JANNAH THE PARADISE

Paradise Heaven and Jannah In Islam
Our final destination is the life of the Hereafter. Where we end up, Jannah (Paradise) or Jahannam (Hell-fire) depends on what we worked towards in this life. Paradise is the aim and the hope of every Muslim. But like trying to attain any goal, in order to achieve success, one must have a well-defined plan, and it must be implemented to be successful.

Allah says,

O you who believe! Be careful of (your duty to) Allah and seek means of nearness to Him and strive hard in His way that you may be successful. [5:35]

To prepare for our journey, we need to find out what our destination is like; who are its people, and most importantly, how to get there.

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) told us that within Paradise are things that no eyes have ever seen, nor ears have ever heard, and that things in it are beyond our imagination and comprehension, but we all have our own personal ideas of what eternal bliss would probably be like.

Allah has also described Paradise in many places in the Qur'an, so let us now take a look at what He has in store for the believers.


Description in the Qur'an of Paradise

"The description of Paradise which the Muttaqoon have been promised is that in it are rivers of water, the taste and smell of which are never changed. Rivers of milk the taste of which will remain unchanged. Rivers of wine that will be delicious to those who drink from it and rivers of clear, pure honey. For them will be every kind of fruit and forgiveness form their Lord." [ 47:15]

"And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient. Reclining on raised thrones, they will see there neither the excessive heat of the sun, nor the excessive bitter cold, (as in Paradise there is no sun and no moon). The shade will be close upon them, and bunches of fruit will hang low within their reach. Vessels of silver and cups of crystal will be passed around amongst them, crystal-clear, made of silver. They will determine the measure of them according to their wishes. They will be given a cup (of wine) mixed with Zanjabeel, and a fountain called Salsabeel. Around them will (serve) boys of perpetual youth. If you see them, you would think they are scattered pearls. When you look there (in Paradise) you will see a delight (that cannot be imagined), and a Great Dominion. Their garments will be of fine green silk and gold embroidery. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink." [76:12-21]

"And those foremost (In Tawheed and obedience to Allah and His Messenger in this life) will be foremost (in Paradise). They will be those nearest to Allah in the Gardens of Delight. A multitude of those (the foremost) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islam) and a few of those (the foremost) will be from the later (generations). They will be reclining, face to face, on thrones woven with gold and precious stones. They will be served by immortal boys, with cups and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine, from which they will have neither any headache, nor any intoxication. They will have fruit from which they may choose, and the flesh of fowls that they desire. There will be Houris with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious), like preserved pearls, a reward for deeds that they used to do. They will hear no vain or sinful speech (like backbiting, etc.) but only the saying of: Salam, Salam, (greetings of peace). And those on the Right Hand, who will be those on the Right Hand? They will be among thorn-less lote-trees among Talh (banana trees) with fruits piled one above another, in long-extended shade, by constantly flowing water, and fruit in plenty, whose season is not limited, and their supply will not be cut off. They will be on couches or thrones raised high. Verily, We have created for them (maidens) of equal age, loving (their husbands only). For those on the Right Hand." [56:10-38]

"Verily, the dwellers of Paradise that Day, will be busy in joyful things. They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, reclining on thrones. They will have therein fruits (of all kinds), and all that they will ask for. (It will be said to them): "Salamun" (Peace be on you), a Word from the Lord, Most Merciful." [36:55-58]

Can you imagine?

Wearing the finest silk clothing and sitting on chairs made of gold and precious stones? Those who disbelieve in the words of Allah, say that this is all a fairy-tale, made up by a would-be prophet. But we know, that Allah is the Truthful and that His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, spoke only what was revealed to from the Most Truthful. And even though Allah describes Paradise for us in the Qur'an,

He still says,
"So no soul knows the delights of the eyes which is hidden for them; a reward for what they did." [32:17]


Description of Paradise in the Hadith

Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
"The people of Paradise will look at the dwellers of lofty mansions (i.e. 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 of the horizon. This is because of their superiority over one another (in reward)." One of the people asked, "O Allah's Messenger, are these lofty mansions for the Prophets which no one else can reach?"

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) replied, "No! By Allah, in whose Hands is my life, these are for men who believe in Allah and also believe in the Messenger." [Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Musa al-Ash'ari narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "Verily, for the believers in Paradise, are tents made of a single hollow pear. The length of which would be sixty miles long from all sides, their wives being therein. The believer will go around them (i.e., visit them) and they will not be able to see each other." [Sahih al-Jami]

Abu Hurairah said that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
"There is not a tree in Paradise, except that its trunk is made of gold." [Sahih al-Jami]

Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
"Verily in Paradise there is a market in which (the inhabitants of Paradise) will come to every Friday. The North wind will blow and scatter fragrances on their faces and on their clothes. This will add to their beauty and their attractiveness. They will then go back to their families after having an added luster to their beauty and their attractiveness. Their families will say to them, 'By Allah you have been increased in beauty and loveliness after leaving us,' and they will say, 'By Allah you too have increased in beauty and attractiveness after us.'" (Muslim)

Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
"(I saw in a dream that) I entered Paradise, and behold, there was a palace built of gold. I asked, 'Whose is this palace?' They (the angels) replied, 'For a man from the Quraysh.' So I thought it might be I, so I asked, 'And who is he?' They said, 'Umar Ibnul Khattab.' Nothing stopped me form entering it except your Ghirah (sense of honor)." Umar said, "My Ghirah would never be offended by you, O Messenger of Allah." [Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Anas ibn Malik said that Allah's Apostle (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
"I entered Paradise and found myself by a river, by its edges were tents of pearls. Then I tapped with my hands where the water was running, and there was then a beautiful smell of Musk. I asked, 'What is this O Gabriel?' He said, 'This is Kawthar (river in Paradise) which Allah has given to you.'" [Sahih al-Jami]


Who Are the People of Paradise?

We could go on and on, for the ahadith are vast in numbers, about the Prophet's descriptions of Paradise. But a place that has houses built with gold and silver bricks: where its dirt is made of rubies and sapphires and its inhabitants wear only the finest silk garments, sounds like a pretty exclusive neighborhood to me. Who are these people who will be allowed to live in this enchanting place? The Jews say the Jews. The Christians say the Christians.
But Allah says,
"And they say: 'None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.' Those are their (vain) desires. Say, 'Produce your proof if you are truthful.' [2:111]

He also says,
"(Namely) those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity, saying (to them), 'Peace be on you, enter you the Garden, because of (the good) which you did (in the world)." [16:32]

Always in the Qur'an when Allah mentions those who will attain Paradise, He mentions the believers, not the Muslims. He (subhanahu wa ta'ala) says, "Indeed the Muttaqoon will be amongst the Gardens and water-springs." [15:45]

He also says,
"Verily, the Muttaqoon will be in a place of security, among Gardens and Springs, dressed in fine silk and (also) in thick silk, facing each other. This is how it shall be, and We shall marry them to Houris with wide, lovely eyes. They will request therein for every kind of fruit in peace and security." [44:51-55]

So who are the believers and how do we become one of them? Allah says,
"They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and they strive with one another in hastening to good deeds, and those are among the good." [3:114]

He (subhanahu wa ta'ala) also says of the believers,
"But the Apostle and those who believe with him strive hard with their property and their persons; and these it is who shall have the good things and these it is who shall be successful." [9:88]

He goes on to say,
"Allah has purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the Garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain, which you have concluded: that is the achievement supreme." [9:111]

Of the believers, He also says,
"But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the Garden: Therein shall they abide (forever)." [2:82]

O slaves of Allah know that being among this illustrious group of people who will live in this place of tranquility and bliss is not something easily attained.

