At the Islam 101 classes I’ve attended for the past year, a new attendee asked me if I believe in heaven, and what I thought it took to get there.
I walked through the five pillars of Islam. I talked about fasting even when it is hard. I talked about paying charity because it is obligatory. I converted to Islam because I wanted rules around belief and worship. I wanted to know I was “doing it right.” I have faith, and a transcendent experience of God, but I need a structure to rely on for my workaday religious experience.
I stopped. I’m not sure I believe in heaven, but certainly if there is one, following the rules would help me get there! I’m not terribly concerned about heaven; I try to focus on how I live. I thought about what I consider my most treasured values. The loftiest ideals I hold. What I think makes me not just human, but what I judge my humanity against.
I told him a story about kindness. About friendship.
The last time I saw Mariko was a year ago April. We met for breakfast and she gave me a gorgeously wrapped package. Inside was a purple prayer rug. A PURPLE prayer rug. And she gave it to me to celebrate our religion, to delight in it, and at the same time to show kindness and friendship.
That was my real-life example of what it takes for a Muslim to get into heaven. Supporting and encouraging the people around us so that we live up to our humanity. And do what is best. And get up when we fall down. Not just living up to the rules, but living up to the emotional realities of being in community.
Below is a verse from the Qur’an about friendship: about how to protect one another. About encouraging the best from each other. About God’s mercy for those who do. Thank you again, Mariko.
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