PARADISE

1. The creation of Paradise:

Paradise is already created, as indicated by the Saying of Allah (SWT): “For indeed he saw him at a second descend near the Lote-tree of the utmost boundary. Near it is the Garden of Abode.” (LIII: 13-15)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) saw Paradise. In the two Sahihs, in the hadith narrated by Anas Ibn Malik about the story of ‘Isra’ we read at the end that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Then Gabriel took me till we reached Sidrat al-Muntaha[21] (Lote tree of the utmost boundary) which was shrouded in colors, indescribable. Then I was admitted into Paradise where I found high round buildings made of pearls and its earth was musk."[22] So, Paradise has been created and it exists in heaven near the Lote-tree.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) visited Paradise, saw it, entered it and described its buildings and soil. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) tells us in another situation that he saw everything people are promised to see in the Hereafter. He saw a bunch (of grapes) from Paradise and it was beyond his reach. All this confirms the reality of Paradise. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:  “No doubt, while standing at this place I saw everything promised to me by Allah and I saw (Paradise) and I wanted to pluck a bunch (of grapes) thereof, at the time when you saw me stepping forward. No doubt, I saw Hell with its different parts destroying each other when you saw me retreating and in it I saw ‘Amr bin Luhai, who started the tradition of freeing animals (setting them free) in the name of idols."[23]

O Allah’s slave! Imagine the expanse and greatness of Paradise. Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (peace be upon him) showed that. Allah (SWT) says: “Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and the earth prepared for the righteous.” (III: 133)

Al-Shawkani said: “The majority of scholars say that the heavens and the earth are joined together as pieces of cloth are spread and joined together. That is the width of Paradise.”[24]

About the last person to come out of Hell and enter Paradise, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “…You will be given ten times (the bounties) of this life.”[25]

So, if the person in the lowest position in Paradise will be given ten times (the bounties) of this life, how will be the wealth of that in the highest position? Then, imagine the expanse and greatness of Paradise.

2. Paradise is the abode of delights

Paradise is the abode of delights that Allah has prepared for His faithful slaves. Allah (SWT) says: “As to those who believe and perform righteous deeds, they shall have the Garden of al-Firdaus for their entertainment, wherein they will dwell (forever). They will not wish for change from it.” (XVIII: 107-108) Allah (SWT) also says: “Gardens of Eternity, those which Allah has promised His servants in the Unseen: for His promise must (necessarily) come to pass.” (XIX: 61)

Allah (SWT) said in the Qudsi hadith: “I have prepared for my righteous slaves what no eye has ever seen, or an ear has ever heard of, or a heart (mind) has ever thought of. You may, if you like, read (the Verse): “Now no one knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in reserve) for them….” (XXXII: 17)[26] 

Therefore, admittance to Paradise and protection from Fire represent great success and remarkable victory and valuable safety and salvation. Allah (SWT) says: “…Only he who is removed far from the Fire and admitted to Paradise will have success.” (III: 185) Allah (SWT) also says: “Allah has promised to the believers, men and women, Gardens below which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever, and beautiful mansions in Gardens of everlasting stay. But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah. That is the supreme triumph.” (IX: 72) Allah (SWT) also says: “… Those who obey Allah and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath to abide therein forever, and that will be the supreme achievement.” (IV: 13)

So, the delights of Paradise are indescribable and unimaginable, for prosperity in it is not equal to any type of prosperity known to people in this life. Allah (SWT) says: ““Now no one knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in reserve) for them—as a reward for their (good) deeds.” (XXXII: 17) 

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Allah (SWT) says: ‘I have prepared for my righteous slaves what no eye has ever seen, or an ear has ever heard of, or a heart (mind) has ever thought of.’”[27]

3. They are several Gardens

Allah (SWT) says: “But, for such as fear the time when they will stand before the (Judgment Seat of) their Lord there will be two Gardens.” (LV: 46) Allah (SWT) also says: “And besides these two there are two other Gardens.” (LV: 62)

