Do All Paths Lead to Jannah?

Ibn Masud (radi Allahu anhu) narrated: “The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) drew a line for us and then said, ‘This is Allah’s Straight Path.’ Then he drew lines to its right and left, then he said, ‘These are (other) paths, upon every one of them there is a devil calling towards it.’ Then he recited, ‘Verily this is My Straight Path, so follow it and follow not (other) paths, they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious.’ [Quran 6:153]” [Ahmad]

It is thus manifest that all paths do not lead to Allah or Jannah, a much adored but woefully mistaken notion. The way to success in both the worlds is only one; that which Muhammad (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) showed us with his teaching and example and which his Companions followed.

To put aside the Quran or Sunnah, or ascribe meanings to Ayaat or Ahadith contrary to the teachings of Rasul Allah is surely to step off the Straight Path and go one’s own way with Shaitaan as one’s guide. To choose any other than the Straight Path is to be deceived by the devil and we should counter hardened innovators as nothing but agents of the Shaitaan.