Allah says,
"Or do you think that you shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Apostle and those of faith who were with him cried, 'When (will come) the help of Allah?' Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!" [2:214]

What Allah and His Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) convey to us is that the people of Paradise are the God-conscious, and the God-fearing. Not everyone, who says, Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, just as not everyone who professes the Shahadah, will enter Paradise.

Only those who fear Allah as He ought to be feared, and are motivated by that fear to do acts of righteousness will attain success. The one who is conscious of His Lord, in every aspect of his life, and turns to Him in true submission, will have purchased for himself safety and security on a day, when there will be none, except with Allah. He does not cause a soul to suffer fear twice, the fear of Him in this world, and the fear on The Day of Judgment. About this, the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said,
"Allah says, 'I do not combine for my servants two states of fear, or two states of safety. So if he feels safe from Me in this world I will cause him to fear on The Day of Judgment, and if he fears Me in the world, I will cause him to be safe on The Day of Judgment.'" [Sahih al-Jami]

It is important, therefore, that Muslims know the characters of those who will be the inheritors of Paradise. But it is unfortunate that many of today's Muslims understand that it is enough for one to pronounce the Shahadah by his tongue for him to be entitled to enter Paradise regardless of whether he lived according to Islam or not! But the Shahadah means and requires more than the mere utterance of it. Actually this fact is one of the most mentioned aspects of Islam in the Qur'an and Sunnah. The essence of Eman is deed. Deeds of the heart and deeds of the tongue and other body parts. Deeds that are to be continued till one leaves this world. That was the reason why the Arabs of Makkah refused to pronounce it. They fully appreciated its implication. They knew it concerned authority and understood that they had to govern their deeds and lives with it. Yet many of those who repeat it today lead life styles that do not resemble those described in the Qur'an and practiced by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and his companions. The Qur'an warns us that deeds are the basis on which we are to be judged, not only the utterance of the Shahadah,
"It is not by your wishes nor the wishes of the People of the Book: whoever does wrong shall be punished for it, and he will find none other than Allah as a protector or helper." [4:123]

So entering Paradise requires that we live as believers and die as Muslims. That takes knowledge, dedication and determination to see it through to its completion. The fist step is belief in Allah and His Messenger, and the flip side to that is leaving all acts of shirk; this means directing all acts of ibadah to none but Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, whether it be wearing talismans, supplicating to others than Allah or simply showing off. The next step is obeying Allah and His Messenger, avoiding bid'ah and innovations, and carrying out all compulsory acts of worship that He has prescribed. Once we are steadfast and regular in what we must do, we can then proceed to the next level of eman and worship, by doing the things that we have been encouraged to do. By increasing out acts of worship, and remembrance of Allah we will leave off sin and help safeguard ourselves from a Fire, the fuel of which is men and stones.


We Should Also Strive to:

Protect our minds from thoughts, which are evil, because evil actions begin with evil thoughts.

Protect our eyes by lowering our gazes and not looking at forbidden things.

Protect our ears from lewd or evil speech where there is sin. We should also avoid listening to lies, gossip, music, slander, or blasphemy.

Protect our tongues by saying always what is correct and true, and keeping it moist with the remembrance of Allah, and keeping away from backbiting and other evil speech.

Protect our stomachs by eating the halal and keeping away from the haram. We should beware of eating usury, carrion, and swine or drinking intoxicants or taking drugs.

Protect our hands from taking what does not belong to us, or from doing harm to another Muslim.

Protect our legs from taking us to evil and corruption and an ultimate doom.

Protect our private parts from unlawful sexual intercourse.

Protect our wealth by not squandering it or holding on to it too tightly.

Protect our oaths, witnesses and trusts by not breaching or breaking a contract or pledge knowingly. We should not exceed our agreements, testify to falsehood or break our trusts.

Protect our families and children by keeping them away from the things that may be harmful and that may corrupt their minds and their souls.

Now, it is true that only Allah knows who the believers are, but that should not stop us from striving to be among their numbers. For the believers will have eternal bliss and complete success, because of the things that they did in this life. Allah says,
"So no soul knows the delight of the eyes which is hidden for them; a reward for what they did." [32:17]

We now stand at the start of the race, so let us run forward quickly to the finish line, where the gates of Paradise will be open for those who strive as they should. The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, who said,
"Paradise is surrounded by hardship and the Hellfire is surround by wishes and desires," has described the road to eternal bliss. [Sahih al-Jami]

Despite this, Allah and His Messenger have left breadcrumbs along the path, for us to follow to make our journey easier. All roads may lead to Rome, but not all paths lead to Allah and His Paradise. We must plan our journey by using only the road map given to us by Allah and His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam.


Ways That Lead To Paradise:

Belief and Righteous Deeds are two of the best routes to Jannah (Paradise). The door of righteous deeds is wide and the ways of obtaining rewards are vast, as Allah says,
"And those who believe and do good deeds they are the inhabitants of Paradise, in it they shall abide."
[2:82]

Taqwa is the fear of the Most Merciful, and acting in accordance with the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. That is, hoping for the reward of Allah and avoiding disobedience of His Guidance and fearing His Punishment. For Allah says,
"Surely those of taqwa shall be in the midst of Gardens and fountains." [15:45]

The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, also said,
"The most common thing which leads people to Paradise is taqwa of Allah and good conduct, and the most common thing which leads people to the Hell Fire is the mouth and the private parts." [at-Tirmidhi]

Obedience of Allah and His Messenger is a sure way to Paradise. Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, says,
"And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, He will cause him to enter Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and whoever turns back, He will chastise him with a painful chastisement." [48:17]

Allah's Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, also said,
"All of my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse." It was asked, "O Messenger of Allah, who would refuse?" He said, "He who obeys me enters Paradise and he who disobeys me has refused." [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Fighting in the Path of Allah with one's goods and soul. For Allah says,
"O you who believe, shall I lead you to a merchandise which may deliver you from a painful chastisement? You shall believe in Allah and His Messenger, and struggle hard in Allah's Cause with your property and your lives; that is better for you, if you but knew! He will forgive you your sins and cause you to enter Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and goodly dwellings in Gardens of perpetuity; that is the mighty achievement." [61:10-12]

Repentance erases what came before it as the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said,
"The one who repents form sin is like the one who never sinned." [Sahih Al-Jami]

And Allah says,
"Except such as repent and believe and do good, these shall enter the Garden, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly in any way." [19:60]

There are countless other means, from building a mosque to seeking Islamic knowledge to obeying our husbands and raising righteous children. All it takes is our time and sincere efforts. With all that Allah has described, it may seem daunting to us at times, that we will ever make it. Emaan rises and falls, and with it our good deeds. But we should never lose hope in Allah, for the only one who loses hope in Allah is the one who disbelieves.

