“When
Allah created Paradise and Hellfire, He sent Gabriel to Paradise,
saying, ‘look at it and at what I have prepared therein for its inhabitants.’
So Gabriel went to it and looked at it and at what Allah had prepared therein
for its inhabitants. Then Gabriel returned it Allah and said, ‘By Your glory,
no one hears of it without entering it.’ So Allah ordered that it be
encompassed by forms of hardship, and He said, ‘Return to it and look at what I
have prepared therein for its inhabitants! So, Gabriel returned to it and found
that it was encompassed by forms of hardship. Then he returned to Allah and
said, ‘By Your glory, I fear that no one will enter it, Allah said, ‘Go to
Hellfire and look at it and at what I have prepared therein for its inhabitants.’
Gabriel found that it was in layers, one above the other. Then Gabriel returned
to Allah and said, ‘By Your glory, no one who hears of it will enter it.’ So
Allah ordered that it be encompassed by lusts. Then He said, ‘Return to it and
Gabriel returned to it and said, ‘By Your glory, I am frightened that no one
will escape from entering it.’
[at-Tirmidhi, abu Dawud and An-Nasa’i]
Masruuq (radiAllahu anhu) said: “We asked Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud about this
verse: “And do not regard those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as
dead, rather, they are alive with their Lord and being provided for.”
[Surah ali’ Imran, 3: 169]
He said, ‘We asked about that and the
Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, “Their souls are in the insides of
green birds, having lanterns suspended from the Throne, roaming freely in Paradise where they please, then taking shelter in those
lanterns. Their Lord cast a glance at them and said, ‘Do you wish for
anything?’ They said, ‘What shall we wish for when we roam freely in Paradise where we please?’ And He did that with them
three times- when they saw that they would not be spared from being asked
again, they said, ‘Oh Lord! We would like for You to put our souls back into
our bodies so that we might fight for Your sake once again.’ When Allah saw
that they were not in need of anything, they were let be.’
[Muslim, at-Tirmidhi, an-Naa’i and Ibn Majah]
2. The Gates of Paradise
“Gardens of perpetual bliss – they
shall enter them as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses
and their offspring. And angels shall enter upon them from every gate.”
[Surah al-Rad, 13: 23]
“This is a reminder. Verily, for the righteous is a beautiful place of final
return – garden of eternity, whose doors will always be open to them.”
[Surah Saad, 38: 49-50]
“And those who feared their Lord will be
led to the Garden in crowds until behold, they arrive there. Its gates will be
opened, and its keepers will say, ‘Peace be upon you! Well have you done, so
enter it, abiding in it eternally.’”
[Surah Al Zumar, 39: 73]
Sahl bin Sa’d (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“Paradise
has eight gates, and one of them is called ar-Rayyaan, through which none will
enter but those who observe fasting.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“Whoever spends two things in the way of
Allah will be called from the agates of Paradise
and will be addressed, ‘O slave of Allah, here is prosperity!’ So whoever was
among the people who used to offer their prayers will be called from the gate
of the prayer; and whoever was among the people who used to participate in
jihad will be called from the gates of jihad; and whoever was among those who
used to observe fasts will be called from the gate of ar-Rayyaan; and whoever
was among those who used to give in charity will be called from the gate of
charity.” Abu Bakr said, ‘Let my parents be sacrificed for you, Oh Allah’s
Apostle! No distress or need will befall him who will be called from those
gates Will there by anyone who will be called from these gates?” The Prophet
(SAW) replied, “Yes. And I hope you will be one of them.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Uqba bin Amir (radiAllahu anhu) said: “We were entrusted with the task of tending
the camels – On my turn, when I came back in the evening after grazing them in
the pastures, I found Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) stand and
address the people. I heard these words of his,
‘If any Muslim performs ablution well, then stands and prays two rak’ahs,
setting about them with his heart as well as his face, Paradise
will be guaranteed to him.’ I said, ‘What a fine thing this is!’ A narrator who
was before me said, ‘The first was even better than this.’ When I cast a
glance, I saw that it was Umar who said, ‘I see that you have just come and
observed. If anyone among you performs the ablution, completes the ablution
well and says, “I testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is
the servant of Allah and His Messenger,” then the eight gates of Paradise will
be opened for him and he may enter by whichever of them he wishes.’”
[Muslim]
“The gates of Paradise
will be opened on Mondays and on Thursdays, and every servant of Allah who
associates noting with Allah will be forgiven, except for the man who has a
grudge against his brother. About them it will be said, ‘Delay these two until
they are reconciled. Delay these two until they are reconciled. Delay these two
until they are reconciled.’”
[Muslim, Malik and abu Dawud]
3. Paradise
– Never imagined by a Human-being
“Be foremost (in seeking) forgiveness
from your Lord. And a garden of bliss, the width of the heavens and the earth
prepared for those who believe in Allah and His messengers – that is the grace
of Allah which He bestows on whom He pleases, and Allah is the Lord of
abounding grace.”
[Al Hadid, 57:21]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) said that Allah (subhanahu wa Ta’ala) said:
“I have prepared for My righteous
servants what no eye has seen and no ear has heard, nor has it occurred to the
human heart. Thus, recite if you wish, ‘And no soul knows what joy has been
kept hidden for them.”’
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim, at-Tirmidhi, and ibn Majah, Surah Al Sajdah, 32: 17]
Sahl bin Sa’d (radiAllahu anhu) narrated Allah’s Apostle (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said: “A place in Paradise equal to the size of a lash is better than the
whole world and whatever is in it.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
4. The Rivers of Paradise
“(Here is)A parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised. In it are
rivers of water, incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never
changes; rivers of wine, delicious to those who drink; and rivers of honey,
pure and clear. In it there are for them all kinds of fruits and forgiveness
from their Lord. Can those in such bliss be compared to such as shall dwell
forever in the Fire? Those whom shall be given boiling water to drink, it will
be so hot that it cuts up their bowels to pieces.”
