PARADISE: A UNIVERSAL CONCEPT

them on Earth. This settlement was for the purpose of a test, not as a reward. That is, the settlement was meant to be a temporary abode in this world so that man may prove himself worthy of Paradise. After death, judged by his deeds on Earth, he would be granted an abode in Paradise. In this respect, the present world is like a selection ground. Here man is placed under various circumstances to be judged according to his deeds to determine if he would qualify for the ideal world of Paradise. Those who succeed in this test will be selected and granted admission into the eternal world of Paradise, while those who fail in the test will be sent to the eternal trash can of the universe, i.e. Hell. According to the Quran, Paradise would be eternal as well as ideal. Here it would be possible that man may live free of all fear and sorrow. This world of Paradise would have no limitations or disadvantages. Man would find everything he desires. In Paradise, all desires would be fulfilled to complete satisfaction and in an ideal manner. Though all the good things of Paradise are available in the present world, this world in itself is an imperfect world. Paradise, on the other hand will be a perfect world in every respect. There will be no pollution of any kind. It will be free from all kinds of negative things. The present world is an imperfect world while Paradise will be perfect. Existence of an imperfect version is a proof in itself that a perfect version of this world can also come into existence. This is the Quranic model of Paradise. This model without doubt is fully consistent with the demands of nature as it corroborates with all related observations and experiences. An important feature of this Quranic model of Paradise is that man will live with full consciousness at his highest level of intellectual development. This Paradise will not be realized at any level lower than the conscious nor will it be limited in any way. The Quranic model of Paradise will not be a mysterious place; it will be a place very much like this present world. The Quran says about the righteous: “He will admit them into the Garden He has already made known to them.” (47: 6) It has been clearly outlined in the Quran that all the good things of this world will also be available in Paradise in In the Quranic model of Paradise, man will have the opportunity to live in the ‘neighbourhood of God’ where there will be an abundance of supreme goodness and bliss.