The Superiority of the Delights of Paradise over the Pleasures of this World
The pleasures of this world are tangible and present, “here and now,” whilst the delights of Paradise are as yet unseen promises. People are readily influenced by what they can see and know instantly. It is hard enough for them to forgo something that is in front of them for the sake of something else that is in the future, so how much harder it is if the promise will not be attained until after death! So, Allaah, the Glorified, drew a comparison between the pleasures of this world and the joys of Paradise, and explained that the delights of Paradise are far superior to this world’s pleasures. The Quran speaks at length denouncing this world and extolling the virtues of the Hereafter, to encourage man to strive hard for success in the next world.
Many passages in the Quran dismiss this world of instant, fleeting pleasures and state that the rewards of Allaah Almighty are far better.
For example, Allaah Says (what means):
• {But those who feared their Lord will have gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding eternally therein, as accommodation from Allaah. And that which is with Allaah is best for the righteous.} [Quran 3: 198]
• {And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.} [Quran 20: 131]
• {Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire-of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allaah has with Him the best return [i.e. Paradise]. Say, 'Shall I inform you of [something] better than that? For those who fear Allaah will be gardens in the presence of their Lord beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and purified spouses and approval from Allaah. And Allaah is Seeing [i.e. aware] of [His] servants. } [Quran 3: 14-15]
• {... Say, “The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for he who fears Allaah... } [Quran 4: 77]
There are many reasons why the delights of Paradise are superior to the pleasures of this world.
In the following Hadeeth (narration), the Prophet 
, illustrated the inferiority and fleeting nature of the pleasures of this world in comparison with the delights of Paradise:
“By Allaah, this world in comparison with the Hereafter is nothing more than as if one of you put his finger” - and he gestured with his forefinger -“in the sea: let him see how much water he would retrieve.” [Muslim]
A finger dipped in the ocean would not even pick up one drop; this is how little this world is worth when compared with the Hereafter.
Because the pleasures of this world are so insignificant, Allaah, the Most Exalted, rebuked those who prefer the pleasures of this world to the joys of the Hereafter, as in the following verse; Allaah Says (what means):
{O you who have believed, what is the matter with you that, when you are told to go forth in the cause of Allaah, you adhere heavily to the earth? Are you satisfied with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But what is the enjoyment of worldly life compared to the Hereafter except a [very] little.} [Quran 9: 38]
The pleasures of this world are fleeting:
We have already quoted texts that indicate the inexhaustible abundance of the blessings and joys of the Hereafter.
The Hereafter is much better from the point of view of quality:
The clothing, food, drink, jewellery and palaces of the people of Paradise will be far superior to their counterparts in this world. There is in fact no room for comparison, as even the smallest space in Paradise is better than this world and all that is in it. The Messenger of Allaah said:“The space of a whip in Paradise is better than this world and everything that is in it.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Also, Abu Hurayrah 
narrated that the Prophet said: “The space of the bow of any one of you in Paradise is better than all that the sun rises upon.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
The comparison between the women of Paradise and the women of this earth serves to demonstrate the superiority of that which is in Paradise. Anas quoted the Messenger of Allaah saying: “If a woman of the people of Paradise were to look at this earth, she would light up everything in between and fill it with her fragrance; the veil on her head is better than this world and all that is in it.” [Al-Bukhaari]
Paradise is free from all the impurities and disappointments of this world:
Eating and drinking in this life results in the need for excretion and its associated unpleasant odours. If a person drinks wine in this world, he loses his mind. Women in this world menstruate and give birth, which are sources of pain and hurt. Paradise is free from all of these discomforts: its people will not urinate, defecate, spit or suffer from catarrh. The wine of Paradise is as described by its Creator in the verse (which means):
{Crystal-white, delicious to those who drink [thereof], free from intoxication, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom.} [Quran 37: 4647]
The water of Paradise does not become brackish, and its milk never changes in flavor, as stated in the verse (which means): {…Rivers of water unaltered, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes...}[Quran 47: 15]
The women of Paradise are pure and free from menstruation, postnatal bleeding, and all the other impurities suffered by women in this world, as Allaah Almighty Says (what means):
{… And they will have therein purified spouses, and they will abide therein eternally.} [Quran 2: 25]
The hearts of the people of Paradise will be pure, their speech will be good, and their deeds will be righteous. There will be no hurtful, upsetting, offensive or provocative talk there, for Paradise is free from all worthless words and deeds. The only speech that is heard there is good, sincere and pure, free from all the shameful shortcomings of earthly speech; Allaah Says (what means): {... no ill speech or commission of sin.} [Quran 52: 23] Allaah Says (what means): {... They will not hear therein any ill speech — only [greetings of] peace...} [Quran 19. 62]
To be continued…
The Superiority of the Delights of Paradise over the Pleasures of this World
The pleasures of this world are tangible and present, “here and now,” whilst the delights of Paradise are as yet unseen promises. People are readily influenced by what they can see and know instantly. It is hard enough for them to forgo something that is in front of them for the sake of something else that is in the future, so how much harder it is if the promise will not be attained until after death! So, Allaah, the Glorified, drew a comparison between the pleasures of this world and the joys of Paradise, and explained that the delights of Paradise are far superior to this world’s pleasures. The Quran speaks at length denouncing this world and extolling the virtues of the Hereafter, to encourage man to strive hard for success in the next world.
