enter heaven. Anyone who does not may enter hell (there are exceptions). However, there are many subtle levels both above and below these. These levels are governed by the law. The example of this law is the following: A person can go to school, study for the finals, and then pass with a “D.” The same person can also decide not to study, get an “F” and fail. However, the person who passed can also decide to spend a little extra time studying and pass with a “C,” “B’, or even an “A.” This person will have more doors open to him than the one who merely “passed.” In a similar manner, the one who failed can also decide to take up a life of crime. He will then be placing himself in an even more dangerous position and could end up killed by other criminals, or thrown in prison. In a similar manner, Islam tells us that Muslims will be rewarded in proportion to their good deeds and their restraint from evil deeds. In this manner we will have people who will enter different levels of heaven, as well as different levels of hell, in direct proportion to their deeds. Where do we learn about the laws of Islam? From the Qur’an and the Sunnah! The Qur’an is the Holy book of Islam which contains the words of Allah almighty and the broad guidelines of Islam. The Sunnah, is the traditions of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) which included both his words and his actions. The Sunnah usually provides the details for those laws which are drawn out in broad outlines in the Qur’an. Each one of these two sources has a dedicated and very complex science associated with it. Al-Bukhari narrated upon the authority of Abu Hurairah, that he said: Allah' s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Allah said, 'I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. And the most beloved things with which My slave draws nearer to Me is that which I have ordained upon him. My slave continues to draw closer to Me through performing ‘Nawafil’ (supplementary worship) till I love him. So I become the sense of hearing with which he hears, and the sense of sight with which he sees, and the hand with which he grips, and the leg with which he walks. And if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks my protection, I will protect him’” The way of life: Islam is not the same as some other religions from the point of view that it is not confined to a certain place of worship or a certain act, or acts, of worship. Islam teaches it’s followers that every single aspect of their life, from eating, to drinking, to sleeping, and everything in-between can be done in one of two ways: Either a way that pleases God, or one that displeases Him. For instance, a person who is tempted to perform a sin but decides to sleep instead is performing an act of worship for which he will be rewarded by God. In this manner we see that every action no matter how minute is considered in Islam an act of worship.
228 What did Jesus really say?