One who journeys through the stages of spiritual development and arrives at the Truth is referred to in the Quran as ‘an-nafs al-mutmainnah’, or a complete person, or a ‘soul at peace (89: 27). A complete person or a soul at peace is one in whom the human attributes are found in abundance, emotionally balanced, free from psychological complexes and whose conscience prevails over his ego in all situations. Despite having great capabilities, he develops modesty in himself. Being free from negative emotion, he relates to people evenly, be they ‘friends’ or ‘strangers’. He is entirely above personal interests. He lives by the higher principles of life. The secret of becoming a soul at peace lies in inculcating a sense of deep God-consciousness, taqwa. It is the fear of God that makes one a complete person. Such a person submits to God’s Creation Plan. Having moulded himself in line with this Plan, he develops the necessary character. Rising above the material, he reaches the stage of perception described in a Hadith as the ability to “see things as they are” rather than be. He willingly concedes a reasoned argument. He judges matters objectively with no subjective bias. It is these people whom God will be pleased with and whom God will bless with a place in the eternal gardens of Paradise.
Paradise is our goal. We all want to go to Paradise after death. But how will we get Paradise? What is the condition for entry to Paradise? People are not clear about this. People think that offering salat ul-tasbih or saying takbir ula are the means of entering Paradise. Offering ishraq and chast will guarantee Paradise. If we travel to attend religious gatherings or associate ourselves with a saint we will attain Paradise. All these notions are baseless. They have no relation with Paradise. We have to understand that the price for Paradise is not outside of ourselves but rather it is within us. Visiting Muslim holy places isnt't enough to enter Paradise. The condition for entry to Paradise is not external, it is internal. You have to develop a personality which is deserving of Paradise, a personality which is capable of being settled in Paradise.
The Quran says: Copy Arabic text (20:76)
This is a personality which undergoes purification and becomes God-oriented. Paradise is a very refined, noble and ideal society. If we develop the qualities required for entry to Paradise only then we will be admitted to Paradise. Whatever else you do external to yourself won't get you Paradise. This is living in falsehood. The Quran says: Copy Arabic text (4:123)
People these days have wishful thoughts. Every person entertains wishful ideas which make him believe he will surely enter Paradise. It is essential for a person to rise above such thinking. Because after death we won’t have another chance. Whatever we have to do, must be done before death.