So even though we may feel that we are at the bottom of the pile, the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) gives us hope. He said,
"Mousa, alayhes salam, asked his Lord, 'Who amongst the inhabitants of Paradise will be the lowest in rank?' He (subhanahu wa ta'ala) said, 'He is a man who will come after the people have entered Paradise and it will be said to him: Enter Paradise.' He will say, 'How my Lord? Indeed, the people have settled in their apartments and taken their shares.' It will be asked of him, 'Would you be pleased if there was a kingdom for you like the kingdoms of the earth?' He will say, 'I would be pleased, my Lord.' He will say, 'And for you is the like of that, and the like of it, and the like of it.' He will say at the fifth time, 'I am pleased, my Lord.' He will say, 'This is for you and ten times like it, and for you is what you desire for yourself and what is pleasurable to your eye.' He will say, "I am pleased my Lord." [Muslim]

This is what Allah has for the least among us. But despite all the glorious castles, the beautiful clothes and mates we will posses, inshaAllah, He still has in store for the believers the greatest honor awaiting them in Paradise. Suhaib ibn Sinan narrated that the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said,
"When the inmates of Paradise enter Paradise and the inmates of Hellfire will enter Hell, the announcer will say, 'O people of Paradise, verily you have a promise with Allah and He wishes to fulfill His promise to you.' They will ask, 'What is His promise? Has He not made our balances heavy (with good deed), whitened our faces, admitted us into Paradise, and delivered us from the Hellfire?' Then the screen will be removed and they will look towards Him. By Allah He will not give them a thing more beloved to them and more comforting to their eyes, than the gaze of Himself." [Sahih al-Jami]

We were created in Paradise, we came out of it and we will inshaAllah go back to it. It is our destination and we shall reach it. But we have to do what Allah has asked us to do, for Paradise is not cheap. The price is true eman that is shown in obedience to Allah according to the sunnah of his Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. The companions understood that. Their efforts were all for the life of the Hereafter and they gave only what was necessary to this worldly life. As Muslims, everything we do, can be, and should be worship of Allah. Whether we're working at the office to provide for our families; cooking a meal; raising our children, or simply resting, through remembrance of Allah and supplication, we can transform these earthly necessities into fruits that will bear for us in the life of the Hereafter.

So let us keep our eyes on the prize, and strive hard for it, for Allah says,
"And (as for) those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them in Our ways; and Allah is most surely with the doers of good." [29:69]




Allah has created Human beings to worship Him, to obey Him, to know Him and to love Him. He did not leave them alone. From His immense Mercy, He reveled books and religions to them and sent Prophets and Messengers to explain these books and Messages. There is nothing that leads to goodness and success in this life and the hereafter that the Messengers did not mentions, and similarily there is nothing that lead to the anger and wrath of Allah that they did not warn from and called to avoid.

Allah who has forbidden oppression on Himself and on His creatures, is also the Most Wise the Most Merciful and the Oft Forgiving. He promised that those who would obey Him and His messengers would be rewarded by al-Jannah (Paradise) and His pleasure on them, and those who disobeyed Him and His messengers, and contended with the Messenger and followed paths other than the path of the believers they also shall be rewarded justly and fairly with Hell Fire wal-`iyaathu biLLAH (we seek protection and refuge in Allah from that).

We have seen how horrible was the punishment of the people who disobey Allah whether in their graves, before the Day of judgement, during the Day of Judgement, and after the the Day of Judgement in Hell Fire wal-`iyathu biLLAH.

It is crystal clear for us that we cannot sustain Hell Fire, and I am sure that after reading this brief message that describes al-Jannah (Paradise) it will be crystal clear for us that we cannot deprive ourselves from going to Jannah (deprive by committing sins and disobeyying Allah, otherwise going to Jannah or jahannam is a matter that belongs to Allah and only Him)

Some misguided Sufis say that they worship Allah not fearing His Hell or seeking His Jannah but for the sake of worship because He is worthy of worship. This is clear misguidance and going astray from the path of the Messengers and the Believers. These people cannot be better, purer, more knoweledgeble, and more pious than the best of mankind, our Prophet Mohammad salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam who TAUGHT US AND ORDERED US to ask Allah for His Jannah, and to seek protection in Allah from His Jahannam, and WHO HIMSELF wept and cried when he talked about Jahannam and was affraid from it, and WHO HIMSELF wanted to enter Jannah when
the angels took him to it. Islam is a balanced religion, the religion of the middle, the religion of justice and fairness.

Ahlu-Sunnah wal-Jama`a believe in Allah, believe that there is none worthy of worship but Him, and we do worship Him because he is worthy of worship, and we do worship Him because HE ordered us to do so, and we do worship Him seeking protection in Him from His Hell Fire, and we do worship Him seeking to enter His Jannah and to look at His Generous Face.

How can we not seek to enter al-Jannah and it is the real success, it is the house of eternity, the house of lasting joy and happiness, the house where there is no sorrow, no pain, no death but just pleasure and enjoyment and above all there is in Jannah the PLEASURE OF ALLAH on its inhabitants. It is in Jannah where the believers would see their LORD, where they will meet with the Messengers and their companions, and the Martyrs.

What is this Jannah that Allah promised to the righteous ?

I-al-Jannah described in al-Qur'an

Surah: 2. al-Baqara

25. But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness that their portion is Gardens beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom they say: "Why this is what we were fed with before" for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein companions (pure and holy); and they abide therein (for ever).

133. Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord and for a garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth prepared for the righteous.

Surah: 3. Aali Imran

15. Say: shall I give you glad tidings of things far better than those? For the righteous are Gardens in nearness to their Lord with rivers flowing beneath; Therein is their eternal home; with spouses purified and the good pleasure of Allah, for in Allah's sight are (all) His servants.

Surah: 4. an-Nisaa

57. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness We shall soon admit to gardens with rivers flowing beneath their eternal home: therein shall they have companions pure and holy: We shall admit them to shades cool and ever deepening.

Surah: 6. al-a`raf

43. And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury; beneath them will be rivers flowing; and they shall say: "Praise be to Allah Who hath guided us to this (felicity): never could we have found guidance had it not been for the guidance of Allah: indeed it was the truth that the apostles of our Lord brought unto us." And they Shall hear the cry: "Behold! the garden before you! Ye have been made its inheritors for your deeds (of righteousness)."

44. The companions of the garden will call out to the companions of the fire: "We have indeed found the promises of our Lord to us true: have you also found your Lord's promises true?" They shall say "yes"; but a crier shall proclaim between them: "the curse of Allah is on the wrong- doers;

Surah: 9. at-Tawbah

72. Allah hath 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 in the Good Pleasure of Allah: that is the supreme felicity.

Surah: 13. ar-Ra'd

23. Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there as well as the righteous among their fathers their spouses and their offspring: and angels shall enter unto them from every gate (with the salutation):

35. The parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised! beneath if flow rivers: perpetual is the enjoyment thereof and the shade therein: such is the End of the Righteous; and the End of Unbelievers is the Fire.

Surah: 14. Ibrahim

23. But those who believe and work righteousness will be admitted to Gardens beneath which rivers flow to dwell therein for aye with the leave of their Lord: their greeting therein will be: "Peace!"

Surah: 15. al-Hijr

45. The righteous (will be) amid Gardens and fountains (of clear-flowing water).

46. (Their greeting will be): "Enter ye here in Peace and Security."

47. And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury: (they will be) brothers (joyfully) facing each other on thrones (of dignity).

48. There no sense of fatigue shall touch them nor shall they (ever) be asked to leave.

Surah: 16. an-Nahl

31. Gardens of Eternity which they will enter: beneath them flow (pleasant) rivers: they will have therein all that they wish: thus doth Allah reward the righteous

Surah: 18. al-Kahf

31. For them will be Gardens of Eternity; beneath them rivers will flow; 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!

