A Compassion For All The Worlds

The Paradise he called people to has been described in the Quran as a place where there will be no useless or sinful talk—only words of peace will be heard there. In this way, he told people that if they want to live in the peaceful environment of Paradise after death, then before death, they must stay away from useless conversations and sinful actions. While living among people, they must show that their hearts are filled only with peace and goodwill for others. Without this quality, they will not be considered worthy of entering the beautiful homes of Paradise. He taught people that when one person meets another, he should say: “As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” – May God’s mercy and peace be upon you. This is not just a formal greeting, but a true expression of what is in one’s heart. It means the speaker is saying: I have only peaceful feelings for you. I care for your well-being so much that prayers of peace and safety flow from my heart for you. You should never fear anything from me. You are safe from my side, for nothing but peace and mercy will come from me. The Prophet advised people to be of help to others. If they were unable to offer any benefit, he encouraged them to at least speak kindly. And if even that was not possible, then they should at the very least ensure that others remained safe from their harm (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2518). He even said that removing a stone or thorn from the road is a part of faith (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 35).