Narrated Anas Ibn Malik that Umm al-Rubayi' Bint al-Bara', the mother of Haritha Ibn Suraqah came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, “O Allah's Prophet! Will you tell me about Haritha?” Haritha had been killed (i.e. martyred) on the day of Badr with an arrow thrown by an unidentified person. She added, “If he is in Paradise, I will be patient; otherwise, I will weep bitterly for him.”[28] He said, “O mother of Haritha! There are Gardens in Paradise and your son got the Firdaus al-A’la (i.e. the best place in Paradise).”[29]

In the two Sahihs, Abu Musa al-Ash’ari says that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Two gardens, the utensils and the contents of which are of silver, and two other gardens, the utensils and contents of which are of gold. And nothing will prevent the people (who will be in the Garden of Eternity) from seeing their Lord except the curtain of Majesty over His Face.”[30]

4. Preparation to enter Paradise

After the faithful cross the Bridge they will be stopped at an archway between Paradise and Hell. They will be cleansed and purified through retaliation against each other if there has been injustice among them in this life, so that when they enter Paradise they will be pure and good-hearted and none of them will owe somebody else unredeemed injustice and none of them will owe anybody else anything.

Al-Bukhari narrated in his Sahih on the authority of Abu Sa’id al-Khudri that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “The believers, after being saved from the (Hell) Fire, will be stopped at a bridge between Paradise and Hell and mutual retaliation will be established among them regarding wrongs they have committed in the world against one another. After they are cleansed and purified (through the retaliation), they will be admitted into Paradise; and by Him in Whose Hand Muhammad's soul is, everyone of them will know his dwelling in Paradise better than he knew his dwelling in this world.”[31] Allah (SWT) says: “And We shall remove from their hearts any deep feeling of bitterness (that they may have) (that they will be) brothers (joyfully) facing each other on raised couches.” (XV: 47)

5. Entering Paradise

A.   Leading the delegation of the Gracious to Paradise

Allah (SWT) says: ‘And those who fear their Lord will be led to Paradise in groups.” (XXXIX: 73) Allah (SWT) also says: “The day we shall gather the righteous to the Most Gracious (Allah) like a delegation (presented before a king for honors).” (XIX: 85)

Al-Tabari, in his commentary, says on the authority of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him): “By Allah the delegation will not be gathered on foot, but they will come riding she-camels the like of which people have never seen. On them will be mounted gold saddlebags, and their reins will be of chrysolite. They will be riding them till they arrive at the Gates of Paradise.”[32]

B.    The scent of Paradise

The delegation of the Most Gracious will proceed to Paradise in groups. They will smell the nice fragrant scent of Paradise that is smelt at a distance of 70 years’ walk. ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) said that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “… and its scent exists at a distance of seventy years’ walk.”[33]

C.   The gates of Paradise

The delegation of the Most Gracious will arrive at the Gates of Paradise. The fatigue, suffering, patience, perseverance, taking accounts and presentation of the previous days will have come to an end and they will see the eight Gates of Paradise. Allah (SWT) says: “Gardens of Eternity whose doors will (ever) be open to them.” (XXXVIII: 50) Allah also says: “And the angels will enter unto them from every gate (with the salutation) ‘Peace unto you for you persevered in patience. How excellent is the final home!’” (XIII: 23-24)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “In Paradise there are eight gates and one of them is called al-Rayyan, through which none will enter but those who observe fasting.”[34]

‘Umar Ibn al-Khattab said that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “If anyone amongst you performs the ablution, and then completes the ablution well and then says: ‘I testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the servant of Allah and His Messenger’, the eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him and he may enter by whichever of them he wishes.”[35]

The eight gates of Paradise have huge posts. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) describes the distance between these posts in his saying: “By Him in Whose Hand is Muhammad’s soul, the distance between each two posts of  (the gates of) Paradise is like the distance between Mecca and Hajr[36], or like that between Mecca and Busra[37].”[38]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “…Certainly one day it will be very crowded.”[39] 