[Surah Muhammad, 47:15]
“As for the righteous, they will be in the midst of gardens and rivers, in and
assembly of truth, in the presence of a Sovereign Omnipotent.”
[Surah al-Qamar, 54: 54-55]
“Verily, Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds to gardens
beneath which rivers flow. While those who reject Allah will enjoy (this world)
and eat as cattle eat. The Fire will be their abode.”
[Surah Muhammad, 47: 12]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said: “The Saihaan, Jaihaan, Euphrates and Nile are all among the
rivers of Paradise.”
[Muslim]
5. The Fountains of Paradise
“The righteous will be amid gardens and springs. (They will be greeted), ‘Enter
here in peace and security.’ And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking
sense of injury. (They will be) brothers facing each other on thrones.”
[Surah al-Hijr, 15: 45-47]
“Their thirst will be slaked with pure wine, sealed. The seal will be of musk.
For This, let the competitors compete. With it (will be given) a mixture of
Tasneem, (highest spring in Paradise), a
spring from which those nearest to Allah drink.”
[Surah al-Mutaffifeen, 83: 25-28]
“A fountain there, called Salsabeel.”
[Surah al-Insan, 76: 18]
“Therein will be a flowing spring.”
[Surah al-Ghashiyah, 88: 12]
“In them (each garden) will be two springs, flowing freely.”
[Surah al-Rahman, 55: 50]
“As for the righteous, they shall drink from a cup in which is a mixture of
kaafoor (cool and refreshing drink), a fountain from which the righteous
servants of Allah drink, causing it to burst forth simply by their will.”
[Surah al-Insan, 76: 5-6]
6. The Gardens and Trees of Paradise
“Verily, for the righteous there will be attainment of security – gardens
enclosed and grapevines.”
[Naba, 78: 31-32] “In them will be two pairs of every fruit.”
[Rahman, 55: 52]
“They will recline on carpets whose linings will be rich brocade. The fruit of
the gardens will be hanging near. Then which of the favors of your Lord will
you deny?”
[Rahman, 55: 54-55]
“In them will be fruits and dates and pomegrantes.”
[Rahman, 55: 68]
“The companions of the right hand – what are the companions of the right hand?
(They will be) among lot trees without thorns, among talh (bananas) trees with
flowers (or fruits) piled one above another, and in shade long –extend by water
flowing (constantly) and fruit abundance whose season is not limited not
(supply) forbidden.”
[Waqiah, 56: 27-33]
“And its shades will come low over them, and the bunches (of fruit will hang
low in compliance).” [al-Insan, 76: 14]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“In Paradise there is a tree under the shadow
of which a rider can travel for a hundred years.” (Through another chain of
transmitters the following words were added), “He will not be able to cover
this distance.”
[Muslim]
Sahl bin Sa’d (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) said:
“In Paradise there is a tree under the shadow
of which a rider can travel for a hundred years. Without covering the distance
completely.”
[Muslim]
Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Apostle (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) said:
“In Paradise there is a tree under the shadow
of which a rider of a fine and swift – footed horse can travel for a hundred
years without covering the distance completely. There will be the pleasure of
Allah for the inhabitants of Paradise, and he
will never be annoyed with them.”
[Muslim]
Anas bin Malik (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“There is a tree in Paradise (which is so
large that) if a rider traveled in its shade for one hundred years, he would
not be able to cross it.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“There is a tree in Paradise (which is so
large that) a rider could travel in its shade for a hundred years. And if you
wish, you can recite: “In shade long – extended [Waqi’ah, 56: 30]. A place in Paradise equal to an arrow bow of one of you is better
than (the whole earth) on which the sun rises and sets.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
7. The Shade of Paradise
“The parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised – beneath it flow
rivers. Perpetual is the enjoyment thereof and shade therein. Such is the end
of the righteous. The end of the disbelievers is the Fire.”
[Ra’d, 13: 35]
“As for the righteous, they shall be amid shades and springs of water and
fruits, all they desire. ‘Eat and drink to your heart’s content because of what
you used to do’. Thus do We certainly reward the doers of good.”
[Mursalat, 77: 41-44]
“And its shades will come low over them, and the bunches of fruit will hang low
in compliance.”
[Insan, 76: 14]
“They will be among lot trees with thorns talh (bananas) trees with flowers or
fruits piled one above another, and in shade long and extended, by water
flowing (constantly) and fruit in abundance whose season is not limited nor
(supply) forbidden.” (
[Waqi’ah, 56: 28-33]
“They and their spouses will be in (cool) shade, reclining on thrones. (Every)
fruit (i.e. enjoyment) will be there for them and they shall have whatever they
call for. ‘Peace!’ – a word (of salutation) from a Lord most merciful.’
[Ya-Sin, 36: 56-58]
“But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We shall soon admit to
gardens with rivers flowing beneath – abiding there forever. Therein they shall
have pure companions. We shall admit them to shades, cool and ever deep.”
[Nisa, 4: 57]
8. The Atmosphere of Paradise
“Reclining on raised thrones, they will see therein neither (burning) sun nor
(freezing) cold.”
[Al Insan, 76: 13]
“Faces that day will be joyful – pleased with their striving – in a garden on
high, where they shall hear no bad speech.”
[al-Ghashiyah 88: 8-11] (bad speech equals insult falsehood, harm, immorality,
pointless talk, etc.)
“They will say, ‘Praise be to Allah who has removed from us (all) sorrow, for
our Lord is indeed oft – forgiving, appreciative, who has settled us in the
house of lasting residence out of His bounty. No toil nor sense of weariness
shall touch us therein.’”
