Do you get upset standing in the security line before an airline trip or do you get excited about the destination? Ustadh Michael Wolfender uses this analogy to help prepare us for the best journey ever – the life Allah provides us and what to do to earn paradise.
Allah tells us in Surat At-Tur (52 The Mount): “Indeed, the righteous will be in Gardens and bliss, enjoying whatever their Lord will have granted them. And their Lord will have protected them from the torment of the Hellfire. ˹They will be told,˺ “Eat and drink happily for what you used to do.” They will be reclining on thrones, ˹neatly˺ lined up ˹facing each other˺. And We will pair them to maidens with gorgeous eyes. As for those who believe and whose descendants follow them in faith, We will elevate their descendants to their rank, never discounting anything ˹of the reward˺ of their deeds. Every person will reap only what they sowed.” (52: 17-21)
This starts with the five pillars of Islam: belief, prayer, fasting, charity and pilgrimage. Make sure you cover the basics of belief and worship, as every prayer is your conversation with Allah asking of and thanking Him. The more you remember Allah, the more He hears you. Work on improving character, as arrogance deflects entry to paradise. And level up your rank in heaven with Qur’an, fasting and hajj.
Ustadh Michael underscores the importance of prayer, reminding that when salah is good, all will be good on the Day of Judgment. The first thing Allah said to Moses when he spoke with Him was the command to worship One God and establish prayer to remember Allah. In Surah Maryam, Jesus says that Allah has ‘entrusted me to perform prayer and give charity throughout my life,’ as an example for us all.
The Day of Judgment includes an accounting of each of our deeds, with the successful receiving their book of deeds as Allah describes in Surat Al-Inshiqaq (84 The Sundering): “As for those who are given their record in their right hand, they will have an easy reckoning, and will return to their people joyfully. And as for those who are given their record ˹in their left hand˺ from behind their backs, they will cry for ˹instant˺ destruction, and will burn in the blazing Fire. For they used to be prideful among their people, thinking they would never return ˹to Allah˺. (84: 7-14)
Focusing on the positive, when family members make it to paradise, just one’s piety and character can raise the entire family’s level in heaven. Such is the Might and Mercy of Our Lord.
Ustadh Michael speaks about how Allah tests us with the Quran. We should give it priority over other activities, especially in the month of Ramadan. Please support our Tuition Assistance Program at goodtreeacademy.org/ramadan.
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Support the showWhatever is best doesn’t come easy. It takes work.
For those who love, study and learn the Qur’an, upon entering paradise, angels will don these believers with garments and crowns, including their parents who fostered the best learning.
Allah has given us some illustrations of the rewards He has prepared in paradise, and they are like nothing we’ve seen. Paradise will have mansions which will look like stars they are so high.
And who will these mansions be for? Principal Wadud Hassan explains it is for those who will be told to recite Qur’an. The more you recite, the higher and higher levels the reciter will rise. When the reciter stops determines the level of his or her home in paradise.
Heaven will contain tents like hollowed pearls 60 miles from each side.
These rewards are especially for the believers who apply the perfume of Qur’an to your soul. It’s a smell palpable to angels.
Earning paradise means hard work, worship and deeds like fasting, reading Qur’an and exhibiting good character. The next time you face a challenge, like waking up on time for Fajr prayer, think of the treasure Allah has waiting for you and work hard in this short life for that eternal happiness.
In Surah At Tariq, Allah prompts us to consider our origin: “Let people then consider what they were created from!” (At-Tariq 86:5 The Nightcomer)
Ustadh Michael Wolfender uses this ayat along with examples like IKEA furniture, cow stomachs, birds’ eyes and stomachs to consider advanced design and our purpose.
Our purpose is to learn about and worship Allah, as we will return to Him. This life is a test of patience and gratitude for the bounties Allah provides and withholds.
In the second half of Surah At-Tariq, Allah advises of the guidance He has sent in His Book: “Surely this ˹Quran˺ is a decisive word and is not to be taken lightly.” (86:13 - 14) The Qur’an advises us of our purpose, in our faith and path in this life with guidance for earning eternal happiness.
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