“Everyone wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die.” So the old saying goes. But it’s true, isn’t it? We know that to enter Paradise we must be ‘good’ but how much ‘good’ do we do? How much do we try? We all wish good for ourselves and those we love – that’s easy. But what about wishing good for those we don’t particularly like? Now that isn’t so easy.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that he came to perfect good morals and good character. That means ‘our’ morals and ‘our’ character! So the question should be asked: How would you rate yourself on a scale of one to ten in answering these easy questions? How close are you to Paradise? Here goes:

• Do you keep any grudges in your heart?

• Do you treat all people the same, regardless of color, race, or social class?

• Is it easy for you to smile at people and speak hopeful, kind and encouraging words?

• When someone excels do you feel threatened?

• If someone is hurt or sad do you feel sympathy and a desire to help?

• Is it easy for you to give? Meaning to give things like your time, effort, energy, and expertise – not necessarily just money.

How did you go?

When we talk about volunteer work, we’re talking about taking a step toward Paradise. To have the pleasure of Allah the Almighty we must do good deeds and think beyond our own selves, our needs, desires, and seeking this world.

All of us have faced some form of dilemma, problem, or hardship. That is simply a part of life. The point is, what do we do with the experience we gain from such things? Do we spend all our lives focusing on the negatives, or do we try to learn from life’s lessons and grow stronger, reaching out to others who are suffering in similar ways? Nothing is wasted! Even pain and heart break can be turned into wisdom – softening the heart to be kinder, more generous, and more patient. Such things can make us look more seriously at life and what is expected from us.

We only get one shot at life! One lifetime – that’s it! We don’t know when death will come to us, so every day should be an adventure – another chance to learn, another chance to overcome, another chance to do something good. But how do we spend our time? What are the most important things to us? Really, ask yourself these questions and give yourself an honest answer. The answer will tell you which path you’re following – where your life is heading.

If all you think about is gaining more material wealth – bad news!

If all you think about is being entertained – bad news!

If all you think about is revenge – bad news!

If all you think about is how you look – well, that’s a double whammy! Looks are, after all, transient and superficial and tell little about the real person who lies within.

If all you think about is what you can do to help others – good move!

If all you think about is sharing what you have – keep up the good work!

If all you think about is sorrow over what you failed to do in the past – never mind, do it today.

If all you think about is making a positive difference wherever you are – you’re definitely on the right path!

People are, more often than not, afraid of death. But do we only fear the physical death? What about the death of the heart? How many people are buried but their hearts died long ago? How many people fail to feel for others? How many people couldn’t care less what goes on around them? How many people are so wrapped up in their own little world that they don’t see the poor, needy, hungry, oppressed, sad people around them?

All it takes is a smile, a kind word, gathering with people who also care, organizing activities for the down-in-spirit, reaching out beyond our own fears and weaknesses and turning them to strength by helping others.