Life Supreme — Page 16
LIFE SUPREME 19 nature of the blessings of paradise, then there exists a contradiction in saying that he can also experience the fruits of paradise in this world. . The point has been explained that the rewards of paradise in the. Hereafter are far and high above those enjoyed in this life. Furthermore the Holy Quran states that while they are not the same, there is some resemblance between the two. We read in the Holy Quran: "And give glad tidings to those who believe and do good works, that for them are gardens beneath which flow streams. Whenever they are given a portion of the fruit therefrom, they will say: 'This is what was given to us before' and gifts mutually resembling shall be brought to them. And they will have therein mates perfectly pure, and therein will they abide. " (2:26). This verse implies that the spiritual fruits of the next life resemble the spiritual fruits of this life although they are not the same. It should also be kept in mind that the descriptions of paradise in the. Holy Quran are metaphorical and should not be interpreted literally. . Gardens, streams, fruits, honey, milk, and other objects mentioned in the description of paradise are things which everyone is fully aware of in this world. In order to give an indication of the enjoyments of paradise, the Quran has likened them to some of the good and enjoyable things of this life. They also have symbolic meanings. Milk represents spiritual knowledge; streams, good deeds; fruits, spiritual rewards, and so on. The next world is not composed of matter, therefore nothing about it is material or identical to the things of this world. . There is no sweeter or more rewarding aspiration than the cultivation of heavenly characteristics within oneself as this is the means of experiencing paradise on earth. Islam is not a dry and lifeless code of rules and teachings but rather it is a life-giving message providing guidance which can uplift one into a world of divine happiness and contentment which may truly be described as a state of paradise on earth. No doubt this prize cannot be attained in one step. It demands perseverance in self transformation. Furthermore one must be in earnest and restless to make progressive advancement along the path of virtue; and this is what Islam is all about, for in the Holy Quran. Muslims have been called upon by Allah to endeavour to excel one another in virtue and steadfastness. The highway to paradise on