The gate on the right is devoted to those of Muhammad’s Ummah who will be admitted into Paradise without taking their accounts, as the prophet (peace be upon him) said: “I will say: ‘My followers, O my Lord! My followers, O my Lord! It will be said: ‘O Muhammad! Let those of your followers who have no accounts enter through such a gate of the gates of Paradise as lies on the right; and they will share the other gates with the people…’”[40]   

D. The first to enter Paradise

The delegation of the Most Gracious will arrive at the gates of Paradise and will be due to enter. The Master of all Creatures (peace be upon him) will knock at the gate of Paradise to enter, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “On the Day of Judgment I will come to the gate of Paradise and ask for permission to enter. The keeper (of Paradise) will say: ‘Who is it?’ I will say: ‘Muhammad.’ He will say: ‘I have been ordered to open (the gate) for you but for none else before you.’”[41] 

Then the gates of Paradise will be opened for the delegation of the most Gracious, Allah (SWT) says: “…until, when they reach it and its gates have been opened and its keepers will say to them: ‘Peace be upon you. You have done well, so enter it to abide therein forever.’” (XXXIX: 73)   

Our Master Muhammad (peace be upon him) will be the first to enter Paradise and his Ummah will be the first among nations to enter it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “We are the last [42](Ummah chronologically) and the first  (one) on the Day of Resurrection, and will be the first to enter Paradise.”[43]

The Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) will be preceded by the seventy thousand persons that will enter Paradise without any reckoning of accounts. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Nations were displayed in front of me and I saw one prophet passing by with a large group of his followers, and another prophet passing by with only a small group of people, and another prophet passing by with only ten (persons), and another prophet passing by with only five (persons), and another prophet passed by alone. And then I looked and saw a large multitude of people, so I asked Gabriel: ‘Are these people my followers?’ He said: ‘No, but look towards the horizon.’ I looked and saw a very large multitude of people. Gabriel said: ‘Those are your followers, and those are seventy thousand (persons) in front of them who will neither have any reckoning of their accounts nor will receive any punishment.’ I asked: ‘Why?’ He said: ‘For they used not to treat themselves with branding (cauterization) nor with Ruqya (getting oneself treated by the recitation of some Verses of the Qur'an) and not to see evil omen in things, and they used to put their trust (only) in their Lord.’ On hearing that, ‘Ukasha Ibn Mihsan got up and said (to the Prophet): ‘Invoke Allah for making me one of them.’ The Prophet said: ‘O Allah, make him one of them.’ Then another man got up and said (to the Prophet): ‘Invoke Allah for making me one of them.’ The Prophet said: ‘Ukasha has preceded you.’”[44]

Another narration mentions that after the seventy thousand there will be added three handfuls of my Lord’s Handfuls. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “…and three handfuls of the Handfuls of my Lord Almighty,”[45] i.e., will enter Paradise without reckoning of accounts.

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) described the first group entering Paradise, saying: “ The first group (of people) who will enter Paradise will be (glittering) like the moon when it is full. They will not spit or blow their noses or relieve nature. Their utensils will be of gold and their combs of gold and silver; in their censers the aloe wood will be used, and their sweat will smell like musk. Every one of them will have two wives; the marrow of the bones of the wives' legs will be seen through the flesh out of excessive beauty. They (i.e. the people of Paradise) will neither have differences nor hatred amongst themselves; their hearts will be as if one heart and they will be glorifying Allah in the morning and in the evening.”[46]

         E. The reception by the angels

After the gates have been opened, angels will receive the delegation of the Most Gracious greeting them and giving them the glad tidings of their future eternal life in Paradise. Allah (SWT) says: “…until, when they reach it and its gates have been opened and its keepers will say to them: ‘Peace be upon you. You have done well, so enter it to abide therein forever.’” (XXXIX: 73)

Angels will welcome them, giving them glad tidings and congratulating them for their enjoying the reward and delights their Lord has promised them in this world. Allah (SWT) says: “…And the angels will meet them (with mutual greetings, saying): ‘This is your Day, (the Day) you were promised.” (XXI: 103)

         F. What they are entertained with as guests in Paradise

Allah (SWT) honors His Delegation with a gift, the caudate (i.e., extra) lobe of the fish-liver, and the bullock of Paradise will be slaughtered for them and they will drink from the fountain of Salsabil.

