GOD-FEARING PEOPLE

The whole life of one who is convinced of the Truth changes. He shuns irresponsible behaviour, egoism, and arrogance. He becomes an obedient servant of God.

Prophet Muhammad was asked what counted as more important for a person to find a place in Paradise. The Prophet replied: “Fearing God and having the best moral character.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2004)

The greatest success for a person is that he should lead such a life in this world that when he dies, he finds a place in Paradise where he will have a life of eternal happiness. The secret of this successful life has been explained in this tradition.

The most essential things in this connection are the acceptance of the greatness of God, remaining ever mindful of Him and regarding oneself as accountable to Him, believing that one cannot save oneself from God’s chastisement. All one’s deeds, open or hidden, are in the knowledge of God, and that no strategy can save oneself from standing before God after death.

The whole life of one who is convinced of this truth changes. The permissiveness of his life is replaced with restraint. He avoids irresponsible behaviour, and shuns egoism, arrogance, and other such negative feelings. On all issues, he becomes an obedient servant of God.

Another quality of a God-fearing person is that his character becomes heavenly. He starts leading his life in this world just as the people Paradise will live in the Hereafter. In his heart, he cherishes feelings of well-wishing for others. He speaks good words and refrains from harshness. He meets other people as if he were meeting with his brothers and sisters. While dealing with others, he always adheres to what is just. He adheres to moral principles in his dealings. These are some of the characteristics of the people of Paradise.