An experience reminiscent of
Paradise and the illusion of this life

It is a powerful and heartwarming experience when we see God’s signs and experience the truth in our lives.  In this article, I would like to share one of these experiences. In this past year, I was attending a work-related conference and the experience reminded me of the descriptions of Paradise in the Quran. The venue was beautiful (a spa and resort location) with waterways, pools and an open, airy architectural design with a lot of light. There was a great variety and abundance of delicious food including salmon, steak, shrimp cocktails (without alcohol), chicken, fruits and vegetables. The service was great as well. The hotel personnel would say their name followed by “at your service” when they answered the phone. They were very helpful and responsive, mashaAllah.

[9:72] GOD promises the believing men and the believing women gardens with flowing streams, wherein they abide forever, and magnificent mansions in the gardens of Eden. And GOD’s blessings and approval are even greater. This is the greatest triumph.

[52:19] Eat and drink happily, in return for your works.

[52:22] We will supply them with fruits and meats that they love.

[56:17] Serving them will be immortal servants.

[40:40] Whoever commits a sin is requited for just that, and whoever works righteousness—male or female—while believing, these will enter Paradise wherein they receive provisions without any limits.

During this trip, there was also a reminder about the illusion of this life and God’s judgment. Initially the weather was sunny with blue skies and white clouds. Then it became overcast with dark clouds and then the storm hit. It started pouring. I looked outside from my hotel window on the 4th floor across a soaked balcony. The palm trees were swaying in the wind! In a matter of hours we went from calm, sunny weather to a storm. By God’s grace I was already inside the hotel when the storm started. This event reminded me of the following verses:

[54:18] 'Ãd disbelieved. Consequently, how terrible was My retribution after the warnings.

[54:19] We sent upon them violent winds, on a day of continuous misery.

[54:20] It tossed the people around as if they were decayed palm tree trunks.

[69:6] As for 'Ãd, they were annihilated by a persistent, violent storm.

By God’s grace, this storm was short-lived. I was grateful not to be caught in it or affected by it. This experience was also a reminder that although God can adorn the earth perfectly for us, this can change in the blink of an eye.

[10:24] The analogy of this worldly life is like this: we send down water from the sky to produce with it all kinds of plants from the earth, and to provide food for the people and the animals. Then, just as the earth is perfectly adorned, and its people think that they are in control thereof, our judgment comes by night or by day, leaving it completely barren, as if nothing existed the previous day. We thus explain the revelations for people who reflect.

May God help us live wisely so that we can reap the rewards in this life and the eternal Hereafter. As Abraham prayed, may God help us be among the inheritors of the blissful Paradise.

[26:83] “My Lord, grant me wisdom, and include me with the righteous.

[26:84] “Let the example I set for the future generations be a good one.

[26:85] “Make me one of the inheritors of the blissful Paradise.

Farinaz

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