How to Reach Jannah (2/2)

The need for struggling and undergoing difficulty in order to reach Jannah

Anas bin Malik (radhyAllahu ‘anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said,

"Hellfire has been covered with desires and Jannah has been covered with difficulties." (Reported by Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

The road to Jannah is filled with difficulties. A person has to worship Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), stand in salah, spend from his wealth, eat only that which Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has allowed, and many other obligations. This requires him to go against his desires and strive to please Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). On the other hand, it is very easy to follow one's desires and reach the hellfire. A smart person will undergo the temporary difficulties of this world in order to gain the eternal pleasures of the hereafter.

Abu Hurayrah (radhyAllahu ‘anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, "When Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) created Jannah and Jahannam (hellfire), He sent Jibrail (alaihis salam) to Jannah and said, 'See what I have prepared for its inhabitants.' Jibrail (alaihis salam) came and saw what Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) prepared for the inhabitants of Jannah. He returned to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and said, 'By the oath of Your honour, every person who hears about Jannah will enter it. 'Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) commanded and Jannah was surrounded by hardships and difficulty. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) told Jibrail (alaihis salam) to go to Jannah once again and to examine it. He returned and saw that now Jannah was surrounded by difficulties. He returned to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and said, 'By the oath of Your honour, I fear that no one will enter Jannah now.' Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) then said to him, ‘Go to Jahannam and see what I have prepared for inhabitants.’ Jibrail (alaihis salam) came to Jahannam and saw what Allah had prepared for its inhabitants. He saw that people, of Jahannam were riding on each other. He returned to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), and said, "By the oath of Your honour every person who hears about Jahannam will avoid entering it.' Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) commanded and Jahannam was surrounded by desires. Jibrail (alaihis salam) returned to Jahannam and said, 'By the oath of Your honour, I fear that everyone will enter into Jahannam."[1]

Abu Hurayrah (radhyAllahu ‘anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, "He who fears will travel during the first portion of the night, and he who travels during the first portion of the night will reach his destination. Listen, Allah's merchandise is expensive. Allah's merchandise is Jannah."[2]

The meaning of this hadith is that when a person has fear over losing something, he undertakes difficulty and hardship to secure and protect it. The most valuable object of a person is Jannah and pleasure of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) in the hereafter. Therefore, the traveler on the journey of the hereafter should sacrifice his desires and comforts in fulfilling the commands of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). If people are willing to sacrifice years of effort, time, and money for a good life in this temporary world, then how much more sacrifice should be made for the permanent life of Jannah.

The purpose of hearing about Jannah is to turn one's attention to the hereafter

Usamah (radhyAllahu ‘anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, "Listen, is there anyone preparing for Jannah? [You should all prepare for Jannah] because no one can imagine what Jannah will be like. I take the oath of the Lord of the Ka'bah, Jannah is a light which shines. In Jannah, there are fragrant plants which sway in the breeze, lofty mansions, long rivers, abundant ripe fruit, beautiful wives, and many clothes. [The dweller of Jannah will be in] an eternal place where there will be happiness and brightness. [He will live in] high, safe, and beautiful rooms." The Companions said, "We will wish towards Jannah." Rasulullah (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) then said, "Say [that you will do so] if Allah wills."[3]

While it is very enjoyable to learn about Jannah, the real objective is to work towards Jannah. All the readers should also make the intention to make the hereafter the purpose of their life.

May Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) grant us the ability to strive for His pleasure in this world and grant us a death with iman. May Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) grant every Muslim the highest level of Jannatul Firdaws. May Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) grant us the greatest bounties of Jannah; His pleasure and the sight of His Being. May Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) guide the Muslim youth to understand the reality of this world and the reality of the hereafter, Ameen.