When asked by a Jewish scholar about the gift offered to the dwellers of Paradise on entering it, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The caudate (i.e., extra) lobe of the fish-liver.” He (the Jew) said: “What will their food be after this?” He (the Holy Prophet) said: “A bullock which was fed in the different quarters of Paradise would be slaughtered for them.” He (the Jew) said: “What will their drink be after (eating from) it?” He (the Holy Prophet) said: “(They will drink) from a fountain in it called ‘Salsabil’”[47]

         G. Knowing their way to their residences

The Delegation of the Most Gracious will intuitively go to their houses and abodes after Allah has rewarded them with the caudate (i.e., extra) lobe of the fish-liver. They will not miss their way to their homes, but they will rather know their way to them better than knowing their way to their houses in the present life. Allah (SWT) says: “And He will admit them to Paradise, which He has made known to them.” (XLVII: 6)

Mujahid said: “The dwellers of Paradise will go to their houses and abodes with no probability of missing them as if they had dwelt in them since their creation. They will not ask anybody to guide them.”[48]

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “By Him in Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, everybody will recognize his dwelling in Paradise better than he recognizes his dwelling in this world."[49],[50]

The Characteristics of Paradise

The dwellers of Paradise will see what the Creator (SWT) has prepared for them. They will see what their eyes have never seen, their ears have never heard of and their hearts (minds) have never imagined, for the delights of Paradise are indescribable and unimaginable and nothing of what the people of this world know is equal to its delights. Allah (SWT) says: “Now no one knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in reserve) for them….” (XXXII: 17)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Allah (SWT) says:  “I have prepared for my righteous slaves what no eye has ever seen, or an ear has ever heard of, or a heart (mind) has ever thought of. You may, if you like, read (the Verse): “Now no one knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in reserve) for them….” (XXXII: 17)[51]

1. The ranks of Paradise

Paradise has ranks one over another. Its dwellers vary according to their ranks in it. Allah (SWT) says: “But those who come to Him as believers and have done righteous deeds will secure the high ranks (in Paradise).” (XX: 75) They will look at the one hundred ranks Allah’a Messenger (peace be upon him) describes in his saying: "Paradise has one-hundred grades and the distance between each two grades is like the distance between the Heaven and the Earth. Al-Firdaus is the highest in rank and from it originate the rivers of Paradise and above it is the Throne (al-‘Arsh). So, when you ask Allah (for something), ask for Al-Firdaus."[52] The Prophet also said: “The people of Paradise will look at the dwellers of the 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 on the horizon; all that is because of their superiority over one another (in rewards).” On that the people said: “O Allah's Messenger! Are these lofty mansions for the prophets (exclusively) and inaccessible to anybody else?” The Prophet replied: “ No! By Allah in whose Hands my life is, these are for the men who believed in Allah and believed in the Messengers.”[53]

Everyone can go up these ranks through his righteous deeds, the supplications of his righteous progeny after his death and their prayers to Allah to forgive him. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Allah Almighty elevates the rank of the righteous slave in Paradise whereupon he will say: ‘O Lord! Why have I been granted this?’ He will say: ‘Through your child’s prayer to Allah to forgive you.’” In another narration: “through your child’s supplication for you.”[54]

2. The highest rank in Paradise

It is the Wasilah (highest rank) that the faithful used to ask for Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When you hear the Mu'adhdhin, (crier to prayers), repeat what he says, then invoke a blessing on me, for everyone who invokes a blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah; then ask Allah to grant me al-Wasilah, which is a rank in Paradise fitting for only one of Allah's servants, and I hope that I may be that one. He who asks that I be given the Wasilah will be assured of my intercession.”[55]

