Salvation in the Hereafter

Paradise is so great that no individual or collective action of any human being can become a key to entry into it. One who so esteems Paradise that he regards himself as totally undeserving of it, will gain entry into Paradise.

The Prophet of Islam addressed his daughter thus: “O Fatima, save yourself from the fire of Hell. For I have no power to do anything for you in this matter.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 204) Similarly, according to another tradition narrated by Hazrat Ayesha, the Prophet observed: “No one’s action can take one to Paradise, not even mine. I also can reach Paradise only by God’s mercy and forgiveness.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6467)

Entry into Paradise is not a simple matter. To gain entry into Paradise will be a matter of final success in the Hereafter. This great event will take place only by God’s decision, which is an expression of His Power. Paradise is for those who acknowledge God, that is, for those who will enter Paradise in full acknowledgement of God. This perfect acknowledgement must be real acknowledgement and not just lip service.

This feeling of complete acknowledgement can take shape in man only when he attests to the fact that he can gain entry into Paradise only by God’s mercy. When he says: “O God, I do not deserve this at all. It is an extraordinary blessing that You gave me Paradise in spite of my being totally undeserving.” The truth is that Paradise is so great that no individual or collective action of any human being can be its price. One who so esteems Paradise that he regards himself as totally undeserving as compared to Paradise, is the one who will gain entry into Paradise. No action on the part of man can become a key to entry into Paradise. The open sesame to Paradise lies in man’s discovery of his total unworthiness.