[Fatir, 35: 34-35]
9. The Market of Paradise
Anas bin Malik (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) said:
“In Paradise there is a street to which they (the inhabitants of Paradise) will come every Friday. The north wind will
blow and will scatter fragrance on their faces and on their clothes. This will
add to their beauty and loveliness. Then they will go back to their family
after having an added luster to their beauty and loveliness, and their family
will say to them, ‘By Allah, you have been increased in beauty and loveliness
after leaving us.’ They (the ones who have been scattered with fragrance) will
say, ‘By Allah, you have also increased in beauty and loveliness after us.”
[Muslim]
10. The Bounty of the People of Paradise
“But after them (i.e. prophets and righteous believers) there followed a
posterity who neglected prayer and followed after lusts. Soon, then, will they
face destruction, except those who repent, believe and work righteousness.
These will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in the least – gardens of
eternity, those which (Allah), Most Merciful, has promised to His servants in
the Unseen. His promise must come to pass. They will not hear therein any vain
discourse, but only salutation of peace. They will have therein their
sustenance, morning and evening. Such is the Garden which We give as an
inheritance for those of Our servants who are God fearing.”
[Maryam, 19: 59-63]
“He that works evil will not be requited but by the like thereof. And he that
works a righteous deed – whether male or female, and is a believer – such will
enter the Garden. Therein they will have provision without measure.”
[Ghafir, 40: 40]
“But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that they will
have gardens beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are provided with
fruits there from, they say, ‘Why? This is what we were provided with before,’
for they are given things in resemblance. They have therein pure companions,
and they abide therein forever.”
[al-Baqarah, 2: 25]
“But the sincere (and devoted) servants of Allah, for them is a sustenance
determined fruits (delights) and, they shall be honored in gardens of
felicity.”
[Safat, 37: 40-43]
“That is what you are promised for the Day of Account! Truly, such will be Our
bounty (to you). It will never cease.”
[Saad, 38: 53-54]
11. The Food and Drink of Paradise
“Such will be the Garden which you have inherited because of what you used to
do. You shall have therein abundance of fruit from which you shall eat.”
[Zukhruf, 43: 72-73]
“And We shall provide them with fruit and meat, anything they shall desire.
They shall exchange with one another a cup free of frivolity, free of sin.”
[Tur, 52: 22-23]
“As for the righteous, (they will be) in a position of security among gardens
and springs, dressed in fine silk and in rich brocade, facing each other. And
We shall join them to companions with beautiful, big, lustrous eyes. There they
can call for every kind of fruit, in peace and security.”
[Dukhan, 44: 51-55]
“Every fruit (enjoyment) will be there for them, and they shall have whatever
they call for.”
[Ya-Sin, 36: 57]
“As for him who will be given his record in his right hand, he will say, ‘Ah
here! Read my record! I certainly knew that I would be meeting my account!’ so
he will be in a life of bliss, in a garden on high, the fruits hanging in
bunches (low and near). ‘Eat and drink with full satisfaction because of the
good that you sent before you in the days past!”
[Haqqah, 69: 19-24]
“And among them will be circulated vessels of silver and glasses of crystal, –
crystal- clear, made of silver which they will determine the measure thereof
(according to their wishes). They will be given a cup in which a mixture of
Zanjabeet (ginger) from a fountain called Salsabeel. Around them, youths of
perpetual (freshness) will serve. If you see them, you will think they are
scattered pearls. When you look there (Paradise),
you will see bliss and a magnificent realm. Upon them (people of Paradise) will be green garments of fine silk and heavy
brocade. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will
give them a pure drink. ‘Verily this is a reward for you and your endeavor has
been appreciated.”
[Insan, 76: 15-22]
“The companions of the right hand – what are the companions of the right hand?
(They shall be) among lot trees without thorns, among talh (bananas) trees with
flowers (or fruits) piled one above another, and in shade long – extended, by
water flowing (constantly) and fruit in abundance whose season is not limited
nor (supply) forbidden. And (they will be) on thrones (of dignity) raised
high.”
[Waqi’ah, 56: 27-34]
“As for the righteous, they shall be amid (cool) shades and springs (of water)
and fruits, all they desire. ‘Eat and drink to your heart’s content because of
what you used to do.’ Thus do We certainly reward the doers of good.”
[Mursalat, 77: 41-44]
“As for the righteous they shall drink from a scup in which is a mixture of
kaafoor.”
[Insaan, 76: 5]
“Therein will they recline (at ease). Therein they can call (at pleasure) for
fruit in abundance and (delicious) drink.”
[Saad, 38: 51]
“As for the righteous, they will be gardens and feel happiness, enjoying what
their Lord has given them. And their Lord had (already) prevented them from the
penalty of the Fire. (to them it will be said), ‘Eat and drink with
satisfaction because of what you used to do.”
[Tur, 52: 17-19]
Abu Sa’eed (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“The first meal which the people of Paradise
will take will be the caudate (extra) lobe of the liver of a fish.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
12. The Vessels and Plates of Paradise
“Around them will circulate eternal youths with goblets, beakers and cups
(filled) from clear – flowing fountains –no one will ache will they receive nor
will they suffer intoxication.”
[Waqi’ah, 56: 17-19]
“To them will be passed dishes and goblets of gold. There will be all that the
soul could desire and all that the eyes could delight in, and you shall abide
therein eternally.”
[al-Zukhruf, 43: 71]
“And among them will be circulated vessels of silver and glasses of crystal –
crystal, clear, and made of silver which they will determine the measure
thereof (according to their wishes).”
[al-Insan, 76: 15-16]
“Verily for the righteous there will be attainment of security, gardens
enclosed and grape vines, companions of equal age and a cup full to the brim.”
[Naba, 78: 31-34]
13. The Dwellings of the
People of Paradise
“Allah has promised to believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers
flow to dwell therein eternally and good homes in gardens of everlasting bliss.
But the pleasure of Allah is greatest. That is the supreme triumph.”
[Tawbah, 9: 72]
“Companions restrained (as to their glances) in pavilions.”