The Companions asked the Messenger (peace be upon him): “What does al-Wasilah mean?” He said: “It is the highest rank in Paradise.”[56]

3. The bricks of Paradise

The dwellers of Paradise will look at the buildings of Paradise about which the Prophet (peace be upon him) says: “(They are built of) bricks of silver and bricks of gold alternatively.”[57] They will see its mortar, which the Prophet (peace be upon him) described, saying: “And its mortar is the sharp smelling musk.”[58]

4. The soil, mud and gravels of Paradise

When the dwellers of Paradise look at the land of Paradise on which they will walk, they will see it as described by Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him): “I was admitted to Paradise to find in it buildings of pearls and to see that its soil was musk.”[59] The Messenger (peace be upon him) showed that its soil is purely white flour, saying: “Purely white flour; pure musk.”[60] The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “… Its mortar is sharp smelling musk, and its gravels are pearls and rubies….”[61]  

5. The dwellings of Paradise

The dwellers of Paradise will look at the nice, good houses that have been built for them in Paradise, as Allah (SWT) says: “And beautiful mansions in Gardens of Eternity.” (IX: 72) surrounded by wonderful gardens and charming orchards where there are all types of fruit. Their trees yield fruits continuously, and shade surrounds the houses beneath which rivers flow and in which no nonsense or lies are heard and there is no tiredness or clamor. So, the dwellers of Paradise will see what Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (peace be upon him) have described to them regarding:

a.     The rooms of Paradise

Allah (SWT) says: “But those who fear their Lord and keep their duty to Him will be given lofty rooms built one above another, beneath which rivers flow. (This is) the Promise of Allah, and Allah does not fail in His promise.” (XXXIX: 20) Allah (SWT) also says: “For such there will be twofold reward for what they did, and they will abide in the lofty rooms in peace and security.” (XXXIV: 37) It is narrated on the authority of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Verily, in Paradise there are rooms the inside of which can be seen from their outside and the outside of which can be seen from their inside.” A Bedouin got up and asked: “for whom are they, O Allah’s Messenger?” He said: “For those who speak pleasantly, offer food to others, fast frequently and perform prayers in worship of Allah while other people are asleep.”[62] Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) also says: “The people of Paradise will look at the dwellers of the lofty mansions (i.e. a superior place in Paradise) in the same way as one looks at a brilliant star far away on the horizon.”[63]

b.     The houses of Paradise

Their ambition to look at the houses built for them in Paradise because of their righteous deeds in this life, such as the building of a mosque and extra prayers apart from the obligatory ones, will be realized. Allah (SWT) says: “O my Lord! Build for me, in nearness to You, a house in Paradise.” (LXVI: 11)

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “If somebody builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, Allah will build for him one like it in Paradise.”[64] Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) also said: “No Muslim slave performs everyday 12 voluntary Rak’at apart from the obligatory ones but Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.”[65]

        c.    The palaces of Paradise

There will appear the gold palaces of Paradise whose brilliance and beauty overshadow the beauty and splendor of the palaces of this mundane life of which their owners were proud. Allah (SWT) will give such palaces to those who obey Him. Allah (SWT) says: “Blessed is He Who, if He wills, could give you better (things) than those,-Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and He could give you palaces.” (XXV: 10)

They are palaces that the faithful will actually see after they had believed in their existence as part of the unseen world. ‘Abdullah Ibn Buraidah narrated that he heard his father Buraidah saying: “One morning Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) called Bilal and said to him: ‘O Bilal! What made you precede me to Paradise? Whenever I entered Paradise I heard your steps before me. Yesterday I entered Paradise and heard your steps and then I arrived at a lofty high palace built of gold….’”[66] 

        d.     The tents of Paradise

The human psyche likes variation and change; one does not like to stay in the same house but yearns to enter various houses, palaces and tents. Allah (SWT) will satisfy the desires of the believers in Paradise. He has prepared for them all types of food and drink, besides all sorts of houses and dwellings, among which are tents that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) has described in His Saying: “In Paradise the believer will have a tent made of a single hollowed pearl, sixty miles long, and in it the believer will have families that he will visit without their seeing each other.”[67] Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) described the width of the tent, saying: “…Its width is sixty miles…”[68]

