Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam [saw] – peace and blessings be upon him) said: 

“Allah the Almighty says, ‘I have prepared for my righteous servants that which no eyes have ever seen, no ears have ever heard and no heart has ever conceived."  

     There are various verses in the Holy Qur’an which provide a similitude between what we have on earth and those in Jannah (paradise) so our mind can get a glimpse of the luxury and grandeur of paradise. However, as the above saying of the Prophet (saw) testifies, nothing in this world could compare with the beauty, magnificence, elegance and bliss that Jannah offers which are absolutely beyond anything that human beings can ever conceive. But while man is willing to take great efforts and endure various sacrifices to attain a life of enjoyment and happiness here on earth, there is lack of effort to achieve the genuine good life which can be attained only in Jannah. Prophet Muhammad (saw) also said:

“Hell is surrounded with whims and wanton desires, while the Garden is surrounded with hardships.”

     People cannot see and do not fear the torments of hell because they are diverted by the pleasures of this world, while they do not look forward to the bliss of paradise because their eyes are veiled by the difficulties and hardships necessary to enter it. For unbelievers, the world is like a paradise because they are free to do what they please and indulge in wanton desires without any constraints or rules to follow. Believers on the other hand are like prisoners in this world because they are not free to act as they please and are bound by many rules and obligations required to enter paradise as Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “The world is a paradise for the unbelievers while it is a prison for the believers.”

     The path to Jannah is therefore not easy so people with lack of faith and conviction that paradise really exists, tend to be indifferent towards it. But for those who have no doubts in God’s promise of a much better life in the hereafter, they should be more rigorous and diligent in treading a path that will enable them to achieve this eternal life.

     A few weeks ago, I listened to an audio lecture by Brother Yahya Ibrahim on “Ten Steps to Jannah” which I found quite useful in guiding us towards the goal of reaching paradise. The following discussions were essentially inspired by this lecture.

1.        Firm Belief in Tawheed (The Oneness of God)

     Tawheed (monotheism) is the most important Islamic principle which a Muslim should firmly believe in as a primary requirement in entering Jannah. It involves belief in the absolute oneness of God, whose personal name in Arabic is Allah (subhanahu wa ta ‘ala [swt] – the Most Glorious and Most High). It implies that everything in existence originates from the one and only Creator, who is also the Sustainer and the sole Source of Guidance. Tawheed covers three aspects: (i) a firm and definite belief that Allah (swt), the Almighty God is alone as the Creator, the Master and Owner of all creations, and that the Command is His alone; (ii) worship is due only to Allah (swt) and not to anyone or anything along with Him, whether it be an angel, a messenger, a prophet, a pious person, or any of His creations. There is no intercessor between Him and man so worship should be directed to Him alone; (iii) affirmation of all the Names and Attributes of Allah (swt) such as the All Merciful, the Creator, the Lord of Majesty and Bounty, the Glorious, the Just, the Forgiving, the All Powerful, in a manner that suits His Majesty as mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and the Hadiths (sayings) of Prophet Muhammad (saw).

     Tawheed governs all spheres of man’s existence where Allah (swt) is the only source of Power and Authority and therefore entitled to worship and obedience from mankind. There is therefore no separation between the religious and the secular. The three aspects of Tawheed mentioned earlier overlap and are inseparable so that whoever omits any one aspect has failed to complete the requirements of Tawheed. The omission of any aspect is referred to as Shirk (polytheism and idolatry) and is considered the most grievous sin in Islam.

     In Islam, Allah (swt) can forgive any sin except Shirk. If anyone falls into Shirk by worshipping anyone or anything except Allah (swt) or by associating and worshipping partners with Him, all his good deeds will not count and if he dies in this state of idolatry, he has sealed his fate in the next life as revealed by Allah (swt) in the Holy Qur’an when He said:

“Allah forgiveth not (the sin of) joining other gods with Him; but He forgiveth whom He pleaseth other sins than this: one who joins other gods with Allah, hath strayed far, far away (from the Right).” (Qur’an, 4:116).  “Whoever joins other gods with Allah—Allah will forbid him the Garden, and the Fire will be his abode.” (Qur’an, 5:72).

     Entering paradise therefore requires a firm belief in Tawheed and this belief should be reflected in one’s daily life in both thought and actions.

2.        Love the Messenger of Allah

     Among the many prophets sent by Allah (swt) to guide mankind, Prophet Muhammad (saw) was the last and seal of all of them to reaffirm previous messages sent to different generations to lead them to the worship of one God and submission to His laws and commandments. Muslims are therefore commanded to obey and love the Messenger for he was sent as a prophet not only to a particular group of people or nation, but as a mercy to the whole of humanity and to convey God’s final message as contained in the Holy Qur’an. The Prophet (saw) was considered the most influential person in history even by a non-Muslim, Michael H. Hart who wrote the following in his book “Ranking of The 100 Most Influential Persons in History”:

    “My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels.”

