Jannah (Paradise) (Part 4 of 5)

The Food and Drink of the People of Paradise

 

The people will have whatever food and drink they desire:

"Any fruit that they may choose, And the flesh of fowls that they desire" [56:20-21]

"...there will be there all that the souls could desire, all that the eyes could delight in.." [43:71]

Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will permit them to take whatever they want of the good food and drink of Paradise:

"Eat and drink at ease for that which you have sent on before you in days past!" [69:24]

In Paradise there will be a sea of water, a sea of wine, a sea of milk and a sea of honey, and the rivers of Paradise will flow out of these seas. There will be also many springs in Paradise, and its people will drink from these seas, rivers and springs.

(i) The Wine of the People of Paradise

One of the drinks that Allaah will bestow on the people of Paradise will be wine. The wine of Paradise is free of all the troubles and problems that characterise the wine of this world, which makes people lose their minds, and causes headaches, stomach aches and other physical disorders, or which may have something wrong in the way it is made, or its colour, etc. But the wine of Paradise is free from all such faults; it is pure and beautiful:

"Round them will be passed a cup of pure wine; white, delicious to the drinkers. Neither will they have ghoul [any kind of hurt, abdominal pain, headache, etc] from that, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom" [37:45-47]

Allaah described the beauty of its white colour, then explained that its drinker enjoy it very much, without is affecting their minds:

"..rivers of wine delicious to those who drink.." [47:15]

And they will never be adversely affected by drinking it:

"..nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom" [37:47]

Elsewhere in the Qur'aan, Allaah describes the wine of Paradise,

"They will be served by immortal boys, With cups and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine, Wherefrom they will get neither any aching of the head, nor any intoxication" [56:17-19]

Commenting on this passage, Ibn Katheer said, "it does not cause their heads to ache or their minds to be fogged; it is pure, although it still contains the ingredients that make it a delight to the drinker. ad-Dahhaak narrated that Ibn 'Abbaas said, "Wine produces four things: drunkenness, headache, vomit and urine. Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) has mentioned the wine of Paradise, and He has purified it of all these things." [Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 6/514]

In another part of the Qur'aan, Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says:

"They will be given to drink pure sealed wine, the last thereof will be the smell of musk.." [83:25-26]

This wine is sealed or covered, and at the end of it, the drinker will find the scent of musk.

(ii) The food and drink of the people of Paradise does not produce any impure excrement.

This does not only apply to the first group to enter Paradise, all those who enter will be similarly pure. Muslim reports from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The first group of my ummah to enter Paradise will be as beautiful as the full moon and those that come after them will be like the brightest shining star, and those that follow them will be ranked according to their status. They will not defecate, urinate or blow their noses or spit." [Muslim in Kitaab al-Jannah, Baab awwal zumrah tadkhul al-Jannah, 4/2188, no. 2834]

(iii) Why Will the People of Paradise Eat and Drink and Comb their Hair?

If the people of Paradise are to abide there forever, and it is free form all discomfort, pain and sickness, if there is no hunger or thirst there, and no impurities or dirt, then why will the people of Paradise eat and drink, and wear perfume and comb their hair?

al-Qurtubee answered this question in at-Tadhkirah [p. 475, see also al-Fath, 6/325]: "The luxuries and clothing of the people of Paradise will not be for the purpose of warding off potential pains; they will not eat because of hunger or drink because of thirst, or wear perfume because of some offensive odour, because Paradise is a never-ending succession of delight and joy. Do you not remember the words of Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) to Aadam?

"Verily you have that you will never be hungry therein nor naked. And you suffer not from thirst therein nor from the sun's heat." [20:118-119]

The wisdom behind it [food and drink, etc] is so that Allaah will introduce Paradise to them in ways similar to the good things that they enjoyed on earth, but He will increase it in ways known only to Him."

(iv) The Vessels and Cups of the People of Paradise

The vessels from which the people of Paradise will eat and drink will be of gold and silver. Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says:

"Trays of gold and cups will be passed round them.." [43:71] i.e. cups of gold.

And Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says, "And amongst them, will be passed round vessels of silver and cups of crystal, crystal-clear, made of silver. They will determine the measure thereof according to their wishes." [76:15] i.e it will combine the purity of crystal with the whiteness of silver.

al-Bukhaari and Muslim reported from Abu Musaa al-Ash'ari that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The believer in paradise will have a tent made of a hollowed out pearl.. and two gardens of silver, their vessels and everything in them, and two gardens of gold, their vessels and everything in them." [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/86]

Among the vessels from which they will drink will be cups and jugs and glasses:

"They will be served by immortal boys, with cups, and jugs and a glass from the flowing wine." [56:17-18]

 

The Clothing, Jewellery and Incense-Burners Of the People of Paradise

The people of Paradise will wear the most luxurious clothes, amongst other things, garments of silk and bracelets of gold, silver and pearls. Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says:

"...wherein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments will be of silk." [22:23]

"'Adn Paradise they will enter, therein will they be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments there will be of silk." [35:33]

"...They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Rabb will give them a pure drink." [76:21]

Their clothes will be colourful, including garments of green silk and brocade:

"..They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade. They will recline therein on raised thrones. How good the recompense! How beautiful a couch to recline on." [18:31]

"Their garments will be of fine green silk, and gold embroidery. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver.." [76:21]

The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) also told us that the people of Paradise will have combs of gold and silver, and that they will perfume themselves with 'Ud at-Teeb, even though the scent of musk will be emanating from their pure bodies. al-Bukhaari narrates from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said of those who will enter Paradise:

"Their vessels will be of gold and silver, their combs will be of gold and the coals of their incense-burners will be of aloe-wood [Abul-Yaman said, "of 'Ud at-Teeb] and their sweat will be musk." [al-Bukhaari, Kitaab Bid' al-Khalq, Baab Maa Jaa'a fi Sifat al-Jannah wan-Naar, Fath al-Baari, 6/319]

Their jewellery will include crowns. at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Maajah report from al-Miqdaam ibn Ma'd Yakrib that among the honours bestowed upon the martyr will be: "..there will be placed upon his head a crown of dignity, one ruby of which is better than this world and all that is in it." [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/358, no. 3834, Saheeh Muslim, saheeh]

The clothing and jewellery of the people of Paradise will never wear out or fade. Muslim reports from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "Whoever enters Paradise is blessed, and will never be miserable, his clothes will never wear out and his youth will never fade away." [Saheeh Muslim, Kitaab al-Jannah, Baab fi Dawam Na'eem al-Jannah, 4/2181, no. 2836]

Jannah (Paradise) (Part 3 of 5)

The Delights of the People of Paradise:
The Superiority of Paradise Over the Pleasures of This World

 

The pleasures of this world are tangible and present, whilst the delights of Paradise are as-yet unseen promises. People are readily influenced by what they can see and know instantly; it is hard enough for them to forgo something that is in front of them for the sake of something else that is in the future, so how much harder it is if the promise will not be attained until after death! So Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) drew a comparison between the pleasures of this world and the joys of Paradise, and explained that the delights of Paradise are far superior to this world's pleasures. The Qur'aan speaks at length denouncing this world of instant, fleeting pleasures and stating that the rewards with Allaah as far better, to encourage man to strive hard for success in the next world:

"And strain not your eyes in longing for the things We have given them for enjoyment to various groups of them the splendour of this life that We may test them thereby. But the provision of your Rabb is better and more lasting" [20:131]

And "Beautified for men is the love of things they covet: women, children, much of gold and silver , branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world's life but Allaah has the excellent return with Him. Say: "Shall I inform you of things far better than those? For al-Muttaqoon there are Gardens with their Rabb, under which rivers flow. Therein eternal and Azwaajun mutahharatun , and Allaah will be pleased with them. And Allaah is All-Seer of Slaves" [3:14-15]

There are many reasons why the delights of Paradise are superior to the pleasures of this dunyaa; Amongst them:

 

(i) The Pleasures of this Dunyaa are Fleeting:

"Say: Short is the enjoyment of this world. The Hereafter is better for him who fears Allaah.." [4:77]

The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) illustrated the inferiority of this dunyaa by comparing it to what Allaah has prepared in Paradise, "By Allaah, this world in comparison with the Hereafter is nothing more than as if one of you put his finger" - and he gestured with his forefinger - "in the sea; let him see how much water he would retrieve" [Saheeh Muslim, 4/2193, no. 2858]. A finger dipped in the ocean would not even pick up one drop; this is how little this world is worth when compared with the Aakhirah.

