God Almighty is With Us

The Quran refers to Paradise as dar as-salam (10:25). Dar as-salam means the home of peace. According to this, every member of the high society of Paradise will be a peaceful person in the complete sense of the word. Only that person will be selected for Paradise who has proved in the present world that he is so intellectually developed that he can live in society with peace and compassion. No excuse, whatsoever, would develop the slightest feelings of hate and violence against anyone in his heart.

Regarding the atmosphere of Paradise, the Quran says: “They will not hear therein any vain or sinful talk.” (56:25) Anyone who does not stand up to this criterion will be declared as disqualified from entering Paradise.

Whoever obeys God and the Prophet will be among those He has blessed: the prophets, the truthful, the witnesses for God, and the righteous. What excellent companions these are! (4:69)

Paradise is not anyone’s birth right, nor will one receive entry into it through recommendation or wishful thinking. Entry into Paradise is totally a matter of selection, and this selection will be done by none other than God Almighty in the world hereafter. This criterion has been given in the Quran in these words: “[In the Hereafter] man shall have only that for which he strives.” (53:39). It means only that person will find entry into Paradise who qualifies for it. Paradise is a perfect world, and only perfect character will find entry into it.

I have received a question through email. The text of the question is: ‘I often pray to God thus: “Please make my family and loved ones happy. Let their difficult times be transferred onto my life, and let them never face any difficulty in their life. Lord, I am ready to face every hardship, but I want them to stay happy and prosperous forever.” Is this prayer in accordance with the Quran?’