     Out of deep respect and love for the Prophet, Muslims take very strong exception to anything that disrespects him or defames his character such as the strong reactions demonstrated by Muslims worldwide when mockery of the Prophet was made by a Cartoonist in Denmark in 2005. Some Muslims went into the extreme by committing violent acts to vent their anger. Islam strongly condemns this act of violence. However, Muslims are commanded to love and obey Prophet Muhammad (saw) and resist or stand against anything that would defile, insult or dishonor his character or person through ways that are reasonable and peaceful.

3.        Perform the Pillars of Islam with Sincerity and Devotion

     Islam is built on five (things): (i) the bearing of witness that there is no God but Allah (swt) and that Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah (swt); (ii) keeping up of prayers (salaah) ; (iii) payment of poor rate (zakat); (iv) pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca for those who are able to perform it financially, mentally and physically; and (v) fasting (siyaam) during the month of Ramadhan.

      One will not succeed by missing any one of these obligations. Prayer brings success, contentment, happiness and joy and keeps man away from falling into sins. Zakat purifies one’s wealth. Fasting is not only a means to control one’s desires and evil tendencies but it brings true health to a person. Performance of Hajj lifts up man’s spiritual faculties and enables him to recognize the equality of man in the eyes of God regardless of color, race or status in life. Consistency in performing these five obligations will elevate a person in the eyes of Allah (swt). If one is sincere and truthful in performing all pillars, this will open the gates of paradise for him.

4.        Remembrance of Allah (swt) [dhikr] and Supplication (Dua)

     Praising and glorifying Allah (swt), extolling His perfect attributes of Glory, Omnipotence, Majesty, Greatness, Benevolence, Omniscience and Compassion, whether uttered by tongue or silently in one’s heart constitute dhikr or remembrance of Allah (swt). He has commanded us to remember Him always when He said: “O you who believe! Celebrate the praises of Allah, and do so often; glorify Him morning and evening.” (Qur’an, 33:41).  Prophet Muhammad (saw) also said:

“Allah (swt) says: ‘I am to My servant as he expects of Me. I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in his heart, I remember him to Myself, and if he remembers me in an assembly, I mention him in an assembly better than his, and if he draws nearer to Me a hand’s span, I draw nearer to him an arm’s length, and if he draws nearer to Me an arm’s length, I draw nearer to him in a fathom length, and if he comes to me walking, I rush to him at great speed.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

      We are commanded to remember Allah (swt) in the morning, during the day, at sea or on land, on journey or at home, in poverty and in prosperity, in sickness or health, openly and secretly, and at all times throughout our lives and in all circumstances. The purpose of dhikr is to purify hearts and souls and awaken the human conscience. When someone remembers Allah (swt) all the time, Allah (swt) strengthens him with His light, thereby increasing his faith and conviction and reassuring his mind and heart when Allah (swt) said:

“Those who believe, and whose heart finds satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” (Qur’an, 13:28).

     In the following verses of the Holy Qur’an, Allah (swt) also commands us to call upon Him humbly and sincerely, promising us that He will respond to our prayers and fulfill our needs.

“When My servants ask thee [O Muhammad] concerning Me, [tell them] I am indeed close: I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: that they may walk in the right way.” (Quran, 2:186). ). “And your Lord says: ‘Call on Me, I will answer your [prayer]: but those who are too arrogant to serve Me will surely find themselves in Hell—in humiliation!” (Qur’an, 40:60).

Supplication (dua) is therefore another important aspect of worship which every believer needs to perform regularly. One who does not ask Allah (swt) for help considers himself self-sufficient and is not in need of Allah (swt) to guide him and his family, and fulfill all his needs. Prophet Muhammad (saw) therefore said:  “Allah’s wrath is on the one who does not call upon Him for help.”

5.        Understanding, Recitation and Memorization of the Holy Qur’an

     The Qur’an, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw) over a period of 23 years ending in 632 A.D. is the ultimate and eternal source of guidance for mankind. It contains a comprehensive code of conduct that governs every sphere of human existence to enable man to live a good and rewarding life in this world and to gain salvation in eternal life. It is the ‘chart of life” for every Muslim, and is the “constitution” of Allah (swt) on earth.

     The Qur’an’s rhythmic style and eloquent expressions makes it easy to memorize. Memorization of the Qur’an became a continuous and established tradition through the centuries, with centers and institutions for memorization being established across the Muslim world. The Qur’an is therefore preserved not only in writing but in the hearts of millions who have memorized it.

     The Qur’an is the path to Allah (swt) and provides healing of the heart and the mind. We are therefore commanded to understand its meaning, recite it and memorize it as much as possible. Allah (swt) will guide those who recite the Qur’an upon a straight path. The Prophet (saw) said that the house where Qur’an is not recited is like a grave yard inhabited by dead people.

