Page 68 - Paradise: The Believers' Real Home

66 PARADISE

speaking, all believers delight in the same things, with only
slight differences in details. A person can ask the Lord for

blessings that appear impossible under this world's conditions,
or for blessings of which they have no knowledge. Another
verse describes the incomparable beauty of these things:
Platters and cups of gold will be passed around
among them, and they will have there all that
their hearts desire and in which their eyes find de-
light. You will remain in it timelessly, forever.
(Surat az-Zukhruf, 71)
From this verse, we can understand that believers expect
surprises in Paradise; that they will be pleased with, and derive

pleasure from, what they see. They also feel happiness when
they see the pleasure and happiness experienced by other be-
lievers.
Also, we must not forget that one of the greatest blessings
of Paradise is protection from the agonies of Hell (Surat ad-
Dukhan, 56). All of these things provide a great means of
thanksgiving for believers, who can see Hell when they desire
and speak with its inhabitants. The Qur'an describes how be-
lievers give thanks to Allah, as follows:
They will say: "Beforehand we used to live in fear
among our families. But Allah was gracious to us

and safeguarded us from the punishment of the
searing wind. Beforehand we certainly used to call
upon Him because He is the All-Good, the Most
Merciful." (Surat at-Tur, 26-28)