Surah: 22. al-Hajj 14. Verily Allah will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds to Gardens beneath which rivers flow: for Allah carries out all that He plans.

23. Allah will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds to Gardens beneath which rivers flow: they shall be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and pearls; and their garments there will be of silk.

Surah: 25. al-Furqaan

15. Say: "Is that best or the eternal Garden promised to the righteous? For them that is a reward as well as a goal (of attainment).

16. "For them there will be therein all that they wish for: they will dwell (there) for aye: a promise to be prayed for from thy Lord."

Surah 35. Fatir

32. Then We have given the Book for inheritance to such of our servants as We have chosen: But there are among them some who wrong their own souls; some who follow a middle course; and some who are, by Allah's leave, foremost in good deeds; That is the highest grace.

33. Gardens of Eternity will they enter: therein will they be adorned with bracelets of Gold and pearls; And their garments there will be of silk.

34. And they will say:"Praise be to Allah, who has removed from us (all) sorrow: for our Lord is indeed Oft-Forgiving Reasy to appreciate (service):

35. "Who has, out of His bounty, settled us in a home that will last: no toil Nor sense of wearness shall touch us therein."

Surah: 37. as-Saaffaat

40. But the sincere (and devoted) servants of Allah

41. For them is a Sustenance Determined

42. Fruits (Delights) and they (shall enjoy) honor and dignity.

43. In Gardens of Felicity.

44. Facing each other on Thrones (of dignity):

45. Round will be passed to them a Cup from a clear-flowing fountain

46. Crystal-white of a taste delicious to those who drink (thereof)

47. Free from headiness; nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom.

48. And beside them will be chaste women; restraining their glances with big eyes (of wonder and beauty).

49. As if they were (delicate) eggs closely guarded.

50. Then they will turn to one another and question one another.

51. One of them will start the talk and say: "I had an intimate companion (on the earth)

52. "Who used to say `What! art thou amongst those who bear witness to the truth (of the Message)?

53. " `When we die and become dust and bones shall we indeed receive rewards and punishments?'"

54. (A voice) said: "Would ye like to look down?"

55. He looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire.

56. He said: "By Allah! thou wast little short of bringing me to perdition!

57. "Had it not been for the Grace of my Lord I should certainly have been among those brought (there)!

58. "Is it (the case) that we shall not die

59. "Except our first death and that we shall not be punished?"

60. Verily this is the supreme achievement!

61. For the like of this let all strive who wish to strive.

Surah: 38. Saad

49. This is a Message (of admonition): and verily, For the righteous, is a beautiful place of (final) return,-

50. Gardens of eternity, whose doors will (ever) be open to them;

51. Therein will they recline (at ease); therein can they call (at pleasure) for fruit in abundance,ad (delicious) drink;

52. And beside them will be Chaste women restraining their glances, (companions) of equal age.

53. Such is the Promise made to you for the Day of Account!

54. Truly such will be our Bounty (to you); It will never fail;-

Surah: 39. az-Zumar

71. The Unbelievers will be led to Hell in crowds; until when they arrive there its gates will be opened and its Keepers will say "Did not apostles come to you from among yourselves rehearsing to you the Signs of your Lord and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?" The answer will be: "True: but the Decree of Punishment has been proved true against the Unbelievers!"

72. (To them) will be said: "Enter ye the gates of Hell to dwell therein: and evil is (this) abode of the arrogant!"

73. 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 ye done! Enter ye here to dwell therein."

74. They will say: "Praise be to Allah Who has truly fulfilled His promise to us and has given us (this) land in heritage: we can dwell in the Garden as we will: how excellent a reward for those who work (righteousness)!"

75. And thou wilt see the angels surrounding the Throne (Divine) on all sides saying Glory and Praise to their Lord. The Decision between them (at Judgment) will be in (perfect) justice. And the cry (on all sides) will be "Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds!"

Surah: 41. Fussilat (Ha-Mim)

30. In the case of those who say "Our Lord is Allah" and further stand straight and steadfast the angels descend on them (from time to time): "Fear ye not!" (they suggest) "nor grieve! but receive the Glad Tidings of the Garden (of Bliss) the which ye were promised!

31. "We are your protectors in this life and in the Hereafter: therein shall ye have all that your souls shall desire; therein shall ye have all that ye ask for!

Surah: 43. az-Zukhruuf

68. My devotees! no fear shall be on you that Day nor shall ye grieve

69. (Being) those who have believed in Our Signs and bowed (their wills to Ours) in Islam.

70. Enter ye the Garden ye and your wives in (beauty and) rejoicing.

71. To them will be passed round dishes and goblets of gold: there will be there all that the souls could desire all that the eyes could delight in: and ye shall abide therein (for aye).

72. Such will be the Garden of which ye are made heirs for your (good) deeds (in life).

73. Ye shall have therein abundance of fruit from which ye shall have satisfaction.

Surah: 44. ad-Dukhaan

51. As to the Righteous (they will be) in a position of Security

52. Among Gardens and Springs;

53. Dressed in fine silk and in rich brocade they will face each other;

54. So; and We shall Join them to Companions with beautiful big and lustrous eyes.

55. There can they call for every kind of fruit in peace and security;

56. Nor will they there taste Death except the first Death; and He will preserve them from the Penalty of the Blazing Fire

57. As a Bounty from thy Lord! That will be the supreme achievement!

Surah: 47. Muhammed (salla Allhu alaihi wa sallam)

15. (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 a joy to those who drink; and rivers of honey pure and clear. In it there are for them all kinds of fruits and Grace from their Lord. (Can those in such Bliss) be compared to such as shall dwell for ever in the Fire and be given to drink boiling water so that it cuts up their bowels (to pieces)?

Surah: 55. ar-Rahman

46. But for such as fear the time when they will stand before (the Judgment Seat of) their Lord there will be two Gardens

47. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

48. Containing all kinds (of trees and delights)

49. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

50. In them (each) will be two Springs flowing (free);

51. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

52. In them will be Fruits of every kind two and two.

53. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

54. They will recline on Carpets whose inner linings will be of rich brocade: the Fruit of the Gardens will be Near (and easy of reach).

55. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

56. In them will be (Maidens) Chaste restraining their glances whom no man or Jinn before them has touched

57. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

58. Like unto rubies and coral.

59. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

60. Is there any Reward for Good other than Good?

61. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

62. And besides these two there are two other Gardens

63. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

64. Dark green in color (from plentiful watering).

65. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

66. In them (each) will be two springs pouring forth water in continuous abundance:

67. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

68. In them will be Fruits and dates and pomegranates:

69. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

70. In them will be fair (companions) good beautiful

71. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

72. Companions restrained (as to their glances) in (goodly) pavilions

73. Then which of the favor of your Lord will ye deny?

74. Whom no man or Jinn before them has touched

75. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

76. Reclining on green Cushions and rich Carpets of beauty.

77. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

Surah: 56. al-Waaqi`ah

10. And those Foremost (in Faith) will be Foremost (in the Hereafter).

11. These will be those Nearest to Allah:

12. In Gardens of Bliss:

13. A number of people from those of old

14. And a few from those of later times.

15. (They will be) on Thrones encrusted (with gold and precious stones).