[Rahman, 55: 72]
Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“The believers, after being saved from the Hellfire, will be stopped at a
bridge between Paradise and Hell, and mutual retaliation will be established
among them regarding wrongs they have committed in the world against one
another. After they are cleansed and purified (through the retaliation), they
will be admitted into Paradise. By Him in
whose hand Muhammad’s soul is, everyone of them will know his dwelling in Paradise better than he knew his dwelling in this world.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abdullah ibin Qais Al-Ash’ari (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“A tent (in Paradise) is like a hollow pearl
which is thirty miles in height. On every corner of the tent the believers will
have a family that cannot be seen by the others.” (Narrated abu Imran in
another narration,” (The tent is) sixty miles (in height).”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
It is reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“While I was asleep, I saw myself in Paradise,
and there I beheld a woman making ablution beside a palace. I asked, ‘To whom
does this palace belong?’ somebody said, ‘To Umar bin AL-Khattab.’ Then I
remembered Umar’s jealousy (concerning women), and so I quickly went away from
that palace.” (When Umar heard this from the Prophet (SAW), he wept and said,
‘Do you think it is likely that I feel jealousy because of you, Oh Allah’s
Apostle?”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
On the authority of his father, Abu Bakr ibin abu Musa bin Qais (radiAllahu
anhu) narrated that Allah’s Apostle (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“There will be a tent made of a pearl whose height towards the sky will be sixty
miles. In each corner, there will be a family of the believer, out of sight of
the others.”
[Muslim]
Abu Bakr ibin Abdullah bin Qais (radiAllahu anhu) reported on the authority of
his father that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“In Paradise there will be a tent of a single hollowed pearl, the width of
which will be sixty miles from all sides. There will live a family in each
corner, and the other will not be able to see the believer who goes around to
them.”
[Muslim]
14. The Thrones of the People of
Paradise
“Therein will be thrones raise don high, goblets placed ready, cushions set in
rows and rich carpets spread out.”
[Ghashiyah, 88: 31-36]
“Truly, the righteous will be in bliss. On thrones they will command a sight of
things. You will recognize in their faces the beaming brightness of bliss.”
[Mutaffifeen, 83: 22-24]
“They will recline with ease on thrones arranged in ranks. We shall join them
with companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes.”
[Tur, 52: 20]
“Reclining on raised thrones, they will see therein neither (burning) sun nor
(freezing) cold.”
[Insaan, 76: 13]
“They and their spouses will be in cool shade, reclining on thrones.”
Ya-Sin, 36: 56]
“They will be on thrones encrusted with gold and precious stones, reclining on
them, facing each other.”
[Waqi’ah, 56: 15-16]
“They will recline on carpets whose linings will be of rich brocade. The fruit
of the gardens will be hanging near (and in easy reach).”
[Rahman, 55: 54]
“But on this day the believers will laugh at the unbelievers. On thrones they
will command a sight of all things. Are the unbelievers not rewarded finally
for what they used to do?”
[Mutaffifeen, 83: 34-36]
15. The Reception of the People of Paradise
“And those who feared their Lord will be led to the Garden in crowds, until
behold, they arrive there. Its gates will be opened, and its keepers will say,
‘Peace be upon you! Well have you done, so enter it, abiding in it eternally.”
[Zumar, 39: 73]
“Gardens of perpetual bliss – they shall enter them as well as the righteous
among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring. Angels shall enter
unto them from every gate (with the salutation), ‘Peace unto you for what you
endured in patience! Now, how excellent is the final home!”
[Ra’d, 13: 23-24]
“But those who believed and worked righteousness will be admitted to gardens
beneath which rivers flow to dwell therein forever by permission of their Lord.
Their greeting therein will be, ‘Peace!”
[Ibrahim, 14: 23]
“Their salutation on the day they met Him will be ‘Peace!’; and He has prepared
for them a generous reward.”
[Ahzaab, 33: 44]
“No frivolity will they hear therein nor anything sinful – only the saying,
‘Peace! Peace!”
[Waqi’ah, 56: 25-26]
“Every fruit (enjoyment) will be there for them, and they shall have whatever
they call for. ‘Peace!’ a word (of salutation) from a Lord most Merciful!”
[Ya-Sin, 36: 57-58]
“Certainly, those who believe and work righteousness – their Lord will guide
them because of their faith. Beneath them will flow rivers in gardens of bliss.
Their prayer therein will be, ‘Subhaanak Allahumma’ (Glory be to You Oh
Allah!’), and their greeting therein will be, ‘Salam’ (Peace). And the last day
of their prayers will be, ‘Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
[Yunus, 10: 9-10]
16. The People of Paradise
“You will recognize in their faces the beaming brightness of bliss.”
Mutaffifeen, 83: 24]
“Some faces, that day, will beam (in happiness), looking at their Lord!”
[Qiyamah, 75: 22-23]
“The righteous will be amid gardens and springs. (They will be greeted), ‘Enter
here in peace and security.’ And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking
sense of injury. (They will be) brothers facing each other on thrones. There no
sense of fatigue shall touch them, nor shall they (ever) be evicted.”
[Hijr, 15: 45-48]
“Faces that day will be joyful – pleased with their striving – in a garden on
high, where they shall hear no bad speech.”
[Ghashiyah, 88: 8-11]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, created Adam in His own image with his length
being sixty cubits. As He created him, He told him to greet that group (a party
of angels sitting there) and listen to the response that they gave him, for it
would form his greeting and that of his offspring. He then went away and said,
‘Peace be upon you!’ They (the angels) said, “May there be peace upon you and
the mercy of Allah.” So all those who enter Paradise
will be in the form of Adam, his length being sixty cubits. Then the people who
followed him continued to diminish in size up to now.”
[Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“There will enter Paradise people whose hearts
will be like those of the hearts of the birds.”
