Detour to Doha {Part 2}

{Read Detour to Doha - Part 1}

Before leaving for Saudi Arabia I was asked to book a hotel in Doha, Qatar. I was reminded to pick something "not so lavish". Really? Did I actually need that reminder? So I went on booking.com, looked at my options and chose a good hotel but a simple looking ensuite for my family and I. Trust me, the photos that were posted on booking.com (at the time) weren't impressive. And that's why when we arrived at the hotel we were surprised with what we saw... 

This, ladies and gentlemen, is Kempinski Residences and Suite in Doha.

The lobby

Sweet smelling lilies in the lobby

As we entered the ensuite we saw the dining area

Massive flat screen television in the living area

The living area 

A spacious kitchen complete with a washing machine-slash-dryer, dishwasher, coffee maker...

and to my brother's delight, complimentary drinks! He loves Barbican. It's non-alcoholic btw. 

The alleged double bed was actually a very comfortable king size bed. The pillows were soft but firm. Ahhh... I felt like I was in heaven! 

I heard the beds in the extra room were just as cosy. Oh and all the rooms had large flat screen tv's. 

Feeling pretty happy at that moment!

Alhamdulillah, after 11 long days in Madinah and Mecca, working hard and focusing on ibadah (worship) Allah (subhana wa taala) blessed us with a comfortable place to stay in Doha. Although the beauty and bliss of Paradise is beyond human comprehension, this experience made me think about the homes in Paradise which Allah (subhana wa taala) has promised to those who practice patience and perseverance in this world. In the Qur'an, it says:

"Allah has promised the believing men and believing women gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and pleasant dwellings in gardens of perpetual residence; but approval from Allah is greater. It is that which is the great attainment." {Surah At-Tawbah, 9:72}

What's even more amazing is that before this verse there is a verse which tells us how to enter Paradise by describing some of the attributes of the believing men and women:

"The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger.

Those - Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise." {Surah at-Tawbah, 9:71}

If you have doubts about Islam, compare its description of Paradise with that of any other religion. You will realise how Islam provides the most beautiful and elaborate descriptions of a place that is meant to be a reward for those who were steadfast in their deen. {About Jannah - Jannah.org} SubhanAllah, it's just another proof that the Qur'an is  the most complete book of guidance from Allah (subhana wa taala), "Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, the Exalted in Might, the Perpetual Forgiver."  {Qu'ran, 38:66}

Due to His Mercy, there are so many ways to build a home in Paradise but for today I will share this hadith with you to exemplify how leaving behind our bad habits can help us attain a beautiful home in the Hereafter.  

Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "I guarantee a house in Jannah for one who gives up arguing, even if he is in the right; and I guarantee a home in the middle of Jannah for one who abandons lying even for the sake of fun (e.g. making jokes); and I guarantee a house in the highest part of Jannah for one who has good manners.'' {Abu Dawud}