Because these pleasures are so insignificant, Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) has rebuked those who prefer the pleasures of this world to the joys of the Aakhirah:

"O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that when you are asked to go forth in the Cause of Allaah you cling heavily to this earth? Do you prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter" [9:38]

We have already quoted numerous texts that indicate the inexhaustible abundance of the blessings and joys of the Aakhirah.

 

(ii) The Hereafter is also better from the perspective of quality.

The clothing, food, drink, jewellery and palaces of the people of Paradise will be far superior to their counterparts in this world. There is in fact no room for comparison, as even the smallest space in Paradise is better than this world and all that is in it. al-Bukhaari and Muslim report from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The space of a whip in Paradise is better than this world and everything in it" [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/85, no. 5613]

Also narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The space of the bow of any one of you in Paradise is better than all that the sun rises upon" [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/85, no. 5615]

The comparison between the women of Paradise and the women of this earth serves to demonstrate the superiority of that which is in Paradise. al-Bukhaari reports from Anas that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said,

"If a woman from the people of Paradise were to look at this earth, she would light up everything between it and fill it with her fragrance; the veil on her head is better than this world and all that is in it" [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/85, no. 5614]

 

(iii) Paradise is free from all the impurities and disappointments of this world.

Eating and drinking in this life results in the need for excretion and its associated unpleasant odours. If a person drinks wine in this world, he loses his mind. Women in this world menstruate and give birth, which are sources of pain and hurt. Paradise is free from all of these discomforts: its people will not urinate, defecate, spit or suffer from catarrh. The wine of Paradise, as described by its Creator, is:

"Crystal-white, delicious to those who drink , free from intoxication, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom" [37:46-47]

The water of Paradise does not become brackish, and its milk never changes in flavour:

"..rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes.." [47:15]

The women of Paradise are pure and free from menstruation, nifaas and all the other impurities suffered by women in this world, as Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says:

"...and they shall have therein Azwaajun Muttaharatun [Purified mates having no menses, urine, stools, etc]" [2:25]

The hearts of the people of Paradise will be pure, their speech will be good, their deeds righteous. There will be no hurtful, upsetting, offensive or provocative talk there, for Paradise is free of all worthless words and deeds:

"...free from any laghw [dirty, false, evil, vague talk], and free from sin" [52:23]

The only speech that is heard there is good, sincere and pure, free from all the shameful shortcomings of earthly speech:

"No Laghw [dirty, false, evil talk] will they hear therein, nor lying" [78:35]

"They shall not hear therein any Laghw, but only salaam " [19:62]

"Where they shall hear neither harmful speech nor falsehood" [88:11]

Paradise is the abode of purity and peace, "No laghw will they hear therein, nor any sinful speech [like backbiting, etc], But only the saying of Salaam! Salaam! " [56:25]

For this reason, when the people of Paradise have been saved from the Fire, they will be detained of a bridge between Paradise and Hell, where they will be purified by settling any wrongs that may be outstanding, so that they may enter Paradise, pure of heart and soul, free from any resentment, envy or other negative emotions of this world. al-Bukhaari and Muslim report that when the people of Paradise enter Paradise, "There will be no hatred of resentment among them, their hearts will be as one, and they will glorify Allaah, morning and evening" [al-Bukhaari from Abu Hurayrah, in Kitaab bid' al-Khalq, Baab maa jaa'a fi Sifaat al-Jannah, Fath al-Baari, 6/318]

Allaah indeed spoke the truth when He (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) said,

"And We shall remove from their breasts any lurking sense of injury: brothers facing each other on thrones " [15:47]