Many passages in the Quran dismiss this world of instant, fleeting pleasures and state that the rewards of Allaah Almighty are far better.
For example, Allaah Says (what means):
• {But those who feared their Lord will have gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding eternally therein, as accommodation from Allaah. And that which is with Allaah is best for the righteous.} [Quran 3: 198]
• {And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.} [Quran 20: 131]
• {Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire-of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allaah has with Him the best return [i.e. Paradise]. Say, 'Shall I inform you of [something] better than that? For those who fear Allaah will be gardens in the presence of their Lord beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and purified spouses and approval from Allaah. And Allaah is Seeing [i.e. aware] of [His] servants. } [Quran 3: 14-15]
• {... Say, “The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for he who fears Allaah... } [Quran 4: 77]
There are many reasons why the delights of Paradise are superior to the pleasures of this world.
In the following Hadeeth (narration), the Prophet , illustrated the inferiority and fleeting nature of the pleasures of this world in comparison with the delights of Paradise:
“By Allaah, this world in comparison with the Hereafter is nothing more than as if one of you put his finger” - and he gestured with his forefinger -“in the sea: let him see how much water he would retrieve.” [Muslim]
A finger dipped in the ocean would not even pick up one drop; this is how little this world is worth when compared with the Hereafter.
Because the pleasures of this world are so insignificant, Allaah, the Most Exalted, rebuked those who prefer the pleasures of this world to the joys of the Hereafter, as in the following verse; Allaah Says (what means):
{O you who have believed, what is the matter with you that, when you are told to go forth in the cause of Allaah, you adhere heavily to the earth? Are you satisfied with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But what is the enjoyment of worldly life compared to the Hereafter except a [very] little.} [Quran 9: 38]
The pleasures of this world are fleeting:
We have already quoted texts that indicate the inexhaustible abundance of the blessings and joys of the Hereafter.
The Hereafter is much better from the point of view of quality:
The clothing, food, drink, jewellery and palaces of the people of Paradise will be far superior to their counterparts in this world. There is in fact no room for comparison, as even the smallest space in Paradise is better than this world and all that is in it. The Messenger of Allaah said:“The space of a whip in Paradise is better than this world and everything that is in it.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Also, Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet said: “The space of the bow of any one of you in Paradise is better than all that the sun rises upon.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
The comparison between the women of Paradise and the women of this earth serves to demonstrate the superiority of that which is in Paradise. Anas quoted the Messenger of Allaah saying: “If a woman of the people of Paradise were to look at this earth, she would light up everything in between and fill it with her fragrance; the veil on her head is better than this world and all that is in it.” [Al-Bukhaari]
Paradise is free from all the impurities and disappointments of this world:
Eating and drinking in this life results in the need for excretion and its associated unpleasant odours. If a person drinks wine in this world, he loses his mind. Women in this world menstruate and give birth, which are sources of pain and hurt. Paradise is free from all of these discomforts: its people will not urinate, defecate, spit or suffer from catarrh. The wine of Paradise is as described by its Creator in the verse (which means):
{Crystal-white, delicious to those who drink [thereof], free from intoxication, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom.} [Quran 37: 4647]
The water of Paradise does not become brackish, and its milk never changes in flavor, as stated in the verse (which means): {…Rivers of water unaltered, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes...}[Quran 47: 15]
The women of Paradise are pure and free from menstruation, postnatal bleeding, and all the other impurities suffered by women in this world, as Allaah Almighty Says (what means):
{… And they will have therein purified spouses, and they will abide therein eternally.} [Quran 2: 25]
The hearts of the people of Paradise will be pure, their speech will be good, and their deeds will be righteous. There will be no hurtful, upsetting, offensive or provocative talk there, for Paradise is free from all worthless words and deeds. The only speech that is heard there is good, sincere and pure, free from all the shameful shortcomings of earthly speech; Allaah Says (what means): {... no ill speech or commission of sin.} [Quran 52: 23] Allaah Says (what means): {... They will not hear therein any ill speech — only [greetings of] peace...} [Quran 19. 62]
To be continued…
One day, the Prophet told ’Aa‘ishah 
the lengthy Hadeeth of Umm Zar‘, which was narrated by Muslim 
and was explained by some scholars in volumes due to its enormous pearls of wisdom and meanings. After the Prophet told ’Aa‘ishah how Abu Zar‘ treated his wife Umm Zar‘, the Prophet said: “I am to you like Abu Zar‘ to Umm Zar‘.” He meant by this that he was perfect in good companionship and intimacy, just like Abu Zar‘ was with Umm Zar‘.