[Muslim]
(This hadith beautifully sums up the qualities of the people of Paradise, just
as the hearts of birds are free from every tint of jealousy, in the same way
the hearts of the people of Paradise will e
free from jealousy, rancor, deceit, and hatred. Secondly, just as birds are
always alert and cautious of any danger, in the same way the hearts of the
people of Paradise will also be wakeful.
Thirdly, trust as the birds trust in Allah for their food, in the same way the
people of Paradise will have complete trust in
Allah regarding their sustenance, rather, their very existence.)
[Commentary of Abdul Hamid Siddiqi]
Sahl bin Sa’d (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam)
said:
“Seventy thousand or seven hundred thousand of my followers (the narrator is in
doubt as to the correct number) will enter Paradise holding each other till the
first and the last of them enter Paradise at the same time. Their faces will
have a glitter like that of the moon at night when it is full.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Sahl bin Sa’d (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“Verily, 70,000 or 700,000 of my followers will enter Paradise
altogether so that the first and the last of them will enter at the same time.
Their faces will be a glittering like the bright full moon.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“The first batch (of people) who will enter Paradise
will be (glittering like the full moon, and the batch next to them will be
(glittering) like the most brilliant star in the sky. Their hearts will be as
the heart of a single man, for they will have neither enmity nor jealousy among
themselves. Everyone will have two wives from the hooris (who will be so
beautiful, pure and transparent that) the marrow of the bones of their legs
will be seen through the bones and the flesh.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Apostle (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“The first group (of people) who will enter Paradise
will be glittering like the moon when it is full. They will not spit or blow
their noses or relieve nature. Their utensils will be of gold and their cups of
gold and silver. In their censors, the aloe wood will be used, and their sweat
will smell like musk. Everyone of them will have no enmity among themselves.
Everyone of them shall have two wives. The marrow of the bones of the wives
‘legs will be seen through the flesh because of excessive beauty. They (the
people of Paradise) will be neither have
differences nor hatred among themselves. HTier hearts will be as one heart, and
they will be glorifying Allah in the morning and in the evening.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“The first batch (of people) who will enter Paradise
will be (glittering) like a full moon, and those who will enter next will be
glittering like the brightest star. Their hearts will be like the heart of a
single man, for they will have two wives, each of whom will be so beautiful,
pure and transparent that the marrow of the bones of their legs will be see
through the flesh, they will be glorifying Allah in the morning and evening.
They will never fall ill, blow their noses or spit. Their utensils will be of
gold and silver and their cups will be of gold. The matte used in their censors
will be the aloe wood, and their sweat will smell like musk.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) said:
“Paradise and Hellfire disputed together and
Hellfire said, ‘In me are the mighty and haughty.’ Paradise
said, ‘In me are the weak and the poor.’ So Allah judged between them (saying),
‘You are Paradise, My mercy. Through you and I
show mercy to those I wish. And you are Hellfire, My punishment. Through you I
punish those I wish, and it is incumbent upon Me that each of you shall have
its full.’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim and at-Tirmidhi]
Harithah ibin Wahb (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“May I tell you who the dwellers of Paradise
are? (They are) every person who is considered weak and is despised, and who if
he takes an oath of reliance upon Allah, will fulfill it. Now may I tell you
who the people destined for Hell are? (they are) everyone who is ignorant,
impertinent, proud and arrogant.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]
The Women of Paradise
“But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that they
will have gardens beneath which rivers flow, Every time they are provided with
fruits there from they say, ‘Why, this is what we were provided with before,’
for they are given things in resemblance. They have therein pure companions,
and they abide therein forever.”
[Baqarah, 2: 25]
“And (there will be) companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes, likened
to well – guarded pearls, a reward for what they used to do.”
[Waqi’ah, 56: 22-24]
“And beside them will be chaste women restraining their glances (companions) of
equal age.”
[Saad, 38: 52]
“In them will be chaste (Maidens) restraining their glances, whom no man or
jinn before them has touched.”
[Rahman, 55: 56]
“In them will be fair companions, good and beautiful.”
[Rahman, 55: 70]
“We have created their companions of special creation and made them virgins,
loving by nature and equal in age for the companions of the right hand.”
[Waqi’ah, 56: 35-38]
“Companions restrained as to their glances in pavilions.”
[Rahman, 55: 72
“Verily, for the righteous there will be attainment of security gardens
enclosed and grapevines, companions of equal age and a cup full (to the brim).”
[Naba, 78: 31-34]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“The members if the first group to enter Paradise
will have faces as bright as the full moon during the night. The next group
will have faces as bright as the shining stars in the sky. Every person will
have two wives, and the marrow of their shanks will glimmer beneath the flesh.
There will be non without a wife in Paradise.”
[Muslim]
After Harithah (radiAllahu anhu) had been martyred by an arrow thrown by an
unknown person on the Day (of the battle) of Badr, his mother came to the
Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) she said:
“O Allah’s Apostle, you know the position of Harithah in my heart. (how dear he
was to her). So if he is in Paradise, I will
not weep for him. Otherwise, you will see what I will do.”
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, “Are you mad? Is there only one Paradise? There are many Paradises and he is in the
highest Paradise of Firdaus”
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) added, “A forenoon journey or an
afternoon journey in Allah’s cause is better than the whole world and whatever
is in it. A place equal to an arrow bow of anyone of you or a place equal to a
foot in Paradise is better than the whole
world and what ever is in it. If one of the women of Paradise
looked at the earth, she would fill whatever is in between them with perfume.
The veil of her face is better than the whole world and whatever is in it.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
17. The Garments of Paradise
“Allah will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds to gardens beneath
which rivers flow, they shall be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and
their garments therein will be silk. They have been guided in this life to good
speech, and they have been guided to the path of Him, the All Praised.”
[Hajj, 22: 23-24]
“For them will be gardens of eternity, rivers flowing beneath them. They will
be adorned with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine
silk and heavy brocade, reclining on raised thrones. How good the reward! How
beautiful a place of rest!”
