ON THE THRESHOLD OF PARADISE

Paradise is not just a matter of religious belief or dogma. According to the eternal laws of nature, Paradise is a state which is bound to come into existence. A study of the laws governing earthly systems shows that the present world is undergoing a continuous evolutionary process, of which Paradise, logically, is the ultimate phase. Paradise is the natural culmination of a creation which at a certain point in time had a definite beginning. Astronomical studies show that the Universe is so incredibly vast, and expanding at such a rapid rate that, even with the use of the most powerful telescopes, its total dimensions have yet to be accurately estimated. In this immeasurably vast universe, the earth is an extremely tiny planet. In comparison to the universe our earth is infinitesimally smaller than a grain of sand. Throughout the universe our earth is a very rare exception, in that it is the only place where exceptional things such as water, vegetation, an atmosphere of air and oxygen are present. If life can prevail on this earth, it is because of the impeccable life support systems that are functioning on it. On earth, there exist all those valuable elements by utilizing which man can, if he wills, build a civilization. It is and has been the task of humanity to convert this potential into reality. It is quite evident that civilization, passing continuously from one stage of its history to another, is moving on from its initial state of development to progressive higher levels altogether. Many studies in the history of mankind or civilization will confirm this fact. As the Quran puts it: “You will surely move from one stage to another stage.” THE QURAN, 84: 19-21 The evolution of history makes it clear that human civilization is continuously advancing along the path of progress and development. The result of such focused progress and sustainable development will be that which could be called a ‘Spiritual Civilization’, or Paradise. In comparison to the universe our earth is infinitesimally smaller than a grain of sand.