First of all, we would like to stress that the Muslim enters Paradise through the Mercy and Grace of Allah that He bestows on His servants because nobody’s actions are comparable to or even get close to the reward that Allah Almighty gives.

However, Almighty Allah with His Wisdom and Justice grants people their ranks in Paradise according to their good deeds in this world. This is a just measure as in our daily engagements people are granted this and are rewarded according to their efforts. Thus, difference in ranks is not just a measure related to the Hereafter only but something related to this world too. Above, all difference in people’s ranks is a sign of Allah’s justice and Infinite Mercy. In addition, Allah created the good the bad and granted His servants the free will to choose as this is of His complete justice.

However, it should be noted that a Muslim may be resurrected with Allah’s prophets bearing into consideration the Prophet’s hadith, “A man is resurrected with one whom he loves.”

So, a Muslim has to do his best to do good deeds and to have a good faith and then he has to leave the issue of his rank in Paradise for Allah bearing into consideration that each one, even the least one, in Paradise will feel content with his share and rank. Allah Almighty will make no one in Paradise feel of deprivation. Also, with good deeds, one may be resurrected with Allah’s Prophets, the righteous, and the martyrs as is clear in Almighty Allah’s saying, “Whoso obeyeth Allah and the messenger, they are with those unto whom Allah hath shown favor, of the Prophets and the saints and the martyrs and the righteous. The best of company are they!” (An-Nisa’: 69)

As for the issue of how to attain the highest rank in Paradise, Al-Firdaws al-`Ala, you have to keep on doing what is good, refraining from what is evil, and earnestly imploring Allah, the Almighty to
grant you this high rank of Paradise. Go ahead and work for Al-Firdaws and don’t lose hope in achieving this goal. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “If you ask Allah [in du`a’], then ask Him to grant you Al-Firdaws Al-A`la.” Therefore, a Muslim has to aspire to gain Al-Firdaws, and should spare no efforts in attaining it.

Finally, do not forget to make du`a’ (supplication) to Allah asking Him to grant you a good and sincere faith and to resurrect you along with Allah’s Prophets and the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and to attain Al-Firdaws, the highest rank in Paradise.