[Kahf, 18: 31]
“As for the righteous, (they will be) in a position of security among gardens
and springs, dressed in fine silk and in rich brocade, facing each other. And
We shall join them to companions with beautiful, big and lustrous eyes.”
[Dukhan, 44: 51-54]
“Gardens of eternity that they will enter, they will be adorned therein with
bracelets of gold and pearls. Their garments will be of silk. They will say,
“Praise be to Allah who has removed from us (All) sorrow, for our Lord is
indeed oft –forgiving, appreciative out of His bounty. No toil nor sense of
weariness shall touch us therein.”
[Fatir, 35: 33-35]
“Upon them will be green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade. They will be
adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink.
‘Verily, this is a reward for you, and your endeavor has been appreciated.”
[Insan, 76: 21-22]
Al-Barah ibn ‘Azib (radiAllahu anhu) said: “Allah’s Apostle (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) was given a silken garment, and its beauty and delicacy astonished the
people. On that, Allah apostle (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, ‘No doubt, the
handkerchiefs of Sa’d bin Mu’aadh in Paradise
are better than this.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
18. The Bracelets of the People of Paradise
“Allah will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds to gardens beneath
which rivers flow. They shall be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and
their garments therein will be silk. They have been guided (in this life) to
good speech, and they have been guided to the path of Him, and the
All-praised.”
[Hajj, 22: 23-24]
“For them will be gardens of eternity, rivers flowing beneath them. They will
be adorned with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine
silk and heavy brocade, reclining on raised thrones. How good the reward! How
beautiful a place of rest!”
[Kahf, 18: 31]
“Upon them will be green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade. They will be
adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink.
‘Verily, this is a reward for you, and your endeavor has been appreciated.’”
[Insan, 76: 21-22]
“Gardens of eternity they will enter. They will be adorned therein with
bracelets of gold and pearls. Their garments will be of silk. They will say,
‘Praise be to Allah who has removed from us, (all) sorrow, for our Lord is
indeed oft-forgiving, appreciative, who has settled us in the house of lasting
residence out of His bounty. No toil no sense of weariness shall touch us therein.”
[Fatir, 35: 33-35]
19. The Youthful Servants of Paradise
“Around them will circulate eternal youths with goblets, beakers and cups
filled from clear and flowing fountains, no after, ache will they there from,
nor will they suffer intoxication, and also with fruits, any that they may
select; and the flesh of fowls, any that they may desire.”
[Waqi’ah, 56: 17-21]
“Around them will circulate (devoted) youths resembling well guarded pearls.”
[Tur, 52: 24
“Around them, youths of perpetual (freshness) will serve. If you see them, you
will think they are scattered pearls).”
[Insan, 76: 19]
20. The Activities of the People of Paradise
“Verily, the companions of the Garden are in occupation they enjoy. They and
their spouses will be in cool shade, reclining on thrones.”
[Ya-Sin, 36: 55-56]
“Then those who have believed and worked righteous deeds will be in a garden
(of happiness), honored.”
[Rum, 30: 15]
“(They will be) facing each other on thrones. Passed around to them will be a
cup from a clear, flowing fountain, crystal, white, of a taste so delicious to
those who drink from it. It is free from headiness, and they will not suffer
intoxication from it. Beside them will be chaste women, restraining their
glances, with big eyes of wonder and beauty, as if they were delicate eggs,
closely guarded.”
[Safat, 37: 44-49]
“But on this day the believers will laugh at the unbelievers. On thrones they
will command a sight of all things. Are the unbelievers not rewarded (finally)
for what they used to do?”
[Mutaffifeen, 83: 34-36]
“They will say, ‘Praise be to Allah, who has truly fulfilled His promise to us
and has made us inherit the earth. We can dwell in the garden where we will.
How excellent a reward for those who work (righteousness)!”
[Zumar, 39: 74]
“They will advance to each other, engaging in mutual enquiry. They will say,
‘We used to be fearful of Allah and His punishment among our people. But Allah
has been good to us and has delivered us from the penalty of the scorching
wind. Truly, we used to call upon Him before. Truly, it is He who is the
Beneficent, the Merciful.”
[Tur, 52: 25-28]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“The (members of the ) first group that will be admitted to Paradise
will have their faces as bright as a full moon during the night. They will
neither spit nor suffer anything. They will have their utensils and their combs
made of gold and silver, and the fuel of their braziers will be aloes, and
their sweat will be musk and everyone of them will have two spouses (so
beautiful) that the marrow of their shanks will be visible through the flesh.
There will be no dissension among them and no enmity in their hearts. Their
hearts will be like one heart, glorifying Allah morning and evening.”
[Muslim]
21. The Ranks of Paradise
“Those who believe, emigrate and strive with might and main in Allah’s cause
with their wealth and their persons have the highest rank in the sigh of Allah.
They are the ones who will achieve (salvation). Their Lord gives them glad
tidings of a mercy from Himself and good pleasure and of gardens for them
wherein is lasting enjoyment. They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with
Allah is a great reward.”
[Tawbah, 9: 20-22]
“Look how We have bestowed more on some than on others. But verily in the
hereafter is greater difference in rank and preference.”
[Isra’, 17: 21]
“O you who believe! When you are told to make room in assemblies, (spread out
and) make room. (Ample) room will Allah provide for you. And when you are told
to rise up, rise up. Allah will raise those of you who believe and who have
been granted knowledge in rank. Allah is well – acquainted with all you do.”
[Mujadilah, 58: 11]
“Verily, he who comes to his Lord as a criminal (at judgment), for him is Hell,
wherein he shall neither die nor live. But he who comes to Him as a believer
who has worked righteous deeds, for them are ranks exalted gardens of eternity,
beneath which flow rivers, dwelling therein forever. Such is the reward of those
who purify themselves (from evil).”
