enter. Paradise, however, is Allah’s abode, the abode of His honour, and the dwelling of His chosen servants and allies. When they reach it, they find its gates closed, so they implore its Lord and Owner to open them and seek intercession with Him through His messengers of firm resolve. Each of them holds back until they are directed to the last, foremost and best of them. He says, “I am the one for this.” He then comes beneath the Throne and falls prostrate before his Lord. His Lord leaves him prostrate for as long as He wills, then permits him to raise his head and ask for what he needs. He intercedes with Him, glorified is He, for its gates to be opened. Allah accepts his intercession and opens them, honouring its exalted status and manifesting His Messenger’s standing and the honour he enjoys with Him.
Such an abode—the abode of the King of kings and Lord of all worlds—is entered only after those tremendous terrors, which begin when the servant first attains understanding in this world and continue until he reaches it, after all the stages he has passed through, one after another, and the hardships he has endured, one after another. Only then does Allah Most High permit the last of His prophets and messengers, the most beloved of His creation to Him, to intercede with Him for its gates to be opened to them. This brings greater fulfilment of blessing, joy and delight than any alternative one might imagine. It also prevents the ignorant from supposing that Paradise is like an inn that anyone may enter at will. Allah’s Paradise is lofty and precious. Between people and Paradise lie obstacles, trackless wastes and dangers that must be traversed to attain it. What, then, does someone who follows his own desires and entertains idle hopes concerning Allah have to do with this abode? Let him turn away from it towards what better suits him—what has been created and prepared for him.
Consider, too, what is involved in both groups being driven to their respective abodes in companies: the joy these people find in their brothers and in travelling together, each company on its own, like companions united in the same work, keeping together as a group. They are full of gladness and stout of heart, just as they were in this world when they gathered to do good. Thus they comfort one another and delight in one another’s company. Likewise, the inhabitants of the other abode—the Fire—are driven towards it in companies, cursing one another and causing one another distress. This brings greater humiliation, disgrace and exposure of their shame than if they were driven there one by one.
Do not overlook this. Reflect on His words, “in companies,” and on the words of the keepers of Paradise to its inhabitants: “Peace