16. Reclining on them facing each other.

17. Round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness).

18. With goblets (shining) beakers and cups (filled) out of clear- flowing fountains:

19. No after-ache will they receive therefrom nor will they suffer intoxication:

20. And with fruits any that they may select;

21. And the flesh of fowls any that they may desire.

22. And (there will be) Companions with beautiful big and lustrous eyes- -

23. Like unto Pearls well-guarded.

24. A Reward for the Deeds of their past (Life).

25. No frivolity will they hear therein nor any taint of ill

26. Only the saying "Peace! Peace."

27. The Companions of the Right Hand what will be the Companions of the Right Hand?

28. (They will be) among lote trees without thorns

29. Among Talh trees with flowers (or fruits) piled one above another

30. In shade long-extended

31. By water flowing constantly

32. And fruit in abundance

33. Whose season is not limited nor (supply) forbidden

34. And on Thrones (of Dignity) raised high.

35. We have created (their Companions) of special creation.

36. And made them virgin-pure (and undefiled)

37. Beloved (by nature) equal in age

38. For the companions of the Right Hand.

39. A (goodly) number from those of old

40. And a (goodly) number from those of later times.

Surah: 69. al-Haaqqah

19. Then He that will be given his Record in his right hand will say: "Ah here! read ye my Record!

20. "I did really understand that my Account would (one Day) reach me!"

21. And he will be in a life of Bliss

22. In a Garden on high

23. The Fruits whereof (will hang in bunches) low and near.

24. "Eat ye and drink ye with full satisfaction; because of the (good) that ye sent before you in the days that are gone!"

Surah: 76. al-Insaan

5. As to the Righteous they shall drink of a Cup (of Wine) mixed with Kafur

6. A Fountain where the Devotees of Allah do drink making it flow in unstinted abundance.

7. They perform (their) vows and they fear a Day whose evil flies far and wide.

8. And they feed for the love of Allah the indigent the orphan and the captive

9. (Saying) "We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: No reward do we desire from you nor thanks.

10. "We only fear a Day of distressful Wrath from the side of our Lord."

11. But Allah will deliver them from the evil of that Day and will shed over them a light of Beauty and a (blissful) Joy.

12. And because they were patient and constant He will reward them with a Garden and (garments of) silk.

13. Reclining in the (Garden) on raised thrones they will see there neither the sun's (excessive heat) nor (the moon's) excessive cold.

14. And the shades of the (Garden) will come low over them and the bunches (of fruit) there will hang low in humility.

15. And amongst them will be passed round vessels of silver and goblets of crystal

16. Crystal-clear made of silver: they will determine the measure thereof (according to their wishes).

17. And they will be given to drink there of a Cup (of Wine) mixed with Zanjabil

18. A fountain there called Salsabil.

19. And round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness): if thou seest them thou wouldst think them scattered Pearls.

20. And when thou lookest it is there thou wilt see a Bliss and a Realm Magnificent.

21. Upon them will be green Garments of fine silk and heavy brocade and they will be adorned with Bracelets of silver; and their Lord will give to them to drink of a Wine Pure and Holy.

22. "Verily this is a Reward for you and your Endeavor is accepted and recognized."

Surah: 77. al-Mursalaat

41. As to the righteous, they shall be amidst (cool) shades and springs (of water)

42. And (they shall have) fruits, -all they desire.

43. "Eat ye and drink ye to your heart's content:For that ye worked (righteousness).

44. Thus do We certainly reward the doers of good.

Surah: 78.an-Naba'

31. Verily for the righteous there will be a fulfillment of (the Heart's) desires;

32. Gardens enclosed and Grape-vines;

33. Companions of Equal Age;

34. And a Cup full (to the Brim).

35. No Vanity shall they hear therein nor Untruth

36. Recompense from thy Lord a Gift (amply) sufficient

Surah: 83. at-Tatfeef

18. Nay verily the Record of the Righteous is (preserved) in `Illiyin.

19. And what will explain to thee what `Illiyin is?

20. (There is) a Register (fully) inscribed.

21. To which bear witness those Nearest (to Allah).

22. Truly the Righteous will be in Bliss:

23. On Thrones (of Dignity) will they command a sight (of all things):

24. Thou wilt recognize in their Faces the beaming brightness of Bliss.

25. Their thirst will be slaked with Pure Wine sealed:

26. The seal thereof will be Musk: and for this let those aspire who have aspirations:

27. With it will be (given) a mixture of Tasnim:

28. A spring from (the waters) whereof drink those Nearest to Allah.

Surah: 88. al-Ghaashiyah

8. Other) faces that Day will be joyful.

9. Pleased with their Striving

10. In a Garden on high

11. Where they shall hear no (word) of vanity:

12. Therein will be a bubbling spring:

13. Therein will be Thrones (of dignity) raised on high.

14. Goblets placed (ready).

15. And Cushions set in rows

16. And rich carpets (All) spread out.



The Jannah (Paradise) In Islam By Rasulullah Shalallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam

Rasulullah's description about Jannah the Paradise of Muslims which will be descend by Allahu Ta'ala,



- The principle in reading this is ibn Abbas ra (shahaba) words "IN HEAVEN EVERYTHING IN IT IS SAME ONLY IN THE NAMES."

I. They eat, drink and Jima'

From Zaid bin Arqam Radhiyallaahu 'anhu who said an ahli kitab came to Rasulullah Shalallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam while saying "Yaa Abul Qasim (Muhammad), do you say that the denizens of Jannah will eat and drink? He spoke "Yes, by Dzat who Muhammad soul in His hand. Verily that the denizens of Jannah are being given the power of 100 males in eating, drinking and jima' (sexual intercourse)."

That man said "Every people who eat and drink will excrete, isn't in Jannah (Heaven) there is nothing dirty?"

He spoke "Their excrement is their sweat which flow from the skin like drops of Misik, so their stomach become empty". (HR.Ahmad, Nasa'i, and Thabrani, with shahih sanad, Shahih Targhib wa Tarhib (3739).


The similar hadits in HR.Ibn Hibban and Hakim. Look Shahih Mawarid Azh-Zham'an (2230)

I look this hadits in Husain bin 'Audah Al 'Awayisyah's book about Qiyamat, Hellfire and Heaven.

And about "the sound from the mouth who has fullstomach" in the book by Ali bin Hasan Al Halabi Al Atsari, I've forget where the book is now.


II. They will have palaces from Ya'qut and pearls, it' s all types of emeralds and pearls and diamonds.

III. They will have palaces from gold and silver

IV. They will have many trees from saying "Laa haula wa laa quwwata illa billah", and "MasyaAllah,laa haula wa laa quwwata illa billaah," when they are fil ardhi.

V. The clothes will be make from the fruits of the trees.

VI. In there there will be horses from Yaqut that could fly.

VII. Mukminin and syahid will be in inside the stomach of birds which fly around Jannah. They dwell in there before doomsday

VIII. The first that will be eaten by them are a cow and the flesh that is in the heart of a whale.

IX. In the day of Resurrection, everyone who are ahli Qur'an, will be given eternity and glory and will be given to their parents :the crown.

Irji'i Ila Rabbiki Raadhiyyatam Mardhiyyatan
________________________________________
In Hadits, there is a description about the palace from emeralds and diamonds, inside that palace there is 70 doors. In each doors there are another palaces made from red emeralds and diamonds.

For someone who like to fill Jum'at with 'ibadat, will be given to them a shade in the hereafter which is the day of Jum'at himself, which is white and there are two person watching them. Look at Silsilah Hadits Ash Shahihah no.3.

