
This was the case in the days of the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi
wa sallam (SAWS), as Anas radhiallahu `anhu related: "Once
Allah's Messenger (SAWS) and his Companions proceeded towards
Badr and arrived there before the disbelievers of Makkah. When
the disbelievers arrived Allah's Messenger (SAWS) said: "None of
you shall proceed ahead of me in anything." The disbelievers
then advanced towards us and Allah's Messenger (SAWS) said:
"Rise-up to enter Paradise, whose width is equal to the heavens
and the earth." `Umayr ibn al-Humam al-Ansari radiallahu `anhu
said: O Messenger of Allah! Is Paradise equal in width to the
heavens and the earth? He said: "Yes!" `Umayr then exclaimed
words of astonishment and excitement, so Allah's Messenger
(SAWS) asked him: "What made you say these words of astonishment
and excitement?" He replied, "O Mnessenger of Allah! Nothing but
the desire to be amongst its inhabitants. Allah's Messenger
(SAWS) then said: "Indeed, you are surely from amongst its
inhabitants." So `Umayr then took some dates from his bag and
began to eat them. Then he said: "If I were to live until I have
eaten all the dates, then indeed this life would be too long. He
threw away the remaining dates which were with him and he fought
until he was killed! [Related by Muslim (no. 1901)]
This was also the stance taken in later times: Abu Musa al-Ash`ari
radiallahu `anhu, whilst in the presence of his enemy, narrated:
'Allah's Messenger (SAWS) said: "Indeed, the gates of Paradise
are beneath the shade of swords." A man who was in a shabby
condition got up and said: Abu Musa! Did you hear this from the
Messenger of Allah (SAWS)? So he said: Yes! He returned to his
friend and said: I bid you salam (a farewell greeting of peace).
Then he broke the sheath of his sword, threw it away, then
rushed it into the thick of the enemy and fought them until he
was slain.' [Muslim (no. 1902) and at-Tirmidhi (no. 1659)] (From
the book: Jannah (pp.5-6) of Shaykh `Ali Hasan)
Imam ash-Shafi`i (d.204H) - rahimahullah - said: "O my soul! It
is not, except a few days of patience; as if the extent were but
a few dreams. O my soul! Pass quickly on through this world and
leave it, for indeed life lies ahead of it." [Related by Ibn
Rajab in Fadl `Ilmus-Salaf (p.63)]
[From: Al-Istiqamah, Safar 1417H]
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