The Quran tells us that there would be three categories of people in the Hereafter: first is of those who will be consigned to Hell. But those who will enter Paradise will be divided into two. Of these, one group is of those who normally followed God's commandments, while the other group is of those who went ahead and made extra efforts to obey and please God. In the Quran, Pharaoh's wife has prayed to God in these words: "My Lord, build me a house in nearness to You in Paradise." (66:11). Those who will have a house in nearness to God represent the first category of people of Paradise. The second category of people of Paradise are represented by this verse: "But those who have been promised a good reward by Us will be kept far away from Hell." (21:101). In other words, the first category is of those who will have a place in God's neighbourhood. While the second category will not find a place near God, but shall be safe from the punishment of Hell. There are thus two categories of people of Paradise: first is those people who will be given entry to heaven and will be preserved from the Fire; the second category of people of Paradise is of those who will live close to God. There is a huge difference between these two categories. It is upon a person himself to make a resolve as to which category he wants to be in. I want my companions to prepare themselves so that they can be part of the first category of people of Paradise.
