Shaping the Souls for Eternal Paradise

LIVING IN GOD’S NEIGHBOURHOOD The second important thing in this set of requirements is to lead a principled life. Generally, man’s character is moulded by his emotions—anger, revenge, jealousy, hatred, rivalry, etc. These are the negative feelings that shape man’s personality. But what man ought to do is to become disciplined in such matters. He should not build his character under the influence of external incentives but by his own decisions; he should establish it based on higher principles. This is what is called a divine character. GOD-FEARING PEOPLE The whole life of one who is convinced of the Truth changes. He shuns irresponsible behaviour, egoism, and arrogance. He becomes an obedient servant of God. Prophet Muhammad was asked what counted as more important for a person to find a place in Paradise. The Prophet replied: “Fearing God and having the best moral character.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2004) The greatest success for a person is that he should lead such a life in this world that when he dies, he finds a place in Paradise where he will have a life of eternal happiness. The secret of this successful life has been explained in this tradition. The most essential things in this connection are the acceptance of the greatness of God, remaining ever mindful of Him and regarding oneself as accountable to