The Prophet ﷺ once explained the gates of Paradise. I’ll mention 3 of those gates:

There is a gate in Paradise for charity. Those who excelled in giving charity for the sake of Allah will be honoured by entering this gate.

There’s also a gate for the prayer (salaah). It is for the one who excelled in the obligatory as well as voluntary prayers. They will be honoured by entering this gate.

Then there’s also a gate called Ar-Rayyan. It is for those who excelled in fasting, who will be honoured by entering this gate.

See how the Prophet ﷺ showed us how a Muslim’s aspirations should be? Don’t set our akhirah goals at such a low bar, such as: “If I’m saved from the Hellfire, that’s enough for me” or “If I manage to set one foot in Paradise, I’d be happy already.” Rather, strive towards excellence! Reflect what Abu Bakr said at the end of the this hadith:

🔵 Abu Bakr asked the Prophet ﷺ: “Will there be anyone who will be called from all of these gates?” The Prophet ﷺ said: “Yes, and I hope you will be one of them.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 1897]

Look at the ambition of Abu Bakr! To put things in perspective, Abu Bakr did not fight better than Khalid Al-Walid in the battlefields, who was a top-notch warrior (may Allah be pleased with them). But Abu Bakr did everything in his capacity to reach his own level of excellence. Allah will reward the true sincerity of your heart, and how you manifested it with your actions. So have high aspirations, and do your best to reach your peak!

We ask Allah to grant us all the honour to be called from every gate in Paradise.