Page 123 - The Truth of the Life of This World

The beauty and glory of paradise are beyond one's imagination. The
Qur'anic words "containing all kinds (of delights)" (Surat ar-Rahman: 48)
surely illustrate a vivid picture of the real nature of paradise. What is meant
by "delights" are things specially created by Allah the All-Knowing. These
delights may well be surprising rewards or things in which to take such
pleasure as human beings have never imagined. The promise of Allah
"they shall have, before their Lord, all that they wish for. That will indeed
be the magnificent bounty (of Allah)" (Surat ash-Shura: 22) makes it explic-
it that, as a favour of Allah, the imagination of believers will shape a
Paradise according to their own tastes and wishes.

The Eternal Residence of Believers

Allah has promised to believers, men and women, gardens under which
rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlast-
ing bliss. But the greatest bliss is the good pleasure of Allah: that is the
supreme felicity. (Surat at-Tawbah: 72)
In this world, believers live "in houses, which Allah has permitted to be
raised to honour; for the celebration, in them, of His name." (Surat an-Nur:
36) By Allah's command, these residences are kept clean and especially
cared for.
Similar to them are the residences in paradise; they are places where
Allah is glorified and His name is constantly remembered.
As well as grand mansions in beautiful spots, believers' residences in
the world can be works of ultra-modern design and architecture, built in
beautiful cities.
The residences in paradise described in the Qur'an, are usually located
in natural beauties:
But it is for those who fear their Lord that lofty mansions, one above anoth-
er, have been built: beneath them flow rivers (of delight). (Such is) the
Promise of Allah. Never does Allah fail in (His) promise. (Surat az-Zumar: 20)
The mansions, mentioned in the verse, below which rivers flow, may
have wide windows or halls surrounded with glass walls making it possi-
ble to watch this beautiful scene. These are beautifully decorated houses
with thrones specially designed for the comfort of the believers. They will

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