Nothing But Paradise

Now, when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) asked them to protect him, they said, "What will we get in exchange? We are going to offer you protection even if we lose our lives and our wealth — what are you going to give us? This isn't a one-sided agreement. We are offering you help; what will you give us in exchange?" What did the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say? He responded by telling them one word, "al-Jannah" — Paradise. Nothing else. "I'm not going to give you a kingdom. I'm not promising you wealth. I'm not going to give you a few cabinet seats, or ministries in my government. I'm not going to promise you succession after me. All I can promise you is Paradise." And what was their response? They said, "That is such a profitable deal — we won't ever give it up." What is better than Paradise? Al-Barāʾ ibn Maʿrūr then told the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): "If Allah gives you victory, will you then transfer power to us?" The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "No, this is up to Allah." Al-Anṣār said that is a good deal. That is actually the best deal.