To make the believer more delighted in Paradise, Allah (SWT) makes the tents of pearls stand at the two banks of the river. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “I entered Paradise and behold! There was a river the two banks of which were tents of pearls. I touched what the water was flowing in and found it sharp smelling musk. I said: ‘O Gabriel! What is this? He said: ‘This is the (fountain or river of) al-Kauthar that Allah has granted you.’”[69]

e.           The rivers of Paradise

Let us wander among the rivers of Paradise and enjoy the eternal everlasting delights Allah (SWT) has promised His Allah-fearing slaves. Allah (SWT) says: “And give glad tidings to those who believe and do righteous good deeds, that for them will be Gardens beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are provided with a fruit thereof, they will say: ‘This is what we were provided with before,’ and they will be given things in similitude (i.e. in the same form but different in taste) and they shall have therein purified mates or wives (having no menses, stool, urine, etc.) and they will abide therein forever.” (II: 25) Allah (SWT) also says: “These! For them will be ‘Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens); wherein rivers flow underneath them, therein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine and thick silk. They will recline therein on raised thrones. How good is the reward, and what an excellent dwelling  (resting place)! (XVIII: 31) Besides, we see the river of al-Kauthar, which Allah has granted His Messenger (peace be upon him). Allah (AWT) says: “Verily, We have granted you al-Kauther (a river in Paradise).” (CIX: 1)

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) saw it and described it to us: “While I was walking in Paradise (on the night of Mi'raj), I saw a river, on the two banks of which there were tents made of hollow pearls. I asked: ‘What is this, O Gabriel?’ He said: ‘That is al-Kauthar which Your Lord has given to you.’ Behold! Its mud was sharp smelling musk!”[70]

Here you see the four rivers of Paradise: of water, milk, wine and purified honey. Allah (SWT) says: “The description of Paradise which the pious and Allah-fearing have been promised is that in it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed; rivers of milk the taste of which never changes; rivers of wine delicious to those who drink; and rivers of purified honey (clear and pure), and therein for them are kinds of fruits; and forgiveness from their Lord. (Are these) like those who shall dwell forever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels (into pieces)? (XLVII: 15)

These rivers originate from the seas of honey, wine, water and milk. In Sunnan al-Trimidhi an authentic hadith tells us that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “In Paradise there are a sea of water, a sea of honey, a sea of milk and a sea of wine, and the rivers flow thereof.”[71]

                 f.  The springs of Paradise

O faithful Brother! Look at the numerous gushing springs of various tastes and flavors, such as the spring of camphor, Tasneem and Salsabil from which those who are nearest to Allah will drink. Allah (SWT) says: “Verily, the pious will be in the midst of Gardens and springs (in Paradise).” (LI: 15) Allah (SWT) also says: “Verily the Abrar (pious and righteous) will drink of a cup (of wine) mixed with (water from a spring in Paradise called) Kafur (camphor),” (LXXVI: 6) and: “In it there is a spring called Salsabîl.” (LXXVI: 18) Allah (SWT) also says: “It (that wine) will be mixed with Tasnim. A spring whereof drink those nearest to Allah.” (LXXXIII: 27-28)

g.       The trees and fruits of Paradise

Allah (SWT) adorned Paradise with all types of fresh trees and fruits and flowery gardens that bring about happiness and merriment. Allah (SWT) says: “are made to enjoy luxurious life (forever) in a Garden of delight (Paradise).” (XXX: 15) Allah (SWT) tells us that Paradise has trees of grapes, dates and pomegranates, as well as the trees of thornless lote-trees and Talh (banana-trees). Allah (SWT) says: “Verily, for the pious there will be a success (Paradise); Gardens and grape yards.” (LXXVIII: 31-32) Allah (SWT) also says: “And those on the Right Hand: Who will be those on the Right Hand?  (They will be) among thornless lote-trees, among Talh (banana-trees) with fruits piled one above another.” (LVI: 27-29)