A "sense of injury" is hatred. It was reported from Ibn 'Abbaas and 'Ali ibn Abi Taalib that when the people of paradise enter Paradise they will drink from one spring, and Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will remove all sense of injury or hatred from their hearts, then they will drink from another spring, and their faces will become pure and bright [al-Qurtubee, at-Tadhkirah, p. 499]. This is probably what is meant by the aayah, "And their Rabb will give them a pure drink" [76:21]

 

(iv) The Pleasures of This World are Transient Whilst the Joys of the Hereafter are Lasting and Eternal

This is why Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) calls the pleasures of this world "temporary conveniences" because they are enjoyed for a short while, then come to an end, but the joys of al-Aakhirah have no end:

"What is with you, must vanish, and what is with Allaah will endure.." [16:96]

": This is Our Provision, which will never finish" [38:54]

"...its provision is eternal and so is its shade.." [13:35]

Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) gave an example of how quickly this world will pass away:

"And put forward for them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allaah is Able to do everything. Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last are better with your Rabb for rewards and better in respect of hope" [18:45-46]

Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) likened this life to the rain that falls from the sky and causes plants to grow and flower and bear fruit. This lasts for only a short time, before they shrivel and are blown away by the wind. Such are the luxuries of this life, such as youth, wealth, sons, lands and fields. All of this passes away; youth fades, health and vitality are replaced by sickness and old age, wealth and children may disappear, a man may be taken from his family and wealth, but the Hereafter will never vanish or go away:

"...And excellent indeed will be the home of the Muttaqoon, 'Adn Paradise which they will enter, under which rivers flow.." [16:30-31]

 

(v) Seeking to Enjoy the Pleasures of this World and Neglecting the Hereafter Will be Followed By Regret and Sorrow When One Enters the Fire of Hell

"Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection will you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception " [3:185]

Jannah (Paradise) (Part 2 of 5)

The People of Paradise

The Deeds for Which People Will Deserve to Enter Paradise

The people of Paradise are the believers and strict monotheists. All those who associate others with Allaah or disbelieve in Him, or deny any of the principles of faith will not be allowed to enter Paradise. Their destination will be Hellfire.

The Qur'aan often states that the people of Paradise are the believers who do righteous deeds, to quote one of many examples:

"But whoever comes to Him as a believer and has done righteous good deeds, for such are the high ranks - 'Adn Paradise under which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever: such is the reward of those who purify themselves". [20:75-76]

* Believers may earn Paradise through their eemaan and Islaam:

"My worshippers! No fear shall be on you this Day, nor shall you grieve - who believed in Our aayaat and were Muslims, enter Paradise you and your wives in happiness" [43:68-70]

* Or because they were sincere in their devotion to Allaah:

"Save the chosen slaves of Allaah [al-Mukhliseen]. For them there will be a known provision, fruits and they shall be honoured, in the gardens of delight." [37:40-43]

* Or for the strength of their relationship with Allaah, their longing for Him and worship of Him:

"Only those who believe in our aayaat who, when they are reminded of them fall down prostrate, and glorify the praises of their rabb, and they are not proud. Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Rabb in fear and hope, and they spend [charity in Allaah's Cause] our of what We have bestowed on them". [32:15-16]

* Or for their patience and reliance upon Allaah Ta'ala:

"..Excellent is the reward of the workers, those who are patient and put their trust in their Rabb" [29:58-59]

* Or for their steadfastness in faith:

"Verily those who say "Our Rabb is Allaah" and remain firm , on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Such shall be the Companions of the Garden dwelling therein: a recompense for their good deeds". [46:13-14]

* Or for their humility:

"Verily those who believe and do righteous deeds and humble themselves before their Rabb - they will be dwellers of Paradise to dwell therein forever" [11:23]

* Or for their fear of Allaah Ta'ala:

"But for him who fears standing before his Rabb there will be two Gardens" [55:46]

* Or for their hatred of the kuffaar and mushrikeen and their refusal to befriend them:
"You will not find any people who believe in Allaah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allaah and His messenger, even though they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred . For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Ruh [proof, light and guidance] from Himself. And We will admit them to Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein . Allaah is pleased with them and they with Him". [58:22]

Some aayaat discuss in detail the righteous deeds for which a person may deserve Paradise; for example, Surah ar-Ra'd states:

