Adeela Bibi's Key Ideas from Jannah
by Omar Suleiman

To enter Paradise, every Muslim must obtain its key. In metaphysical terms, this key is the shahadah (testimony of faith) of "La Ilaha Illa Allah" (there is no God but Allah).

However, simply saying the shahadah is not enough. The scholars emphasize that the key will only work if it has teeth, which refer to pious deeds.

Therefore, the shape and effectiveness of our key is determined by our deeds and our position in the sight of Allah.

The word used to refer to fragrances is rayhan, which is often used to refer to herbal plants that exude sweet smells. Due to the pleasant odors that they exude, these plants are known for their incredible ability to relax the mind and inculcate a state of absolute tranquility.

As such, believers will find themselves fully satisfied and free of all the worries and anxieties that are found in this world.

The presence of flowing or running water - like rivers and other bodies of water - has positive psychological effects, known as ‘The blue mind effect’.

The Quran utilises this concept by frequently mentioning the gardens of paradise with rivers flowing beneath them.

A person can't satisfactorily celebrate a major event or achievement without the presence of their family. This ultimately means that being accompanied by one's family in Jannah is imperative. Without having one's family members in near proximity, a person will not be able to feel complete joy. This point is beautifully alluded to in the following verse of the Quran:

Despite being mocked for their beliefs:

• They may forgo pleasures of this world for the sake of the afterlife
• Despite facing criticism, their faith in Allah and pursuit of salvation remains strong
• They will be handsomely rewarded in the other world for their sacrifices and unwavering faith

In the marketplace of Jannah, there will be an unlimited inventory, where it will possess every imaginable product. Likewise, no person will have a limited budget as they will be permitted to pick whatever they wish.

Thus, in the perpetual abode of bliss, none of the believers will be subjected to the constraints that conventionally exist in the finite world.

Muslims should follow the example of the Prophets Companions by avoiding gatherings where people are slandered. This will help to protect the natural purity of their souls, which naturally dislikes such negative behaviors.

To be successful in the afterlife, a Muslim must constantly remember Allah in this temporal world.

- Recite Alhamdulillah (all praise be to Allah) when experiencing a pleasant event.

- Recite Astaghfirullah (I seek the forgiveness of Allah) if committing a sin.

- Recite La ilaha illa Allah (there is no God but Allah) when uttering the declaration of faith at the point of death, for it will allow them to enter Paradise with ease.