In happy and cheerful moments, the Prophet brought happiness and cheer to his family. It was authentically narrated that on the day of ‘Eed the Abyssinian boys arrived and played with spears in the mosque. Just look at the perfect Sharee‘ah of Islam and its sublime mission! On that day of ’Eed which is characterized by happiness, the souls need a type of peace and affinity to remove the state of apathy and weariness. On that day, the Abyssinians entered the mosque of the Prophet and paraded with their spears. Just look where the parade was held; it was held in the second most sacred House of Allaah, the Mosque of the Prophet !
The mosque was taken as a place where people played with spears on the day of ’Eed because it was a merry occasion. Islam is a religion of perfection that gives everything its due right and estimation.’ Aa‘ishah wanted to feel happy on that day. She wanted to watch the Ethiopians parading with their spears. She asked the Prophet to let her see the parade, so how did the Prophet reply to her? Did he tell her that she was immature or that she was wasting her time? Did he start reminding her that Paradise and Hell were approaching? No. The Prophet stood up on his noble feet to allow her to watch the Ethiopians, not for the purpose of watching for its own sake, but because he knew that this standing would please Allaah The Almighty. The Prophet who was the cream and most perfect of creation, kept standing to please Allaah without the least feeling of blemish or belittlement, because he felt that he was bringing affection, love and happiness to his family and translating his true love and perfect marriage by his standing. For that reason, the Prophet was the best husband to his wife, and his behavior represents the perfect and best guidance for the Muslim who wants to live equitably with his wife.
His wife would prepare his food and drink, and when he gathered with his family, beloved persons and wife under one roof, he would not say unpleasant words to her. If he found the food delicious, he would praise and appreciate it and thank the one who prepared it after thanking Allaah The Almighty. If he found fault with it, he would not dispraise or criticize it, nor would he dispraise the one who cooked it.
Living equitably requires sacrifice, true love and mutual emotions that indicate perfection in marriage and intimacy. Therefore, the guidance of the Prophet is the most perfect guidance.
It was authentically narrated that ’Aa‘ishah said that she would bring broth or milk to the Prophet and though he was the one who requested it, he would insist that she drink before him. ’Aa‘ishah was a noble woman and daughter of a noble man, so she did not accept drinking before the Messenger of Allaah and preserved his right. When she gave him the drink, he would ask her to drink first, and when she refused, he would insist by taking an oath that she would drink first. As a result, she would take the container and drink and after that the Prophet would put his mouth in the same spot that her mouth had been. The Prophet did not do so without reason; rather, he wanted to let her know her value and to show her his love and affection. That is because just as the Prophet sought closeness to his Lord through prostration and bowing to Him, he also sought closeness to Him through comforting his wife's heart, bringing her happiness and making her cheerful. The Prophet sought closeness to Allaah by teaching the Ummah (Muslim nation) perfect manners and the best ways of treating families and wives.
These are very important matters that a Muslim should pay attention to. Sometimes the wife needs to feel happy in her home, so if the Muslim wants to make her so he should adopt the guidance of the Prophet . Sometimes she wants to feel happy outside the house, so we find that the Prophet would go out with his wife to Qubaa‘ and race her. The Prophet and his wife started running, and she would beat him. Later, when she gained weight, the Prophet raced her again and this time he beat her, saying: “Tit for tat.” All these things represent love and kind treatment in lifestyle.
