The decision to purify and develop yourself requires that you clearly define the path and consider the ways and means to achieve Paradise. This whole process will not only purify your heart, but also affect your entire life and the will of Allah will become so much easier for you to follow. Following the Divine Will is, of course, tazkiya itself. Soon all your efforts will be directed towards the ultimate goal – the pleasure of Allah and Paradise.
Know that every sin can be effaced through forgiveness, and forgiveness is a sure way to Paradise.
As you strive to better yourself, then, simultaneously and continuously pray for forgiveness for all your shortcomings. God says: “And whoever repents and believes and works righteous deeds, God changes evil deeds into good ones, and God is Ever-Forgiving, Merciful.” [Surah Al-Furqan, 25:70]
It is a misconception to believe that simply by setting up Paradise as the ultimate goal, one can get there without any further effort. It is also a misconception that Paradise can solely be achieved by concentrating only on certain aspects of life, the `religious and the spiritual’. The very fact that Paradise is the ultimate objective means that tazkiya must be pursued in all aspects of life, and in life as a whole.
Consider, for example, the following:
-Is not honesty a means to enter Paradise?
–Will not a sense of responsibility enable me to enter Paradise?
–Will not striving to fulfill the needs of fellow human beings make me deserve Paradise?
–Will not abstaining from vain talk and aimless actions, bring me closer to Paradise?
–Is not consciousness of the best use of my time a key to Paradise?
–Will not keeping promises and offering Salat on time, which are distinguishing traits of the righteous, put me on the highway to Paradise?
–Must not all of the above be sought to attain Paradise?
Every effort that is legitimate and is aimed at attaining Paradise is also an integral part of the process of tazkiya Insha Allah (God-willing), if you take heed of all the prerequisites, blessings and benefits of tazkiya, you will surely find the right environment, the true companionship and brotherhood and the most appropriate training programmes to make the task of self-development easier and more rewarding.
“So give the good news to My servants who listen to the word [of God], then follow the beauty in it. Such are they whom God has guided And such are they who are endowed with understanding.” [Surah Az-Zumar 39: 17-18.]
