Word of advice to those interested in Islam

From: Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Maqaalaat li’l-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 6/237

It is a good idea to point out to those who are interested in Islam, when they find some matters difficult to understand or they find some rulings hard to accept, that Paradise is surrounded with difficulties and Hell is surrounded with desires, and that Allaah has issued His commands to His slaves in order to test them and see if they will do well. Earning the Lord’s pleasure and gaining the honour of admittance to His Paradise is not something that is easy in all aspects or something that a person can attain without any difficulty. It is not like that at all. Rather we have to be patient and strive to overcome our nafs (self), and put up with a lot of difficulties in order to please our Lord, be honoured by Him and be saved from His wrath. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, we have made that which is on earth as an adornment for it, in order that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds [i.e. those who do good deeds in the most perfect manner, that means to do them (deeds) totally for Allaah’s sake and in accordance to the legal ways of the Prophet]”

[al-Kahf 18:7]

“Who has created death and life that He may test you which of you is best in deed”
[al-Mulk 67:2]

“And surely, We shall try you till We test those who strive hard (for the Cause of Allaah) and As-Saabiroon (the patient), and We shall test your facts (i.e. the one who is a liar, and the one who is truthful)”

[Muhammad 47:31]

And there are many similar verses.

We ask Allaah to make us and you among those who call others to true guidance, who bring the Muslims back to the straight path, and bless us all with insight into the purpose for which we were created, and to increase the numbers of daa’iyahs among us, for He is Able to do all things.