Jannah - Omar Suleiman
Whatever our situation may be in this life, a life of struggle or comfort, our inevitable fate is the same as the life of this world is temporary.
The material state of this dunyā (temporal world) is heavily stratified, with the majority of the world’s population living in poverty whilst the uber-rich thrive in lofty mansions and spend their wealth lavishly. Against this abysmal backdrop, the good life appears to be defined through purely material standards.
However the wise person sees through this mirage and realises that the current values of materialism and hedonism only delay the inevitable truth that we will all die and be placed in graves beneath the earth. It is at this moment one will be forced to meet their Maker, Who will decree whether a person will spend their eternal otherworldly life in Paradise or the Hellfire
The true believer is cognisant of these metaphysical truths, and as a result, is able to bear the difficulties of the present world with relative ease. This worldly life is nothing more than a test, and if a person lives a life strictly defined by the values of monotheism and acceptance of the Final Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, they will be welcomed in the permanent abode of bliss: Jannah.
If one fully internalises this fact, they will not be perturbed by the anxieties and perplexities of this world, for they know that Allah will handsomely reward them for every virtuous act or supplication that they make to Him. There is an eternal abode of happiness that is waiting for you. But in order to enter it, you must activate it with your deeds.
This work will provide the spiritual resources to ensure this process can be executed successfully. Salvation is within reach.
O believer, this world is not meant to be your paradise, but knowing that Paradise awaits, makes this journey so much more bearable and rewarding. Remember that every difficulty is a right, after all your struggles, all your tests, and trials know that your eternal sanctuary awaits.
Jannah, that is built by your deeds and decorated by your du'as. Chalets of crystals sparkling on the horizon for a soul that gave up sin, tree trunks of green emerald and branches of gold for a simple word of remembrance. Each of your shuddering breaths, every second of discomfort you faced, and every one of your sacrifices, all have been accounted for, repaid with sights and rewards unimaginable and the company of the Most High.
Imam Omar Suleiman is the Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, and an Adjunct Professor of Islamic Studies in the Graduate Liberal Studies Program at SMU (Southern Methodist University). He is also the Resident Scholar at Valley Ranch Islamic Center and Co-Chair of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square. He holds a Bachelors in Accounting, a Bachelors in Islamic Law, a Masters in Islamic Finance, a Masters in Political History, and is currently pursuing a PhD. in Islamic Thought and Civilization from the International Islamic University of Malaysia.
Jannah Home At Last - Omar Suleiman - 9781847742308