Islam's belief that Heaven (Jannah) is superior to Earth is based on the Hadith (sayings and deeds of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) and the Quran. According to the Quran, Paradise is a place where the joys of this life on earth are surpassed and there is unfathomable ecstasy that lasts forever. Here are some major justifications for why Muslims believe that Heaven is preferable to Earth:
Eternal Happiness:
Believers are assured of eternal joy and peace in heaven, free from all forms of sorrow, anguish, or suffering. While the joys of Paradise are eternal, the pleasures of this world are fleeting.
Unimaginable Rewards:
According to the Quran, believers will receive unimaginably abundant blessings in Paradise. These consist of exquisite gardens, crystal-clear rivers, opulent homes, and company with good spirits.
Proximity to Allah:
Being close to Allah is one of Paradise's greatest blessings. The chance to be near their Creator will present itself to believers, allowing them to feel a heavenly presence and closeness that is unmatched in this life.
No Fatigue or Weariness:
In contrast to life on Earth, when people get tired and worn out, the people who live in Paradise won't get tired at all. They will live in an eternally vibrant and healthy state.
No Fear or Grief:
Heaven is a place where there is no sorrow for the past or fear of injury or loss. It is a very secure and happy location.
Fulfillment of Desires:
According to the Quran, believers will receive anything they want in Paradise. This contrasts with the constraints and unmet aspirations that humans may encounter in the material world.
Besides, here is a Hadith that explains it better-
Jabir bin 'Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was passing through the bazaar with his Companions on his both sides, when he saw a dead skinny lamb. He held its ear and said, "Who of you would like to have it for a dirham". They replied, "We do not like to get it for nothing, and what shall we do with it?". Then he (ﷺ) asked, "Would you like to have it for nothing?". They replied, "Had it been alive, it would have been defective because it is skinny; but when dead it is of no use". Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Truly, the world is more contemptible to Allah than this (the dead lamb) is to you".
[Muslim].
وعن جابر، رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم، مر بالسوق والناس كنفتيه، فمر بجدى أسك ميت، فتناوله، فأخذ بأذنيه، ثم قال: "أيكم يحب أن يكون هذا له بدرهم؟ " فقالوا: ما نحب أنه لنا بشئ ومانصنع به؟ ثم قال: “أتحبون أنه لكم؟ قالوا: والله لو كان حياً كان عيباً؛ أنه أسك. فكيف وهو ميت _! فقال: "فوالله للدنيا أهون على الله من هذا عليكم" ((رواه مسلم)).
('قوله: كنفتيه أي: على جانبيه. و الأسك الصغير الأذن.')
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 463
In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 463
The Messenger's companion did not find that dead sheep to be favorable because:
- its skin is rotting and useless,
- its flesh is toxic, and not consumable
- the rotting carcass will make their home smell bad. The only remaining option is to destroy it by burning or burrying it.
It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“A hand span in Paradise is better than the earth and everything on it.”
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، عَنْ حَجَّاجٍ، عَنْ عَطِيَّةَ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ قَالَ " لَشِبْرٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الأَرْضِ وَمَا عَلَيْهَا - الدُّنْيَا وَمَا فِيهَا .
Grade: Da’if (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 4329
In-book reference : Book 37, Hadith 230
English translation : Vol. 5, Book 37, Hadith 4329
In the Quran, there are several verses that emphasize the superiority of Paradise (Heaven) over the earthly life. One such verse is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:185). However, it's important to note that the Quranic verses should be understood in their full context, and interpretations may vary. Here is the mentioned verse:
Surah Al-Imran (3:185):
"Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So, he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And the life of this world is nothing but the enjoyment of delusion."
This verse highlights the temporary nature of life on Earth compared to the eternal reward or punishment in the Hereafter. This verse underscores the fleeting and deceptive nature of worldly pleasures in comparison to the eternal bliss of the Hereafter. It encourages believers to prioritize their actions and focus on the life to come rather than being overly attached to the transient pleasures of this world.
As for Arrogant's and those who abuses their powers, Allah said-
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah will take the whole earth (in His Hand) and will roll up the Heaven in His right Hand, and then He will say, "I am King! Where are the kings of the earth ? "
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مُقَاتِلٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، أَخْبَرَنَا يُونُسُ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، حَدَّثَنِي سَعِيدُ بْنُ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " يَقْبِضُ اللَّهُ الأَرْضَ، وَيَطْوِي السَّمَاءَ بِيَمِينِهِ، ثُمَّ يَقُولُ أَنَا الْمَلِكُ أَيْنَ مُلُوكُ الأَرْضِ ".
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 6519
In-book reference : Book 81, Hadith 108
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 8, Book 76, Hadith 526
(deprecated numbering scheme)
This Hadith describes how the Angel of Death will kill everyone on Earth and Angels in Heaven, and finally will take his own life. At that point, as mentioned in the aforementioned hadith, Allah will speak to every living thing and announce his supremacy over the entire creation.
Islam promotes striking a balance between religious observance and secular pursuits, such as business. Islam acknowledges the value of pursuing both worldly and spiritual goals, and it does not see any inherent conflict between a commitment to one's religion and business ventures. Islam actually promotes moral and just business conduct, and a large number of prosperous Muslim business owners and entrepreneurs actively apply Islamic values to their line of work.
Islam stresses both the need of carrying out one's obligations in the world and the importance of spiritual growth and devotion. Even though the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) participated in a variety of economic endeavors, the Quran exhorts believers to labor hard and obtain sustenance by legal means:
- A balanced life,
- obtaining a halal (legal) income,
- sincerity and intention,
- rewards for doing honest business, and
- charitable deeds
Islam places a great importance on spending time in religious pursuits, but it's also critical to find a balance and incorporate Islamic principles into other facets of life, including business. Islamic beliefs encourage their adherents to live ethical lives, manage their finances responsibly, and contribute to the advancement of society. The secret is to live a life that pleases Allah in both religious and worldly endeavors by applying Islamic principles.
But the quantity of time dedicated to Allah each day does not determine one's sincerity or devotion to Him. Instead, it's the Intention.
According to one of the Hadith's - while Sahaba's were sitting with Muhammad (pbuh) in the mosque, Prophet mentioned that there is a man going to enter through that door who will enter heaven. After becoming really interested, one of the Shaba's invited himself to spend the night at his home to watch him pray. While Sahaba was staying with him, he observed that instead of rising in the middle of the night to offer extra prayers or engage in other religious activities, he went to bed, had a restful night's sleep, got up, and went about his everyday business the following day. Then Sahaba questioned to the other Sahaba, emphasizing that the prophet had said you will join paradise. We are experiencing all of these conflicts, hardships, and anxieties. Although it doesn't seem like you are making an extra effort to pray more, the prophet claims that you are extremely special and will get to heaven. Although Sahaba was unsure of how to put it, he said, I try to stay positive and ask Allah's mercy instead of focusing on my struggles, hatred around me, or anyone mistreating me. That is the one thing that relieves my anxiety.
The grocery man in that market is far more committed to Allah than you are while praying in this mosque, a man said to the young imam as he fell asleep one day during his prayers. Curious, the imam approached the supermarket man and inquired about his level of devotion, given his full-time job, in comparison to someone who spent more time in the mosque. The grocery store employee requested that the Imam fill a bowl with water, cross the street, and return without spilling any. Did you recall Allah while doing that, the Imam inquired once he had finished. Imam said that I was too preoccupied with trying to avoid spilling any water and to cross the road safely twice. The grocery man smiled and stated that a devotee, no matter how busy or preoccupied with his everyday life, should never forget to praise Allah or ask for His assistance.
