PARADISE IS GUARANTEED ONLY TO THE PIOUS ONES (MUTTA'QEEN)

Although, Paradise or Hell may be experienced in this temporal world or as manifestations in the purgatory or Bar’zakh, serving in both cases as reward or punishment for their deeds. Paradise or the Hell exists at present, some of whose parts were shown to the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) during his Ascension or Miraj. But the Paradise for the eternal life is guaranteed only to the Pious ones (Muttaqeen) by Allah (s.w.t.) in the hereafter.

In Islam, there are three grades of Muslims;

               Muslim

               Believer (Mu’min)

               Pious ones (Muttaqi)

When a person recites the Shahadah, he becomes a Muslim and is entitled to certain rights and privileges. At this stage, his Islam is seen by his word of mouth only. When the faith enters his heart and it is evidenced from his actions, he is considered as a Believer (Mu’min). Ayah 14 of Surah Hu’jaraat refers to it, “The Bedouin Arabs have said, “We are believers (Momin).” Tell them, “You did not believe, but you should say that you have submitted (Muslim). In fact, belief (Iman) has not yet entered your hearts.”

Allah (s.w.t.) warns the Muslims and Mu’min against certain actions thereby reminding them that they must struggle for perfection to become “Mutta’qi” or Pious and the Paradise have been guaranteed to them. No where in the Glorious Qur’an, Allah warns them but only informs them of all the bounties and gifts of Paradise as stated below:

Surah al-Imran Ayah 133, “Hasten to obtain forgiveness from your Lord and to qualify yourselves for Paradise. Paradise, vast as the heavens and the earth, is prepared for the Pious (Mutta’qeen).”

Surah al-Hijr Ayah, “The Pious (Mutta’qeen) will live in gardens with streams.”

Surah al-Nahl Ayah 31, “They will be admitted into the gardens of Eden wherein streams flow and they will have therein whatever they want. This is how Allah will reward the Pious ones (Mutta’qeen).”

Surah al-Furqan Ayah 15, “(Muhammad), ask them, “Is what you want better, or the eternal garden promised to the Pious ones (Muttaqeen) as their reward and dwelling?”

Surah al-Qasas Ayah 83, “There is the life hereafter which We have prepared for those who do not to impose their superiority over the others in the land nor commit evil (indulgence in women’s affairs) therein. The happy end certainly belongs to the Pious ones (Muttaqeen)”

Surah Saad Ayah 49, “Such is their noble story. The Pious ones (Muttaqeen) will certainly have the best place to which to return.”

Surah al-Zukhruf Ayah 35, “and ornament (of gold). All these are only the means of enjoyment in this world, but the Pious (Muttaqeen) will receive their reward from your Lord in the life hereafter.”

 Surah al-Dukhan Ayah 51, “The Pious ones (Muttaqeen) will be in a secure place.”

Surah al-Tur Ayah, “The Pious (Muttaqeen) will live in bountiful Paradise.”

Surah al-Qamar Ayah, “The Pious ones (Muttaqeen) will live in Paradise wherein streams flow.”

Surah al-Qalam Ayah 34, “The Pious ones (Muttaqeen)will receive a beautiful Paradise from their Lord.”

Surah al-Mursalat Ayah 41, “The Pious ones (Muttaqeen) will rest amid the shade, springs.”