How do I get to Jannah?

One of the most important questions to ask ourselves is this… how do I get to Jannah? Of course, most of us already have an idea about it, but coming from another faith, I was aware that things may differ because of theological differences. This can even be true to some extent within a single religion that has branched out into several different groups, each following their own interpretations.

سورة الجاثية ١٧
إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَقۡضِي بَيۡنَهُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُواْ فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَ

Surah Al-Jaathiya 45:17
Verily thy Lord will judge between them on the Day of Judgment as to those matters in which they set up differences.

Repentance, or turning away from sin, is often seen as a necessary step toward salvation. This involves acknowledging one’s wrongdoing, seeking forgiveness from God. In that line of thinking, there is no big difference between the faith I came from and the faith I embraced… except for one big aspect. Many Christians, (not all), believe that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ (عيسى ابن مريم عليه السلام) as being the son of God (استغفر الله) and the savior of humanity. This is of course a big contrast to the Islamic faith, which in turn put me on the path of gaining clarity regarding differences.

According to Christian doctrine, Jesus’ death and resurrection provide the means for forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. This is something I could go into in more depth at another time inshallah… but generally, at that point, while I had no problems accepting the spiritual rope that was extended to me by my Creator, I still had to understand… what is the Islamic thinking?

Something that became clear to me was the way of active faith to salvation. Christianity emphasizes the concept of grace, teaching that salvation is a gift from God and not necessarily earned through human effort. (The death of Christ is your salvation. Belief in this tremendous sacrifice, (he passed away for your sins), will save you from the fire). In contrast, while Islam also emphasizes the importance of faith, it stresses the significance of good deeds alongside belief…

سورة العنكبوت ٢
أَحَسِبَ ٱلنَّاسُ أَن يُتۡرَكُوٓاْ أَن يَقُولُوٓاْ ءَامَنَّا وَهُمۡ لَا يُفۡتَنُونَ

Surah Al-Ankaboot 29:2
Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, “We believe”, and that they will not be tested?

There is the classic saying, “actions speak louder than words”. Showing faith through how you are as a person. Muslims believe that on the Day of Judgment, a person’s deeds will be weighed. Essentially, nothing you do in this life is outside of this plan.

سورة طه ١٥
إِنَّ السَّاعَةَ آتِيَةٌ أَكَادُ أُخْفِيهَا لِتُجْزَىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا تَسْعَىٰ

Surah Taa-Haa 20:15
“Verily the Hour is coming – My design is to keep it hidden – for every soul to receive its reward by the measure of its Endeavour.

For me, that was a fundamental thing that affected my faith in the Islamic religion. While the Christian faith also considers the importance of good deeds… to me, it seemed focused in the Islamic faith. Somehow, I felt it gave stronger importance to what we do in this dunya. While these are some theological differences regarding the path to salvation in Christianity and Islam, it’s essential to recognize that within each religion, there are diverse interpretations and understandings, and not all followers may believe in the different perspectives held by each religion. Equally, we must also recognize that we have brothers and sisters in faith outside of our own, whoever they may be…

سورة البقرة ٦٢
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَٱلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ وَٱلنَّصَٰرَىٰ وَٱلصَّٰبِـِٔينَ مَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأٓخِرِ وَعَمِلَ صَٰلِحٗا فَلَهُمۡ أَجۡرُهُمۡ عِندَ رَبِّهِمۡ وَلَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَلَا هُمۡ يَحۡزَنُونَ

Surah Al-Baqara 2:62
Those who believe (in the Qur’an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

We will continue to look at questions and what went through my mind in the process of accepting the faith, next time inshallah… make sure not to miss it. Blessings and comfort for all of you.

The best of times to you all inshallah.
Peace, happiness, and stay faithful.