What is the meaning of verse 214 of Surah al-Baqarah? The decision for Paradise doesn’t depend on routine religiosity. Routine religiosity is to recite the creed of Islam, offer prayers five times a day, wear particular kind of clothes, observe the festivals of Eid and Baqr Eid and fast during Ramadan.  This is routine religiosity. Routine religiosity is when a person doesn’t experience any crisis. One is routine religiosity and the other is religiosity during crises. During crises, you experience shocks, your routine is broken down and being faithful requires sacrifice. One is routine religiosity and the other is religiosity at the cost of sacrifice. This verse needs deep reflection. Don’t think that routine religiosity will be sufficient for entry to Paradise. This won't happen. أَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ أَنْ تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ وَلَمَّا يَأْتِكُمْ مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ خَلَوْا مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ مَسَّتْهُمُ الْبَأْسَاءُ وَالضَّرَّاءُ وَزُلْزِلُوا حَتَّى يَقُولَ الرَّسُولُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مَعَهُ مَتَى نَصْرُ اللَّهِ  أَلَا إِنَّ نَصْرَ اللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ (2:214) The decision for Paradise doesn’t depend on routine religiosity. In life, you will face crises. You will have to make sacrifices. You have to keep your faith in abnormal situations. There will be upheavals, which this verse refers to as earthquakes. When a person remains firm on faith during upheavals and is obedient to God, only then the decision for Paradise is made. The decision for Paradise is not made in usual circumstances. When a person shows faith in extraordinary situations, only then the decision for Paradise goes in his favour.