[Ta-Ha, 20: 74-76]
It is narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and His Apostle (salAllahu alayhi wasalam), offers
prayer perfectly and fasts the month of Ramadan will rightfully be granted
Paradise by Allah, no matter whether he fights in Allah’s cause or remains in
the land where he is born.”
The people said, “Oh Allah’s Apostle! Shall we acquaint the people with this
good news?” He said, “Paradise has one hundred
grades which Allah has reserved for the mujaahidoon who fight in His cause, and
the distance between each of two grades is like the distance between the Heaven
and the earth. So when you ask Allah (for something), ask for al-Firdaws which
is the best and highest part of Paradise.”
(the subnarrator added, “I think the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) also
said ‘Above it (alfirdaus) is the throne of the beneficent (Allah), and from
its originate the rivers of Paradise.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Sahl bin Sa’d (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“The people of Paradise will look to the upper apartment of Paradise
in the same way as you see the planets in the sky.”
[Muslim]
Abu Sa’eed al Khudri (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) said:
“The people of Paradise will look at the dwellers of the lofty mansions (a
superior place in Paradise) in the same way as
one looks at a brilliant star far away in the East or in the West on the
horizon. That is because of their superiority over one another (in rewards).”
Because of that, the people said, “Oh Allah’s Apostle! Are these lofty mansions
the prophets mansions which nobody else can reach?”
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) replied, “By Allah, in whose hands my
life is, some men who believe in Allah and trust His Apostles will be able to
reach them.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Anas bin Malik (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Umm Ar-Ruba’i bint Al-Barah
(radiAllahu anha) the mother of Harithah ibin Suraqah (radiAllahu anhu) came to
the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) and said:
“Oh Allah’s Prophet! Will you tell me about Harithah?” Harithah had been killed
(martyred) on the day of Badr with an arrow by an unidentified person. She
added, “If he is in Paradise, I will weep
bitterly for him.” He said, “Oh mother of Harithah! There are gardens in
Paradise, and your son got the Firdaus at A’la (the best place in Paradise).”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
22. The Lowest Rank in Paradise
Abdullah (radiAllahu anhu) said: “The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
‘I know the person who will be the last to come out of the Hellfire and the
last to enter Paradise. He will be a man who
will come out of the Hellfire crawling, and Allah will say to him, ‘Go and
enter Paradise.” He will go to it, but will
imagine that it has been filled, and then he will re turn and say, “Oh Lord, I
have found it full.” Allah will say, “Go and enter Paradise,
and you will have what equals the world and ten times as much (you will have as
much as ten times the like of the world).” On that, the man will say, “Do you
mock at me (laugh at me) though You are the King?” I saw Allah’s Apostle (SAW)
(while saying that) smiling that his premolar teeth became visible. It is said
that will be the lowest degree among the people of Paradise.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) said: “Some people said, ‘O Allah’s Apostle!
Shall we see our Lord on the Day of Resurrection?’ He said,
‘Do you crowd and squeeze each other on looking at the sun when it is not
hidden by clouds?’ They replied, ‘No, Allah’s Apostle’. He said, ‘Do you crowd
and squeeze each other on looking at the moon when it is full and not hidden by
clouds?’ They replied, No’, Allah’s Apostle’.
He said, ‘So you will see Him (your Lord) on the Day of Resurrection similarly.
Allah will gather all the people and say, ‘Whoever used to worship anything
should follow that thing.’ So he who used to worship the sun, will follow it;
and he who used to worship the moon will follow it and he who used to worship
false deities will follow them. And then only this nation (Muslims) will
remain, including their hypocrites. Allah will come to them in a shape other
than they know and will say, “I am your Lord.” They will say, “We seek refuge
from you. This is our place (we will not follow you) till our Lord comes to us,
and when our Lord comes to us, we will recognize Him.” Then Allah will come to
them in a shape they know and will say, “I am your Lord,” They will say, “(No
doubt) You are our Lord.” And they will follow Him. Then a bridge will be laid
over the Hellfire.” And Allah’s Apostle (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) added, ‘I
will be the first to cross it.
The invocation of the apostles on that day will be, ‘Allahumma sallim, sallim!
(O Allah save us, save us!)’ Over that bridge will be hooks similar to the
thorns of as’sa’daan (a thorny tree). Didn’t you see the thorns of as’
sa’daan?’ The companions said, ‘Yes, Oh Allah’s Apostle.’ He added, ‘So the
hooks over that bridge will be like the thorns of as’-sa’daan, except that
their greatness in size is only known to Allah. These hooks will snatch the
people according to their deeds. Some people will be ruined because of their
evil deeds, and some will be cut into pieces and fall down in Hell, but will be
saved afterwards when Allah finished the judgments among His slaves and intends
to take out of the Fire whoever He wishes to take out from among those who used
to testify that none had the right to be worshipped but Allah.
He will order the angels to take them out. The angels will know them by the
mark of the traces of prostration (on their foreheads), for Allah banned the
Fire to consume the traces of prostration on the body of Adam’s son. So they
will take them out, and by then they will have been burnt (as coal). Then
water, called maa’ul hayat (water of life) will be poured on them, and they
will spring out like a seed springs out on the bank of a rainwater stream.
There will remain one man who will be facing the Hellfire and will say, “OH
Lord! Its (Hell) vapor has poisoned and smoked me, and its flame has burnt me.
Please turn my face away from the Fire.” He will keep on invoking Allah till
Allah says, “Perhaps if I give you (what you want), you will ask for another
thing?” The man will say, “No, by Your power, I will not ask You for anything
else.”
Then Allah will turn his face away from the Fire. The man will say after that,
“Oh Lord, bring me near the gate of Paradise.”
Allah will say to him, “Didn’t you promise not to ask for anything else? Woe to
you, oh son of Adam! How treacherous you are!” The man will keep invoking Allah
till Allah will say, “But if I give you that, you may ask me for something
else.” The man will say, “No, by Your power, I will not ask for anything else.”
