| |  The other day I was watching a show called Visions of Scotland (very
nerdy, yes). It was basically a beautiful helicopter tour of
Scotland's landscape and castles narrated by a guy with a heavy
Scottish accent and a chorus singing in Gaelic (or Latin... how would I
know?). Subhan'Allah it was so impressive... lush, verdant green
hills, majestic castles thousands of years old, rugged cliffs
protruding into the North Sea. It looked so calm, so relaxing. I just
looked at those stretching mounds of green and thought... wouldn't it
be nice to just wander through the fields all day long? To live in a
huge, rustic castle, sprawl out on the grass, and wade through a
waterfall at a moment's notice? To not have any responsibility except
laying out in the sun? 
It hit me then, that subhan'Allah - that's what Jannah is. A place of
peace, pleasure, and tranquility for all of eternity. No tasks, no
responsibility, no struggles... just gardens under which rivers flow,
mansions built upon mansions, rivers flowing with sweet wine unlike
that in this world. Allah (swt) has prepared a great reward for the
believers, and Allah's promise is true. This world is a place of work,
toil, and struggle. We're planting our good deeds now so we can reap
them later; this isn't the time to harvest. I'm reminded of the hadith
where the Prophet (S) says, that Paradise is surrounded by hardship and
Hell is surrounded by temptation. The way to Jannah is truly paved
with work, good deeds, and submitting yourself before Allah (swt). And
if we seek our reward in this life, then what will be left for us on
that Day?
 That little castle looks like a little Lego piece plopped on the side of this hill.Instead of feeling tempted to live a life of luxury as I watch Visions
of Scotland or any other gorgeous place on earth, I should just be
reminded of what I'm truly working for - meeting Allah (swt) without
any veil, and dwelling in tranquility in His permanent abode of
Paradise.
Hmm... didn't mean to get all preachy there. I'm really just reminding
myself, I suppose. For those wondering what's going on in my kitchen, here's the latest and greatest:  This is the real reason people are friends with me. |
| | Posted 8/7/2008 11:31 PM - 66 Views - 4 eProps - 2 comments
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