The Essence of Islam – Volume III — Page 182
182 Essence of Islam-III Moscow. Had not the Christians been impelled by age- old mischief, they could have appreciated more easily than the Muslims that the descent of Jesus should be in accord with the interpretation of descent furnished by Je- sus himself. . . . The Christians also believe that Jesus entered heaven af- ter his ascent. According to Luke, Jesus tried to comfort a thief with the assurance: 'You will enter heaven with me today. ' Christians also believe that a person, however low his station, who is once admitted to heaven will not be expelled from there. Muslims also believe the same, as Allah the Glorious has said: وَمَا هُمْ مِّنْهَا بِمُخْرَجِيْنَ 147 'Those who are granted admission into Paradise will not be expelled therefrom. ' Though there is no express mention in the Holy Qur'an of the entry of Jesus into heaven, yet his death is men- tioned at three different places. In the case of holy per- sonages, death and entry into heaven are simultaneous, as is indicated by the verses: قِيلَ ادْخُلِ الْجَنَّةَ 148 وَادْخُلِي جَنَّتِي 149 they are made to enter paradise forthwith. It is now in- cumbent upon both Muslims and Christians to consider whether it is possible that a favourite of God, like Jesus, should be admitted to heaven and then be expelled from it. Would this not be contrary to the promise of God 147 Al-Hijr, 15:49 [Publisher] 148 'It was said to him, Enter Paradise. ' Yā Sīn 36:27 [Publisher] 149 'And enter thou My Garden. '-Al-Fajr, 89:31 [Publisher]