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) shows that Allah (SWT) replaces every thorn in the tree of Talh with a fruit in which there are seventy types of food.[72] In Paradise there are all types of fruits and niceties that are desired and admired. Allah (SWT) says: “Therein they will recline; therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks.” (XXXVIII: 51) Allah (SWT) also says: “And fruit that they may choose.” (LVI: 20) Allah (SWT) also says: “Verily, the pious shall be amidst shades and springs.” (LXXVII: 41)

The trees of Paradise are continuously productive. Allah (SWT) says: “The description of Paradise, which the pious have been promised: Underneath it rivers flow, its provision is eternal and so is its shade. This is the end (final destination) of the pious, and the end (final destination) of the disbelievers is Fire.” (XIII: 35) Allah (SWT) also says: “And fruit in abundance, whose season is not limited, and their supply will not be forbidden.” (LVI: 32-33)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There is no tree in Paradise but has a trunk or stalk of gold.”[73]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There is a tree in Paradise (which is so big and huge that) if a rider traveled in its shade for one hundred years, he would not be able to cross it.”[74]

In Musnad Ahmad, Abu Sa’id al-Khudri narrated that when a man asked Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) about the meaning of “tuba”, he said: “It is a tree in Paradise extending for a distance covered by one hundred’s years journey on horseback. From its sheaths emerge the garments of the dwellers of Paradise.”[75]

A believer increases the plants of his Paradise through saying tasbih, tahmid, tahlil and takbir, as Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) says: “I met with Ibrahim on the night I was taken on the journey of Isra’ and Mi’raj and he said to me: ‘O Muhammad! Greet your Ummah on my behalf and tell them that Paradise is of good soil and fresh water and it is flat land and its seedlings are ‘subhanallah, al-hamdu lillah, la ilaha illallah and Allahu akbar.”[76]

Thauban (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: ‘If a man plucks a fruit from Paradise, another fruit will take its place.”[77]

It is interesting that when the fruits are presented to the dwellers of Paradise, they will find them of the same appearance but of different content. Allah (SWT) says: “Every time they are provided with a fruit thereof, they will say: ‘This is what we were provided with before,’ and they will be given things in similitude (i.e., in the same form but different in taste) and they shall have therein purified mates (or wives), (having no menses, stool, urine, etc.) and they will abide therein forever.” (II: 25)

The fruits of the trees of Paradise are low, close and easily accessible to the dwellers of Paradise. Allah (SWT) says: “and the fruits of the two Gardens will be near at hand.” (LV: 54) Allah (SWT) also says: “and the bunches of fruit thereof will hang low within their reach.” (LXXVI: 14)

In Sahih Muslim, Ibn al-Zubair narrated on the authority of Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Paradise was exposed to me so that if I had wanted to take a bunch of grapes I could have taken it,” or, he may have said: “I tried to take a bunch of grapes but my hand could not reach it.”[78]

Among the trees of Paradise are the fragrant plants Allah (SWT) mentions in the Verse:  “Then, if he (the dying person) is of those brought near (to Allah), (There is for him) rest and fragrant plants, and a Garden of delights (Paradise).” (LVI: 88-89)

The Messenger (peace be upon him) tells us that the master of fragrant plants of Paradise is henna.