"But it is only the men of understanding who pay heed, those who fulfill the Covenant of Allaah and break not the mithaaq, those who join that which Allaah has commanded to be joined, , fear their Rabb and dread the terrible reckoning, and those who remain patient, seeking their Rabb's Countenance, perform as-Salaat, and spend out of that which We have bestowed on them, secretly and openly, and defend evil with good, for such there is a good end 'Adn Paradise which they shall enter and those who acted righteously from among their fathers and their wives, and their offspring. And angels shall enter unto them from every gate Salaamun ''alaykum for that you persevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!" [13:19-24]

And at the beginning of Surah al-Mu'minoon, Allaah explains that success is for the believers and then described the deeds that will qualify them for success:

"Successful indeed are the believers, those who offer their salaah with khushoo', and those who turn away from al-laghw [dirty, false, evil, vain talk, falsehood and all that Allaah has forbidden], and those who pay the zakah, and those who guard their chastity, except from their wives or those whom their right hands possess, for then, they are free from blame; but whoever seeks beyond that then those are the transgressors; those who are faithfully true to their amaanah [all duties that Allaah has ordained: honesty, moral responsibility, and trusts] and to their covenants and those who strictly guard their prayers . These are indeed the inheritors who shall inherit al-Firdaws. They shall dwell therein forever" [23:11]

The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) also said, "The people of Paradise are three: a ruler who is fair and just; a man who is compassionate and gentle towards every relative and Muslim; and a man with a large family who is proud and does not beg" [Muslim, see Sharh an-Nawawi 'alaa Muslim, 17/198] 

The Way to Paradise is Very Hard

Paradise is very high, and ascending lofty places takes a great deal of effort. The way to Paradise is filled with things that go against human wishes and inclinations. This needs strong determination and willpower. In a hadith narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said,"Hell has been veiled with desires, and Paradise has been veiled with hardships."

an-Nasaa'ee, at-Tirmidhi, and Abu Dawud report from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "When Allaah created Paradise, He told Jibreel, "Go look at it". So he went and looked at it, then he came back and said, "By Your Glory, no-one will hear of it but he will enter it". So He surrounded it with hardships and said, "Go and look at it". So he went and looked at it, then came back and said, "By Your Glory, I fear that no-one will enter it"". [Jaami al-Usool, 10/520, 8068]

an-Nawawi commented on the first hadith:

"This is an example of the beautiful, eloquent and concise speech which the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) was capable, in which he gives a beautiful analogy. It means that nothing will help you to reach Paradise except going through hardships, and nothing will lead you to Hell, but whims and desires. Both are veiled as described, and whoever tears down the veil will reach what was hidden behind it. The veil of Paradise is torn down by going through hardships and the veil of Hell is torn down by giving in to whims and desires. Hardship including striving consistently and patiently in worship, restraining one's anger, forgiving, being patient, giving in charity, being kind to those who mistreat you, resisting physical desires, etc" [Sharh an-Nawawi 'ala Muslim, 17/165]

The People of Paradise

Description of the People of Paradise and the Delights They Enjoy Therein

The people of Paradise will enter in the most perfect and beautiful form, in the image of their father, Aadam (Alaihis Salaam), for there is no human form more perfect and beautiful than that of Aadam, whom Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) created very tall. He was as tall as a great palm tree, sixty cubits tall. Muslim reports from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said,

"Allaah, Subhaanahu wa ta'aala, created Aadam in his own image, sixty cubits tall... everyone who enters Paradise will be in the image of Aadam, sixty cubits tall. People kept getting shorter and shorter after the time of Aadam." [Saheeh Muslim, Kitaab al-Jannah, Baab Yadkhul al-Jannah Aqwam Af'idatuhum mithl af'idatah at-Tayr 4:2183, no. 2841]

Their external appearance will be in harmony, and their hearts will be as one. Their hearts and souls will be clean and pure. Muslim reports from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) a hadith in which the Prophet describes people entering Paradise including a group whose light will be like the full moon. He (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "Their form will be that of a single person, after the image of their father Aadam, sixty cubits tall." [Saheeh Muslim, Kitaab al-Jannah, Baab Awwal zumrah yadkhuluna al-Jannah, 4/2179, no. 2834]

