Our lives are a journey. This journey has a purpose; serving Allah. This trip can be difficult. That’s why Allah has given us help along the way.

In real life, when we are going somewhere, we need guidance. We have GPS, which guides us to our destinations. If we go the wrong way, it gives us ways of getting back on track. Similarly, in order for us to get to our destination of Jannah, we must follow the guidance that Allah has provided us with, most importantly, the Quran. It gives us all the routes, and suggests the best ones, just like a GPS.

On the road, there are also road signs. These also give further guidance. They tell you certain rules, things you can and can’t do, for example, the speed limit. You’re not allowed to go over the speed limit and break the rules. In Islam, we also have rules. What we can and can’t do is known as halal and haram. These are Allah’s rules, and we must go by them.

If we don’t go by the rules, we can face consequences. On the road, we can get a ticket, or even get into a crash. You might even affect others by your own actions. The consequences can be slight or severe. This is similar to our religion. We could face minor or major consequences if we break Allah’s rules. He can punish us, based on what we have done wrong.

Sometimes on the road, you might get away with a warning. It is also possible for Allah to pardon us for what we have done. His mercy is boundless. This is also another means of assistance for us to get to our destination.

Ultimately, our goal is to get into Jannah. This is our desired destination. Allah says in Surah Al-Furqan, Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Is this better or the Garden of Eternity which the righteous have been promised, as a reward and ˹an ultimate˺ destination?

To get to Jannah, should be the aim for all of us. To get there, we undergo the journey of life, and we must complete this journey to the best of our ability. Our journeys must be dedicated to Allah. We must play by the rules. We must follow the path, using all the directions that Allah has given us.