A HOME IN PARADISE

The Prophet of Islam said: “I guarantee a house on the outskirts of Paradise for the one who gives up argument, even when they are right; a house in the middle of Paradise for the one who gives up lying, even when joking; and a house in the highest part of Paradise for the one who has good character.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 4800)

When two people are in conflict, one way to assess the situation is by determining who is right and who is wrong. But there is another dimension: if both sides continue to insist on their stance, the conflict intensifies. This can lead to the destruction of life and property. Therefore, a person who is mindful of God should step back unilaterally from the dispute. Doing so requires suppressing one’s ego, which is why such an act carries great reward in the eyes of God.

In moments of humour, people often lose their seriousness and see no harm in telling a lie. But the person who is truly worthy of Paradise is one who is so committed to truthfulness and honesty that even in casual moments, falsehood does not pass their lips.

Good character is, in reality, the outcome of deep faith. When a person’s faith makes them aware of God, it also makes them highly cautious in their dealings with others. Their tongue does not speak to humiliate others. Their hands do not rise to harm anyone. Their feet do not walk toward anything harmful. This is what defines good character—and the one who possesses it is surely granted the highest place in Paradise.

Just as a good seed yields a fruitful tree, noble character leads one to the highest ranks of Paradise.