Another aspect of their beauty is that they will have no body hair, and will look as if their eyes are anointed with kohl. Each of them will enter Paradise aged thirty-three, the age of strength, vitality and youth. Ahmad and at-Tirmidhi report from Mu'aadh ibn Jabal that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The people of Paradise will enter Paradise hairless, looking as if their eyes are ringed with kohl, aged thirty three." [Saheeh al-Jaami' 6/337, no. 7928]

The people of Paradise will not sleep. Jaabir ibn 'Abdullaah and 'Abdullaah ibn Abi Awfaa reported that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "Sleep is the brother of death; the people of Paradise will not sleep" [Silsilat al-Hadith as-Saheehah, 3/74, no. 1087, al-Kaamil of Ibn 'Adiyy, al-Hilyah of Abu Na'eem, Taareekh Isbahaan, by Abul-Sheikh] 

Jannah (Paradise) (Part 1 of 5)

Paradise: the Eternal Abode

Paradise is the tremendous reward which Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) has prepared for His beloved (awliyaa) and those who obey Him. It is complete joy and pleasure, where nothing is lacking and nothing can disturb its purity. What Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) and His Messenger have told us about it makes our heads spin because our minds are not able to comprehend the greatness of such blessings.

Listen to the words of Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) in this hadith qudsi:

"I have prepared for My righteous slaves that which no eye has seen, no ear has heard and has never crossed the mind of any human being".

Then the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "Recite, if you wish: "No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do". (32:17)

The joys of Paradise are far greater than the pleasures of this world, which pale into insignificance in comparison. al-Bukhaari reports from Sahl ibn Sa'd as-Sa'idee that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said: "A space the size of a whip in Paradise is better than this world and al that is in it". (Fath al-Baari, 6/319, an-Nawawi's commentary on Muslim 17/166)

Because admittance to Paradise and salvation from the Fire are according to Allaah's will and judgement, it is a great victory and tremendous success, as Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says:

"Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden, will have indeed attained the object of life [or: been successful]" (3:185)

"Allaah has promised to believers - men and women - Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein , and beautiful mansions in Gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allaah. That is the supreme felicity ". (9:72)

"...and those who obey Allaah and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens with rivers flowing underneath, to abide therein and that will be the supreme achievement". (4:13)

Admittance to Paradise

There is no doubt that the joy of the believers will be incomparable when they are led, group by honourable group, to the blessed Gardens of Paradise.

When they reach Paradise its gates will be opened for them, and they will be welcomed by noble angels congratulating them on their safe arrival after suffering so much hardship and witnessing so much horror:

"And those who feared their Rabb 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! Enter here, to dwell therein". (39:73)

In other words, your words, thoughts and deeds were good so your hearts and souls became pure and for that you deserve Paradise.

Paradise: There is Nothing Like It

The delights of Paradise surpass the imagination and defy description. They are like nothing known to the people of this world; no matter how advanced we may become, what we achieve is as nothing in comparison with the joys of the Hereafter. As is mentioned in several reports, there is nothing like Paradise:

"It is sparkling light, aromatic plants, a lofty palace, a flowing river, ripe fruit, a beautiful wife and abundant clothing, in an eternal abode of radiant joy, in beautiful soundly-constructed high houses". [Ibn Maajah, as-Sunan, Kitaab az-Zuhd, Baab Sifaat al-Jannah, 2/1448, no. 4332. Ibn Hibbaan narrated it in his saheeh]

 The Sahabah asked the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) about the buildings of Paradise and he replied with a wonderful description:

"Bricks of gold and silver, and mortar of fragrant musk, pebbles of pearl and sapphire, and soil of saffron. Whoever enters it is filled with joy and will never feel miserable; he will live there forever and never die; their clothes will never wear out and their youth will never fade." [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, ad-Daarimee, Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/29, sahih].

Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) indeed spoke the truth when He (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) said: "And when you look there you will see a delight . and a great dominion" [76:20]

What Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) has kept hidden from us the delights of Paradise is beyond our ability to comprehend: al-Bukhaari reported from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said that Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) said, "I have prepared for My slaves what no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no human heart can imagine". Recite if you wish, "No person know what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do." (32:17).

In the version reported by Muslim from Abu Hurayrah, there is the addition, "Never mind what Allaah has told you; what He has not told you is EVEN greater".

The Palaces and Tents of Paradise

Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will build good and beautiful dwellings for the people of Paradise:

"and beautiful mansions in Gardens of everlasting bliss" [9:72]

In some places in the Qur'aan, Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) described these dwellings as ghurafaat :

"and they will reside in the high dwellings in peace and security." [34:37]

The reward for the slaves of the all-Merciful will be:

"Those will be rewarded with the highest place because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect" [25:75]

Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) described these Ghurafaat:

"But for those who fear Allaah and keep their duty to their Rabb , for them are built lofty rooms, one above the other, under which rivers flow. the Promise of Allaah, and Allaah does not fail in Promise." [39:20]

Ibn Katheer said: "Allaah has told us about His blessed slaves who will have rooms in Paradise: these will be lofty palaces, "lofty rooms, one above another - story upon story, well-constructed, strong and decorated. The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) described these palaces to us. According to a hadith narrated by Ahmad, and Ibn Hibbaan from Abu Maalik al-Ash'ari and by at-Tirmidhi from 'Ali (Radiyallahu Anhu) the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said:

"In Paradise there are dwellings whose inside can be seen from the outside, and the outside can be seen from inside. Allaah [Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala] has prepared them for those who feed the hungry, and speak softly and gently, fast continuously and pray at night whilst the people are asleep." [Saheeh al-Jaami' as-Sagheer, 2/220, no. 2119]

Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) has told us that there are tents or pavilions in Paradise:

"Houris [beautiful, fair females] restrained in pavilions" [55:72]

These pavilions are wondrous tents, made of pearls, each one is made from a single, hollowed-out pearl. They are sixty miles high; according to some reports they are sixty miles wide. al-Bukhaari reports from 'Abdullaah ibn Qays that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The tent is a hollowed out pearl, thirty miles high; in each corner of it the believer will have a wife whom no one else can see". Abu 'Abdus-Samad and al-Haarith reported from Abu 'Imraan that the wording was "sixty miles high" [Sahih al-Bukhaari, Kitaab Bid' al-Khalq, Baab Sifaat al-Jannah, Fath al-Baari, 6/318]

Muslim reported from 'Abdullaah ibn Qays that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said:

"The believer in Paradise will have a tent made out of a single, hollowed-out pearl, sixty miles long, in which he will have wives, whom he will visit in turn, none of whom will see the others". [see also Muslim, Kitaab al-Jannah, Baab fi Sifaat Khiyaam al-Jannah, 4/2182, no. 2838]

The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) told us about the characteristics of the palaces of some of his wives and companions. al-Bukhaari and Muslim report that Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) said, "Jibreel came to the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "O Messenger of Allaah, Khadeejah is coming, carrying a container of food. When she comes to you, convey to her greetings of peace from her Rabb and from me, and give her the glad tidings of a house in Paradise made of brocade, in which there is no noise or exhaustion."" [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/266]

The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) has told us of the way in which the believer may acquire more than one house in Paradise:

Ahmad reports with a saheeh isnaad from Ibn 'Abbaas that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "Whoever builds a masjid for Allaah, even if it is as small as the nestling-place scratched out by the sane grouse for its eggs, Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will build a house for him in Paradise". [Saheeh al-Jaami' as-Sagheer, 5/265, no. 6005]

Ahmad, al-Bukhaari, Muslim, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Maajah report from 'Uthmaan that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said "Whoever builds a mosque for Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala), Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will build something similar for him in Paradise". [Saheeh al-Jaami' as-Sagheer, 5/265, no. 6007]

Muslim, Abu Dawud, Ahmad, an-Nasaa'ee, and Ibn Maajah report from Umm Habeebah that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "Whoever prays twelve extra rak'ahs every day, Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will build for him a house in Paradise." [Saheeh al-Jaami', 5/316, no. 6234]