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Fatwa CenterAttaining Firdaws possible for every Muslim
Question
Assalaamu alaykum, Scholars. I was discussing with the imam of our Islamic communtity how a person can get the highest rank in Paradise (Al-Firdaws), and he told me that each person is skilled in different forms of worship; for instance, a person often fasts voluntarily, another person prays a lot at night, another gives a lot of charity, and he told me that it is good to have some of all those qualities. Now regarding my question, I am anxious about reaching Al-Firdaws but at the same time find it unobtainable when I compare myself to the Companions, the Salaf (pious predecessors), and even rightous people of our times such as Bin Baaz, Al-Uthaymeen, and so on. And I feel (I ignore whether this contradicts our Creed or not) unhappy at the thought of only reaching Paradise and not Al-Firdaws. (Please also inform me whether this feeling contradicts anything from the Creed of the Salaf.)
So my question is: how can I reach this rank? Is it necessary to become a scholar to be in Al-Firdaws? Please, scholars, reply to me with an answer that is specific to me; I have already read the answers that you have given regarding Al-Firdaws, and those did not answer my concern. Please! And may Allaah bless you.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
First of all, we ask Allah to fulfill your desire to attain Al-Firdaws, as that is not difficult for Allah. So turn to Him and ask Him for it.
Abu Hurayrah 
narrated that the Prophet said, “If you ask Allah, ask Him for Al-Firdaws, for it is the best and highest part of Paradise and the middle part of Paradise... and over it is the Throne of The Most Merciful.” [Al-Bukhari]
Also, you should have a good expectation of Allah, as Allah is as His slave expects Him to be. If you are sincere in your intention, then Allah may make you attain Al-Firdaws even if you had not done enough deeds to attain it; Allah is The Most Generous and The Most Kind.
Sahl ibn Hunayf narrated that the Prophet said, “The one who supplicates Allah sincerely for martyrdom, Allah will elevate him to the rank of the martyrs, even if he dies on his bed.” [Muslim]
It is not necessary to be a scholar to attain Al-Firdaws. Scholars may attain Al-Firdaws, and other, common people may attain it as well.
As regards your statement, “And I feel unhappy at the thought of only reaching Paradise,” if you mean that just entering Paradise does not make you happy, then that is a grave mistake. This is because a Muslim, no matter in which rank of Paradise he is, will find complete happiness and will not experience any lack in this regard.
Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri narrated that the Prophet said:
“Allah will say to the inhabitants of Paradise, ‘O inhabitants of Paradise!’ They will say, ‘O our Lord, we present ourselves and are at Your pleasure.’ Then He will say, ‘Are you content?’ And they will say, ‘And how could we not be content, O Lord, when You have given to us that which You have given to no one else of Your creation?’ Then He will say, ‘Would you not like Me to give you something better than that?’ And they will say, ‘O Lord, and what thing is better than that?’ Allah will say, ‘I shall cause My favor to descend upon you and shall never be displeased with you thereafter.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Allah knows best.
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