He will give Allah his covenant and promise not to ask for anything else after
that. So Allah will bring him near to the gate of Paradise.
When he sees what is in it, he will remain silent as long as Allah wills, and
then he will say, “Oh Lord! Let me enter Paradise.”
Allah will say, “Didn’t you promise that you would not ask ME for anything
other than that? Woe to you, oh son of Adam! How treacherous you are!” On that,
the man will say, “Oh Lord! Do not make me the most wretched of Your creation,”
and will keep on invoking Allah till Allah will smile. When Allah smiles
because of him, then HE will allow him to enter Paradise.
When he enters Paradise, he will be addressed,
“Wish from so and so” He will wish until all his wishes are fulfilled. Then
Allah will say, “All this (what you have wished for) and as much again
therewith are for you.” Abu Hurairah (RA) added, ‘That man will be the last of
the people of Paradise to enter Paradise.”
‘Ata (radiAllahu anhu) narrated while Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reporting:
“Abu Sa’eed (RA) was sitting in the company of Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu)
and he did not deny anything of his narration till he reached his saying, ‘All
this and as much again therewith are for you.”
Then Abu Sa’eed (radiAllahu anhu) said, ‘I heard Allah’s Apostle say, “This is
for you and ten times as much.” Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) said, “In my
memory it is as much again therewith.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
23. Everlasting Life in Paradise
“But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the
Garden, abiding in it eternally.”
“There, no sense of fatigue shall touch them, nor shall they ever be evicted.”
[Hijr, 15: 48]
“They will not taste death therein, except the first death, and He will
preserve them from the penalty of the blazing Fire. (It will be) a bounty from
your Lord. That will be the supreme achievement!”
[Dukhan, 44: 56-57]
“As for those who believe and work righteous deeds, they will have the gardens
of Paradise as hospitality. Eternally therein,
they will not desire any other place.”
[Kahf, 18: 107-108]
“Their Lord gives them glad tidings of a mercy from Himself and good pleasure
and of gardens for them wherein is lasting enjoyment.”
[Tawbah, 9: 21]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Apostle (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“He who gets into Paradise (will be made to
enjoy such and everlasting) bliss that he will neither become destitute nor
will his clothes wear out nor will his youthfulness decline.”
[Muslim]
Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (radiAllahu anhu) and Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) both
narrated that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“There will be an announcer (in Paradise) who
will make this announcement, ‘Verily, there is in store for you (everlasting)
health. You will never fall ill, and you will live (forever) and never die. You
will reamin young and never become destitute.’ (This is explained in) the words
of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, ‘And it will be announced to them, “This is
the Paradise you have been made to inherit for
what you used to do.””
[Muslim, Quranic quote is from Al-A’raf, 7: 43]
Abu Sa’eed (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“Death will be brought on the Day of Resurrection in the form of a white –
colored ram.” Abu Juraib made the addition, “Then it will be made to stand
between Paradise and Hell.” (So far the rest
of the hadeeth is concerned, there is perfect agreement between the two
narrators.) “It will be said to the people of Paradise.
‘Do you recognize this? They will raise up their necks, look towards it and
say, ‘Yes, it is death’ Then a command will be given to slaughter it, and it
will be said, “Oh people of Paradise, there is everlasting life for you and no
death, Then (Addressing) the people of Hellfire, it is will be said, “Oh people
of Hellfire! There is everlasting life for you and no death.” Allah’s Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) then recited the following verse pointing with his
hand to this material world. “Warn them of the day of regret, when their
affairs will be decided. They are unmindful, and they do not believe!”
[Muslim, Surah Maryam 19: 39]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said:
“It will be said to the people of Paradise.
‘Oh people of Paradise, eternity for you and
no death!’ To the people of the Fire (It will be said), “Oh people of the fire,
eternity for you and no death!’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
24. The Greatest Thing in Paradise
“Say, ‘Shall I bring your attention to things far better than those? For the
righteous are gardens in nearness to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath,
eternal therein, with pure companions and the good pleasure of Allah. For
within Allah’s sight are all His servants – especially those who say, “Our
Lord, we have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and protect us from the
agony of the Fire.” Those who are patient, are truthful, who worship devoutly,
who spend in the way of Allah and who prays for forgiveness in the pre-dawn
hours.’”
“Allah has promised to believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers
flow to dwell therein eternally and good homes in gardens of everlasting bliss.
But the pleasure of Allah is greatest. That is the supreme triumph.”
[Tawbah, 9: 72]
“Those who believe, emigrate and strive with mighty and main in Allah’s cause
with their wealth and their persons’ have the highest rank in the weight of
Allah. They are the ones who will achieve salvation. Their Lord gives them glad
tidings of a mercy from Himself and good pleasure and of gardens for them
wherein is lasting enjoyment. They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with
Allah is a great reward.”
[Tawbah, 9: 20-22]
“Their salutation on the day they meet Him will be ‘Peace!; and He has prepared
for them a generous reward.”
[Ahzab, 33: 44]
“Peace!’ a word of salutation from a Lord most Merciful!”
Ya-Sin, 36: 58]
“Some faces that day, will beam in happiness, looking at their Lord.”
[Qiyamah, 75: 22-23]
(This ayah is used as proof by ahl us-Sunnah that the people of Paradise will actually see their Creator).
Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) said:
“Allah will say to the inhabitants of Paradise, ‘Oh inhabitants of Paradise! They will say, Oh our Lord, we present
ourselves and are at Your pleasure, and good ness rests in Your hands.’ Then He
will say, ‘Are you contented?’ They will reply, ‘And how should we not be
contented, oh 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?’ They will answer, ‘Oh Lord and what thing is
better than that?’ He will say, “shall cause My favor to descend upon you and
there I shall never be displeased with you.’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim and at-Tirmidhi]