And offcourse, Muslmin will never forget the ZIYADAT meant by Qur'an verse, because watching Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala where He will ask us to talk to Him, said in a Hadits will be as the most undescribeable of all that are in Jannatul ma'wa.
See Mukhtashar 'Al 'Uluw of Adz Dzahabi by Abu Abdurrahman Muhammad Nashiruddin Al Albani bin Nuh Najati, where one of the hadits in there said that the denizens of Jannatu 'adn see a lot of KARAMAH, when seeing ALLAHU TABARAKA TA'ALA.

From Hadits in Ali bin Hasan Al Halabi Al Atsari's book there are hadits which tell us:

In 'Adn, the denizens will do DZIKIR like as they are breathing. It's done because it's in Heaven and because they love Allahu Ta'ala so much.

Actually there is no divorce there at all, and the men have many wives as minimum of two, hadits said.

I personally hold the opinion that why they have a lot of wives is because Allah wants them to have 2 in the earth but they couldn't do it on earth and because Allah's knowledge of what's best for Muslimin.

For your information, choose the best Muslim and marry him and never divorce with him and never marry again, unless thy found better husband. WHY??? Because HADITS said that the last husband (na'am: fid dunya) will be the HUSBAND in Jannatu 'Adn.

Actually to clear it all, in there we could change our looks. It was narrated in Hadiil Arwah, from Rasulullah Shalallahu 'AW, that there will be market in Jannatun na'im where the denizens could buy anything. The story goes where one of the denizen buy a painting and want himself to look alike as the guy in the painting, and suddenly he look as that guy.

And every men in there getting a wind from the NORTH and they become handsomer everytime they get it.
While the wifes become prettier also, but it is not known how.

Read HADIIL ARWAH by Syamsuddin ibn Qayyim Al Jauziyyah, Husain bin Audah Al Awayisyah's book and Ali bin Hasan Al Halabi's book about Barzakh, Qiyamah, Jannah wan Naar.



Paradise in Islam

"And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as he ought to strive and he is a believer; (as for) these, their striving shall surely be accepted."
[17:19]

Recently I took a trip to see my Dad, who happens to be a non-Muslim, in order for him to meet the latest addition to our family, and in order for me to yet again try to convince him that he should accept Islam. While I was there, however, I found out something about him that I never knew before. My father is a workaholic. This man works seven days a week, sometimes 10-to-12 hours a day. The saddest part being, that his labor is all for nothing, for Allah says,

"(These are) they whose labor is lost in this world's life and they think that they are well-versed in skill of the work of hands."
[18:104]

Now, even though the situation with my Dad threw me for a loop, it really got me thinking. How many of us, Muslims, are in the very same predicament as my father? How many of us are working hard for the life of this world, at the cost of the Hereafter? How many of us are putting in 40-plus hours a week at our jobs, and other recreational activities, while putting in only the smallest amounts of time when it comes to our Deen? Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, says that truly Man shall earn what he strives for. The question now is what are we truly striving and working for?

Maybe it's because at the end of the week, we are rewarded with something tangible for our efforts, a check we can see and touch. The Hereafter, although being equally as real, is at the same time, mystifying and ethereal in its nature. It's a delayed gratification, which makes it harder to earn. Our wages for our efforts in the deen will not be paid in full until we exit the life of this world. For Allah says, "Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life). For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception."
[3:185]

Our final destination is the life of the Hereafter. Where we end up, Jannah (Paradise) or Jahannam (Hell-fire) depends on what we worked towards in this life. Paradise is the aim and the hope of every Muslim. But like trying to attain any goal, in order to achieve success, one must have a well-defined plan, and it must be implemented to be successful. Allah says,

"O you who believe! Be careful of (your duty to) Allah and seek means of nearness to Him and strive hard in His way that you may be successful."
[5:35]


To prepare for our journey, we need to find out what our destination is like; who are its people, and most importantly, how to get there.

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) told us that within Paradise are things that no eyes have ever seen, nor ears have ever heard, and that things in it are beyond our imagination and comprehension, but we all have our own personal ideas of what eternal bliss would probably be like.

I remember a few years ago, I overheard my niece and my nephew discussing the landscape, and the privileges of living in Jannah. My nephew was telling my niece that in Jannah, they would be able to eat all the candy that they wanted and that there would be streams of chocolate and trees of ice cream. I always tell people, that Paradise for me, would be being able to eat all the cheesecake and chocolate that I wanted, without gaining a pound. But what Allah has in store for the believers is so much more than this. He, in His Book, and through His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, has given us a clear picture of our goal, so that we can keep it in front of us at all times. By keeping our eyes on the prize, no matter our hardships in this worldly life, we can strive that much harder to attain it.

Allah says, "And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as he ought to strive and he is a believer; (as for) these, their striving shall surely be accepted."
[17:19]

Allah has also described Paradise in many places in the Qur'an, so let us now take a look at what He has in store for the believers.

Description in the Qur'an of Paradise

"The description of Paradise which the Muttaqoon have been promised is that in it are rivers of water, the taste and smell of which are never changed. Rivers of milk the taste of which will remain unchanged. Rivers of wine that will be delicious to those who drink from it and rivers of clear, pure honey. For them will be every kind of fruit and forgiveness form their Lord."
[ 47:15]

"And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient. Reclining on raised thrones, they will see there neither the excessive heat of the sun, nor the excessive bitter cold, (as in Paradise there is no sun and no moon). The shade will be close upon them, and bunches of fruit will hang low within their reach. Vessels of silver and cups of crystal will be passed around amongst them, crystal-clear, made of silver. They will determine the measure of them according to their wishes. They will be given a cup (of wine) mixed with Zanjabeel, and a fountain called Salsabeel. Around them will (serve) boys of perpetual youth. If you see them, you would think they are scattered pearls. When you look there (in Paradise) you will see a delight (that cannot be imagined), and a Great Dominion. Their garments will be of fine green silk and gold embroidery. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink."
[76:12-21]

"And those foremost (In Tawheed and obedience to Allah and His Messenger in this life) will be foremost (in Paradise). They will be those nearest to Allah in the Gardens of Delight. A multitude of those (the foremost) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islam) and a few of those (the foremost) will be from the later (generations). They will be reclining, face to face, on thrones woven with gold and precious stones. They will be served by immortal boys, with cups and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine, from which they will have neither any headache, nor any intoxication. They will have fruit from which they may choose, and the flesh of fowls that they desire. There will be Houris with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious), like preserved pearls, a reward for deeds that they used to do. They will hear no vain or sinful speech (like backbiting, etc.) but only the saying of: Salam, Salam, (greetings of peace). And those on the Right Hand, who will be those on the Right Hand? They will be among thorn-less lote-trees among Talh (banana trees) with fruits piled one above another, in long-extended shade, by constantly flowing water, and fruit in plenty, whose season is not limited, and their supply will not be cut off. They will be on couches or thrones raised high. Verily, We have created for them (maidens) of equal age, loving (their husbands only). For those on the Right Hand."
[56:10-38]

"Verily, the dwellers of Paradise that Day, will be busy in joyful things. They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, reclining on thrones. They will have therein fruits (of all kinds), and all that they will ask for. (It will be said to them): "Salamun" (Peace be on you), a Word from the Lord, Most Merciful."
[36:55-58]

Can you imagine?

