TWO TYPES OF SOULS
In the present world, man is free to choose between two paths: he can accept God’s greatness and surrender to Him, or he can live in the pursuit of his glory. The former will find entry into eternal Paradise, while the latter will face eternal deprivation.
The Quran says: “He who purifies it will indeed be successful, and he who corrupts it is sure to fail.” (91:9-10)
This world is a testing ground for us before the life of the Hereafter begins. It is an opportunity for us to prepare for the Hereafter. If you leave this world with a noble and pure soul, you will be welcomed into the delightful environs of Heaven. However, if you depart with a soul laden with evil, you will be cast into the eternal dustbin of the universe.
This world is, in a sense, God’s nursery. Different types of plants are grown in a nursery. The gardener inspects all of them. Those plants the gardener finds undesirable, he plucks out and discards. While the ones he finds desirable, he carefully lifts from their beds so they can grow and flourish in a garden.
In this world, you are free to choose between two paths. You can choose to purify your soul or to pollute it. You can accept God’s greatness and surrender to Him, or you can live in the pursuit of your glory. When faced with the truth, you can choose to acknowledge it without hesitation. You can be concerned about the welfare of others and be just in your dealings. Whether in friendship or enmity, you can willingly choose to obey God’s will instead of your whims or the prodding of your ego. If this is how you choose to live, you have cleansed your soul. And you will then be settled in the beautiful world of God’s Heaven.
On the other hand, you can choose to be immersed in self-perceived greatness. When confronted with the truth, you can choose not to accept it. In your dealings, you can choose to be unjust and cruel. You can choose to follow your own will, not God’s will. If this is your choice, you have polluted your soul, and the Lord of this universe will not accept you into His neighbourhood.