6.        Give Freely in Charity (Sadaqa)

     Charity is highly enjoined in Islam and considered one of the means of entering paradise. We should be charitable in every aspect of our life. The Prophet said that we should give charity for each of our joints whether in the form of glorifying and praising Allah (swt), giving assistance to those in need, giving a smile or kind word, forbidding what is wrong and enjoining what is good. Giving in charity extinguishes the anger of Allah (swt) like water extinguishes fire and carries with it high rewards.

“For those who give in charity, men and women, and loan to Allah a beautiful loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit), and they shall have (besides) a liberal reward.”  (Qur’an, 58:12)

7.        Establishing Good Family Ties

     Establishing good family ties is very important in Islam and will help one enter paradise as related in the following sayings of Prophet Muhammad (saw):

“A man said to the Prophet, “Tell me of such a deed as will make me enter Paradise.” The Prophet said: “In order to enter Paradise, you should worship Allah (alone, and no one else) and do not ascribe any partners to Him, offer prayers, pay the zakat and keep good relations with your kith and kin.” (Bukhari). 

      The ties of the womb are very important and Muslims are commanded to maintain good relations with parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts and other relatives and relations. Prophet Muhammad (saw) said that it is not lawful for a Muslim to severe his relations with his family and kin for more than three days. Yet we see so many Muslims who for various reasons or another do not maintain good relations either with their parents, brothers or sisters and other family members and severe ties with them. This is highly condemned in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (saw) also enjoined believers to:

“Learn about your family relations so that having learnt about them you may treat them with kindness. Kind treatment engenders mutual love in the family, enlarges wealth and prolongs life.” 

8.    Being Truthful

     Being truthful is an important aspect of righteousness that will lead one to Jannah.  We should always be truthful in words, deeds and in thought. Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:

“He is not one of us who when he speaks, speaks falsely, who when he promises breaks his promises, and who when trust is reposed in him, fails in his trust.”

“Surely truth leads to virtues, and virtue leads to paradise, and a man continues to speak the truth until he becomes thoroughly truthful; and surely falsehood leads to vice, and vice leads to the fire, and a man continues to tell lies until he is written down a great liar with Allah (swt).”

9.        Repentance (Al Taubah)

     As the saying goes, “to err is human and to forgive is divine.” As human beings we are not perfect and are prone to mistakes. Some of our errors are not done deliberately or intentionally but at times, we commit sins and wrongdoings deliberately. We therefore need to constantly ask for Allah’s forgiveness and repent for our sins. Allah (swt) is Just but He also punishes. Allah (swt) does not and will not inflict undue punishment on any person. He is not quick to judgment and He gives us time to repent for our sins.

     Allah (swt) is the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful and Most Compassionate. His mercy is infinite and unlimited. If we turn to Him in repentance, He will forgive our sins and accept our repentance. We might fall and commit sins again but if we repent and ask for His forgiveness, He will never tire of forgiving us. There is no need for us to go to anyone to confess our sins because Allah (swt) is nearer to us than our jugular veins and we can go to Him directly to repent for our sins and beg for His mercy. We should therefore be conscious of the sins and wrongdoings we commit and quickly repent and ask Allah (swt) for forgiveness.

10.       To Forgive Others Who Wrong Us

      While it is necessary for us to believe in the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (swt) and to repent for our sins and ask Allah (swt) for forgiveness at all times, it is equally important to base all our human relationships on forgiveness. When someone commits a mistake and wrongs us, we have the right to get upset or angry at the person. However, if the person makes amends and asks our forgiveness, we should forgive the person. When we seek Allah’s (swt) forgiveness, we expect Him to accept our repentance and forgive our wrongdoings. However, so many of us cannot forgive those who wrong us. How can we turn to Allah (swt) and ask forgiveness if we act in a vengeful and arrogant manner towards those who wrong us. Forgiving each other, including our enemies is an essential Islamic teaching. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah (swt) described the believers as:

“Those who avoid major sins and acts of indecencies and when they are angry they forgive.” (Qur’an, 42:37)

Allah (swt) further said:

”The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah. for Allah loveth not those who do wrong.”  (Qur’an, 42:40)

“If you punish, then punish with the like of that wherewith you were afflicted. But if you endure patiently, indeed it is better for the patient." (Qur'an, 16:126)

      In addition to the above I would like to add that in order to enter paradise, it is necessary for a believer to develop moral excellence by practicing the basic virtues of humility, honesty, fairness, modesty, patience, perseverance, kindness, generosity and many other moral virtues in one’s daily life. Our prayers, supplications, fasting, dhikr, zakat, and other forms of worship are meaningless unless these are done with sincerity and devotion as reflected in our dealings with fellow human beings and in all our worldly undertakings.

      In Islam, no person can guarantee that he or she will enter paradise.  Everyday is a struggle to prove our worth in achieving Allah’s promise of a much better life in the hereafter. Let us therefore strive and do our best to reach this goal. May Allah (swt) guide us always to the right path and may this article serve as a reminder for us to exert efforts in leading a path that will Inshallah (God willing), lead us to Jannah (amen).