Wearing the finest silk clothing and sitting on chairs made of gold and precious stones? Those who disbelieve in the words of Allah, say that this is all a fairy-tale, made up by a would-be prophet. But we know, that Allah is the Truthful and that His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, spoke only what was revealed to from the Most Truthful. And even though Allah describes Paradise for us in the Qur'an, He still says, "So no soul knows the delights of the eyes which is hidden for them; a reward for what they did."
[32:17]

Apart from the Qur'anic descriptions of Paradise, the Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wassalam) would often describe Paradise to his companions. His descriptions were often so vivid and moving, that many-a-companion would hurriedly rush towards it. This was the case, as Anas narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) and his companions proceeded towards Badr and arrived there before the disbelievers (of Makkah). When the disbelievers arrived, the Messenger of Allah said, "None of you should step forward ahead of me to do anything." Then the disbelievers advanced (towards us), and the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "Rise to enter Paradise whose width is equal to the Heavens and the Earth." Umayr Ibnul Humam al-Ansari asked, "O Messenger of Allah, is Paradise equal in width to the heavens and the earth?" He, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "Yes." Umayr said, "Bak'hin! Bak'hin!" (An Arabic word denoting excitement and astonishment) The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, asked him, "What made you say these words: Bak'hin, Bak'hin?" He said, "Messenger of Allah, nothing but the desire to be amongst its residents." He, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "You are surely among its residents." He then took some dates form his bag and began to eat them. Then he said, "If I were to live until I had eaten all of the dates, indeed this life would be too long." Anas then said, "He threw away the remaining dates he had with him. He then fought (the disbelievers) until he was killed."
[Muslim]

What words could have inspired Umair and others like him to long for, and to pay the ultimate price for a place in Paradise? Let's now take a look at what the Messenger of Allah, had to say about Paradise.

Description of Paradise in the Hadith

Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "The people of Paradise will look at the dwellers of lofty mansions (i.e. 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 of the horizon. This is because of their superiority over one another (in reward)." One of the people asked, "O Allah's Messenger, are these lofty mansions for the Prophets which no one else can reach?"

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) replied, "No! By Allah, in whose Hands is my life, these are for men who believe in Allah and also believe in the Messenger."
[Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Musa al-Ash'ari narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "Verily, for the believers in Paradise, are tents made of a single hollow pear. The length of which would be sixty miles long from all sides, their wives being therein. The believer will go around them (i.e., visit them) and they will not be able to see each other."
[Sahih al-Jami]

Abu Hurairah said that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "There is not a tree in Paradise, except that its trunk is made of gold."
[Sahih al-Jami]

Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "Verily in Paradise there is a market in which (the inhabitants of Paradise) will come to every Friday. The North wind will blow and scatter fragrances on their faces and on their clothes. This will add to their beauty and their attractiveness. They will then go back to their families after having an added luster to their beauty and their attractiveness. Their families will say to them, 'By Allah you have been increased in beauty and loveliness after leaving us,' and they will say, 'By Allah you too have increased in beauty and attractiveness after us.'"
[Muslim]

Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "(I saw in a dream that) I entered Paradise, and behold, there was a palace built of gold. I asked, 'Whose is this palace?' They (the angels) replied, 'For a man from the Quraysh.' So I thought it might be I, so I asked, 'And who is he?' They said, 'Umar Ibnul Khattab.' Nothing stopped me form entering it except your Ghirah (sense of honor)." Umar said, "My Ghirah would never be offended by you, O Messenger of Allah."
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Anas ibn Malik said that Allah's Apostle (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "I entered Paradise and found myself by a river, by its edges were tents of pearls. Then I tapped with my hands where the water was running, and there was then a beautiful smell of Musk. I asked, 'What is this O Gabriel?' He said, 'This is Kawthar (river in Paradise) which Allah has given to you.'"
[Sahih al-Jami]

Who Are the People of Paradise?

We could go on and on, for the ahadith are vast in numbers, about the Prophet's descriptions of Paradise. But a place that has houses built with gold and silver bricks: where its dirt is made of rubies and sapphires and its inhabitants wear only the finest silk garments, sounds like a pretty exclusive neighborhood to me. Who are these people who will be allowed to live in this enchanting place? The Jews say the Jews. The Christians say the Christians. But Allah says, "And they say: 'None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.' Those are their (vain) desires. Say, 'Produce your proof if you are truthful.'
[2:111]

He also says, "(Namely) those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity, saying (to them), 'Peace be on you, enter you the Garden, because of (the good) which you did (in the world)."
[16:32]

Always in the Qur'an when Allah mentions those who will attain Paradise, He mentions the believers, not the Muslims. He (subhanahu wa ta'ala) says, "Indeed the Muttaqoon will be amongst the Gardens and water-springs."
[15:45]

He also says, "Verily, the Muttaqoon will be in a place of security, among Gardens and Springs, dressed in fine silk and (also) in thick silk, facing each other. This is how it shall be, and We shall marry them to Houris with wide, lovely eyes. They will request therein for every kind of fruit in peace and security."
[44:51-55]

So who are the believers and how do we become one of them? Allah says, "They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and they strive with one another in hastening to good deeds, and those are among the good."
[3:114]

He (subhanahu wa ta'ala) also says of the believers, "But the Apostle and those who believe with him strive hard with their property and their persons; and these it is who shall have the good things and these it is who shall be successful."
[9:88]

He goes on to say, "Allah has purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the Garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain, which you have concluded: that is the achievement supreme."
[9:111]

Of the believers, He also says, "But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the Garden: Therein shall they abide (forever)."
[2:82]

O slaves of Allah know that being among this illustrious group of people who will live in this place of tranquillity and bliss is not something easily attained. Allah says,

"Or do you think that you shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Apostle and those of faith who were with him cried, 'When (will come) the help of Allah?' Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!"
[2:214]

What Allah and His Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) convey to us is that the people of Paradise are the God-conscious, and the God-fearing. Not everyone, who says, Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, just as not everyone who professes the Shahadah, will enter Paradise.

Only those who fear Allah as He ought to be feared, and are motivated by that fear to do acts of righteousness will attain success. The one who is conscious of His Lord, in every aspect of his life, and turns to Him in true submission, will have purchased for himself safety and security on a day, when there will be none, except with Allah. He does not cause a soul to suffer fear twice, the fear of Him in this world, and the fear on The Day of Judgment. About this, the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "Allah says, 'I do not combine for my servants two states of fear, or two states of safety. So if he feels safe from Me in this world I will cause him to fear on The Day of Judgment, and if he fears Me in the world, I will cause him to be safe on The Day of Judgment.'"
[Sahih al-Jami]

It is important, therefore, that Muslims know the characters of those who will be the inheritors of Paradise. But it is unfortunate that many of today's Muslims understand that it is enough for one to pronounce the Shahadah by his tongue for him to be entitled to enter Paradise regardless of whether he lived according to Islam or not! But the Shahadah means and requires more than the mere utterance of it. Actually this fact is one of the most mentioned aspects of Islam in the Qur'an and Sunnah. The essence of Eman is deed. Deeds of the heart and deeds of the tongue and other body parts. Deeds that are to be continued till one leaves this world. That was the reason why the Arabs of Makkah refused to pronounce it. They fully appreciated its implication. They knew it concerned authority and understood that they had to govern their deeds and lives with it. Yet many of those who repeat it today lead life styles that do not resemble those described in the Qur'an and practiced by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and his companions. The Qur'an warns us that deeds are the basis on which we are to be judged, not only the utterance of the Shahadah, "It is not by your wishes nor the wishes of the People of the Book: whoever does wrong shall be punished for it, and he will find none other than Allah as a protector or helper."
[4:123]

So entering Paradise requires that we live as believers and die as Muslims. That takes knowledge, dedication and determination to see it through to its completion. The fist step is belief in Allah and His Messenger, and the flip side to that is leaving all acts of shirk; this means directing all acts of ibadah to none but Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, whether it be wearing talismans, supplicating to others than Allah or simply showing off. The next step is obeying Allah and His Messenger, avoiding bid'ah and innovations, and carrying out all compulsory acts of worship that He has prescribed. Once we are steadfast and regular in what we must do, we can then proceed to the next level of eman and worship, by doing the things that we have been encouraged to do. By increasing out acts of worship, and remembrance of Allah we will leave off sin and help safeguard ourselves from a Fire, the fuel of which is men and stones.