Whenever man looks at, reflects upon or studies well the guidance of the Prophet he will surely find good companionship in its perfect manner and best form, since he was the most perfect man in living equitably with his family. Muslim homes will never be happy until these warm emotions are observed. Look at the man who treats his wife with these true feelings and emotions and how Allaah blesses his family and wife. He surely leads a happy and serene life, since whoever fears Allaah, carries out His orders and lives in kindness with his wife, Allaah rewards him by granting them a happy life and good companionship. The same thing applies to the woman who fears Allaah and lives in kindness with her husband. They will only hear and see what makes them happy. Therefore, a Muslim should abide by the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet in fulfilling this great duty.
There is another very important point that we should consider, namely, the lack of reward for not reciprocating good companionship. In other words, it is very difficult for the husband to show affection, mercy and kindness to his wife while the wife in return shows misbehavior, harm, contempt or disobedience. Similarly, it is very difficult for the wife to show warm emotions, kind feelings and good manners to her husband, while he in return treats her with painful, harsh and hurtful sentiments that devastate her. So, what should Muslim spouses do?
Some scholars have said that the greatest and most perfect reward for good companionship takes place when the husband who observes good companionship with his wife is mistreated, or when the wife who observes good companionship with her husband is mistreated. This is the truest form of good companionship. One day, a man said, “O Messenger of Allaah, I maintain kinship ties with my relatives, but they sever them; I give them, but they deprive me; and I pardon them, but they are rough to me.” The Prophet said: “If you are as you say, it is as if you are feeding them hot ashes.” [Muslim] This means that the man was the winner as he had gained the reward. Allaah who does not allow the reward of those who do good deeds to go astray.
Spouses who treat one another kindly are expecting a good reward and a happy end from Allaah The Almighty. A husband should not wait for a reward from his wife; he should wait for that from Allaah The Almighty. Every Muslim who wishes to possess good and perfect manners should not hope for reward from other people; rather, he should always be watchful of Allaah and abide by His Laws, not to have his goodness or kindness rewarded with a similar attitude, but to gain appreciation from Allaah who is above the seven heavens. He should do so in order to find his kind words, manners and good treatment written in the record of his good deeds on a Day when the contents of the graves will be scattered and that which is within the breasts exposed. If the man adopts good manners and proves to be a kind husband while his wife is evil and harms him, he should be patient. Perhaps Allaah will compensate him with something better.
Talking about Zakariyya (Zachariah) 
Allaah Says (what means): {And amended for him his wife.} [Quran 21:90] Some scholars commented on this verse saying that when Allaah tested Zakariyya by depriving him of offspring, he earnestly turned to Allaah in supplication. Allaah Says (what means): {[This is] a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zechariah. When he called to his Lord a private supplication. He said, “My Lord, indeed my bones have weakened, and my head has filled with white, and never have I been in my supplication to You, my Lord, unhappy. And indeed, I fear the successors after me, and my wife has been barren, so give me from Yourself an heir.”} [Quran 19:2-5]
Prophet Zakariyya supplicated to Allaah at the age of one hundred and twenty without despair of His Mercy. He supplicated to Allaah at the end of his life to grant him a child, and Allaah fulfilled his need and more out of His Bounty. It always happens that when a person supplicates Allaah with certainty in troubles and hardships, Allaah answers his supplication and grants him even more than what he asked for. Thus, Allaah says (what means): {And amended for him his wife.} [Quran 21:90] Allaah granted him Yahya (John) and amended his wife. Some scholars said that his wife would insult and harm him and that she was ill-mannered and harsh with him; yet, he remained patient with her until the end of his life. Accordingly, Allaah compensated him by granting him a child and making his wife religiously observant who lived equitably with him.
Hence, if the man lives equitably with his wife and finds good in her, he should praise Allaah The Almighty; otherwise, he should be patient, fully believing that Allaah does not allow the reward of the person who does good deeds to go astray. This also applies to wives whose good companionship is returned with ill-treatment by their husbands. She should expect that Allaah would compensate her for her patience and comfort her pains, and compensate her in her religion, life and the Hereafter.
The Superiority of the Delights of Paradise over the Pleasures of this World
