Paradise of Quran vs Paradise of Muslims

Paradise of Quran vs Paradise of Muslims

By: Khurshid Imam

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At different places, Quran talks about qualities that will lead people to paradise. Shadab was extremely delighted to read one such description of people of paradise as found in Quran, Surah Raad (13), Ayah 19-24.

Quran 13:19. ... They only will be reminded who are people of understanding [who think, who ponder, who use their aql]

Quran 13:20. Those who fulfill the covenant of Allah and do not break the contract. [People who honor their agreements & promises]

Quran 13:21. And those who join that which Allah has ordered to be joined and fear their Lord and are afraid of the evil of [their] account, [Quran promotes preserving and strengthening relationships/ ties and avoiding division. They fear for their bad account.]

Quran 13:22 And those who are patient, seeking the countenance of their Lord, and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided for them secretly and publicly and prevent evil with good - those will have the good consequence of [this] home. [They repel evil with good]

Quran 13:23 Gardens of perpetual residence; they will enter them with whoever were righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their descendants. And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, [saying],

Quran 13:24 "Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home."

In short, Quran says that following qualities are present in people of paradise:
A. Rational approach, thinking mind.
B. Fulfilling promise / keeping up of words.
C. Fearing that one will be held accountable for all deeds.
D. Preserving relations, maintaining ties.
E. Being patient.
F. Establishing salah.
G. Spending what Allah has provided.
H. Dealing with evil in good manners.

Paradise is for peaceful people; that is why angels will greet people with the word "Peace".

Suddenly shadab remembers what he was taught from his childhood. From his parents, from sermons of the mosque, from loudspeakers of Islamic programs he had understood that for entering paradise, one should:
1. say kalima once in life from heart and by tongue. OR..
2. belong to the one particular "saved sect" out of 73 sects. OR..
3. do one single good deed in whole life. OR..
4. have a beard and trousers of sufficient length. OR..
5. memorize names of Allah.
...... ."

"Islam of Quran is very different from Islam of Muslims", Shadab said.

Quran gives natural, logical, rational and humane concept of the Deen.