We Should Also Strive to:

Protect our minds from thoughts, which are evil, because evil actions begin with evil thoughts.

Protect our eyes by lowering our gazes and not looking at forbidden things.

Protect our ears from lewd or evil speech where there is sin. We should also avoid listening to lies, gossip, music, slander, or blasphemy.

Protect our tongues by saying always what is correct and true, and keeping it moist with the remembrance of Allah, and keeping away from backbiting and other evil speech.

Protect our stomachs by eating the halal and keeping away from the haram. We should beware of eating usury, carrion, and swine or drinking intoxicants or taking drugs.

Protect our hands from taking what does not belong to us, or from doing harm to another Muslim.

Protect our legs from taking us to evil and corruption and an ultimate doom.

Protect our private parts from unlawful sexual intercourse.

Protect our wealth by not squandering it or holding on to it too tightly.

Protect our oaths, witnesses and trusts by not breaching or breaking a contract or pledge knowingly. We should not exceed our agreements, testify to falsehood or break our trusts.

Protect our families and children by keeping them away from the things that may be harmful and that may corrupt their minds and their souls.

Now, it is true that only Allah knows who the believers are, but that should not stop us from striving to be among their numbers. For the believers will have eternal bliss and complete success, because of the things that they did in this life. Allah says, "So no soul knows the delight of the eyes which is hidden for them; a reward for what they did."
[32:17]

We now stand at the start of the race, so let us run forward quickly to the finish line, where the gates of Paradise will be open for those who strive as they should. The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, who said, "Paradise is surrounded by hardship and the Hellfire is surround by wishes and desires," has described the road to eternal bliss.
[Sahih al-Jami]


Despite this, Allah and His Messenger have left breadcrumbs along the path, for us to follow to make our journey easier. All roads may lead to Rome, but not all paths lead to Allah and His Paradise. We must plan our journey by using only the road map given to us by Allah and His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam.

Ways That Lead To Paradise:

Belief and Righteous Deeds are two of the best routes to Jannah (Paradise). The door of righteous deeds is wide and the ways of obtaining rewards are vast, as Allah says, "And those who believe and do good deeds they are the inhabitants of Paradise, in it they shall abide."
[2:82]

Taqwa is the fear of the Most Merciful, and acting in accordance with the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. That is, hoping for the reward of Allah and avoiding disobedience of His Guidance and fearing His Punishment. For Allah says, "Surely those of taqwa shall be in the midst of Gardens and fountains."
[15:45]

The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, also said, "The most common thing which leads people to Paradise is taqwa of Allah and good conduct, and the most common thing which leads people to the Hell Fire is the mouth and the private parts."
[at-Tirmidhi]

Obedience of Allah and His Messenger is a sure way to Paradise. Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, says, "And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, He will cause him to enter Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and whoever turns back, He will chastise him with a painful chastisement."
[48:17]

Allah's Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, also said, "All of my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse." It was asked, "O Messenger of Allah, who would refuse?" He said, "He who obeys me enters Paradise and he who disobeys me has refused."
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

Fighting in the Path of Allah with one's goods and soul. For Allah says, "O you who believe, shall I lead you to a merchandise which may deliver you from a painful chastisement? You shall believe in Allah and His Messenger, and struggle hard in Allah's Cause with your property and your lives; that is better for you, if you but knew! He will forgive you your sins and cause you to enter Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and goodly dwellings in Gardens of perpetuity; that is the mighty achievement."
[61:10-12]

Repentance erases what came before it as the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "The one who repents form sin is like the one who never sinned."
[Sahih Al-Jami]

And Allah says, "Except such as repent and believe and do good, these shall enter the Garden, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly in any way."
[19:60]

There are countless other means, from building a mosque to seeking Islamic knowledge to obeying our husbands and raising righteous children. All it takes is our time and sincere efforts. With all that Allah has described, it may seem daunting to us at times, that we will ever make it. Eman rises and falls, and with it our good deeds. But we should never lose hope in Allah, for the only one who loses hope in Allah is the one who disbelieves.

So even though we may feel that we are at the bottom of the pile, the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) gives us hope. He said, "Mousa, alayhes salam, asked his Lord, 'Who amongst the inhabitants of Paradise will be the lowest in rank?' He (subhanahu wa ta'ala) said, 'He is a man who will come after the people have entered Paradise and it will be said to him: Enter Paradise.' He will say, 'How my Lord? Indeed, the people have settled in their apartments and taken their shares.' It will be asked of him, 'Would you be pleased if there was a kingdom for you like the kingdoms of the earth?' He will say, 'I would be pleased, my Lord.' He will say, 'And for you is the like of that, and the like of it, and the like of it.' He will say at the fifth time, 'I am pleased, my Lord.' He will say, 'This is for you and ten times like it, and for you is what you desire for yourself and what is pleasurable to your eye.' He will say, "I am pleased my Lord."
[Muslim]

This is what Allah has for the least among us. But despite all the glorious castles, the beautiful clothes and mates we will posses, inshaAllah, He still has in store for the believers the greatest honor awaiting them in Paradise. Suhaib ibn Sinan narrated that the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "When the inmates of Paradise enter Paradise and the inmates of Hellfire will enter Hell, the announcer will say, 'O people of Paradise, verily you have a promise with Allah and He wishes to fulfill His promise to you.' They will ask, 'What is His promise? Has He not made our balances heavy (with good deed), whitened our faces, admitted us into Paradise, and delivered us from the Hellfire?' Then the screen will be removed and they will look towards Him. By Allah He will not give them a thing more beloved to them and more comforting to their eyes, than the gaze of Himself."
[Sahih al-Jami]

We were created in Paradise, we came out of it and we will inshaAllah go back to it. It is our destination and we shall reach it. But we have to do what Allah has asked us to do, for Paradise is not cheap. The price is true eman that is shown in obedience to Allah according to the sunnah of his Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. The companions understood that. Their efforts were all for the life of the Hereafter and they gave only what was necessary to this worldly life. As Muslims, everything we do, can be, and should be worship of Allah. Whether we're working at the office to provide for our families; cooking a meal; raising our children, or simply resting, through remembrance of Allah and supplication, we can transform these earthly necessities into fruits that will bear for us in the life of the Hereafter.

So let us keep our eyes on the prize, and strive hard for it, for Allah says, "And (as for) those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them in Our ways; and Allah is most surely with the doers of good."
[29:69]