In Mu’jam al-Tabarani al-Kabir according to an authentic chain of narrators in agreement with the criteria set up by al-Sahykhayn (al-Bukhari and Muslim) on the authority of  ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar, it is narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “the master of fragrant trees of Paradise is henna.”[79]

h.     The market of Paradise

Allah (SWT) creates a market to be frequented by the dwellers of Paradise to complete the pleasures of the Abode of Delights. Imam Muslim narrates a hadith about the market, on the authority of Anas Ibn Malik.  Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) says: “Verily, there is a market in Paradise that they visit every Friday. The northern wind will blow and touch their faces and garments whereupon they will get more charming and beautiful. They will then return to their families after having become more charming and beautiful. Their families will say to them: ‘By Allah, you have become more charming and beautiful after us,’ whereupon their families will say: ‘By Allah, you too have become more charming and beautiful.’”[80]

How the dweller of Paradise proceeds to his kingdom:

After we have wandered with the dwellers of Paradise to watch its features, it was high time now to walk with one of its kings to see what delights Allah (SWT) has prepared for him, as described by Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) says: “And when you look there (in Paradise), you will see a delight (that cannot be imagined), and a great dominion.” (LXXVI: 20)

The dwellers of Paradise will ascend to their abodes in Paradise according to their deeds. It will be said to the one who used to recite the Qur’an, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) confirms: “Recite and go up; recite (pleasantly) as you used to do in the worldly life, for your abode will be at the last verse you will recite.”[81]

How the servants will receive him:

Every dweller of Paradise will reach his own kingdom that is not shared by any other person, and boys of everlasting youth will receive them.

The vast expanse of the kingdom of the believer and its delights:

a.     Its vastness

The believer will enter his vast kingdom. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) described the vastness of the kingdom of the last person to enter Paradise. He said: “I know the person who will be the last to come out of the (Hell) Fire, and the last to enter Paradise. He will be a man who will come out of the (Hell) Fire crawling, and Allah will say to him: ‘Go and enter Paradise.’ He will go to it, but he will imagine that it has been filled, and then he will return and say: ‘O Lord, I have found it full.’ Allah will say: ‘Go and enter Paradise, and you will have what equals the world and ten times as much (or, you will have as much as ten times the like of the world).’ On that, the man will say: ‘Do you mock at me (or laugh at me) though You are the King?’" (The narrator said): “I saw Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) (while saying that) smiling till his premolar teeth became visible. It is said that that will be the lowest in rank amongst the people of Paradise.”[82]

Muslim, in the hadith about the one that will be in the highest rank in Paradise, mentions that when Moses (peace be upon him) asked his Lord about the one that would be in the highest rank in Paradise, Allah (SWT) said: “They are those whom I choose. I establish their honor with My own hand and then set a seal over it (and they would be blessed with Bounties) which no eye has seen, no ear has heard of and no human mind has perceived: and this is substantiated by the Book of Allah, Exalted and Great: “So no soul knows what delight of the eye is hidden for them; a reward for what they did.” (XXXII: 17)[83]

b. Its Delights

1.     The characteristics of the dwellers of Paradise, their jewelry and dress

The shape and stature of the dwellers of Paradise will change and each will be sixty cubits in height. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah created Adam, making him 60 cubits tall… Any person who will enter Paradise will resemble Adam (in appearance and figure).”[84] The first group of people who will enter Paradise will be glittering like the full moon. Allah's Messenger (peace upon him) said, “The first group of people who will enter Paradise will be glittering like the full moon.”[85] They will be thirty-three years old and will never get older. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The dwellers of Paradise will be hairless in body, beardless, white and with short curled hair, and kohl in their eyes. Each of them will be thirty-three years old and 60 cubits in height like Adam.”[86]

The faithful in Paradise will be adorned with all types of jewelry of gold, silver and pearls. Allah (SWT) says:  “And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient.” (LXXVI: 12) Allah (SWT) also says: “(Paradise), wherein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments therein will be of silk.” (XXII: 23) Their ornaments are bracelets of gold, silver and pearls. Allah (SWT) says:  “They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink.” (LXXVI: 21) Among the garments the faithful will wear in Paradise will be green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade.” Allah (SWT) says:  “And they will wear green garments of fine and thick silk. They will recline therein on raised thrones. How good is the reward, and what an excellent dwelling (resting place)!” (XVII: 31) Allah (SWT) also says: “Their garments will be of fine green silk, and heavy brocade. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink.” (LXXVI: 21)

The garments of the dwellers of Paradise will not wear out. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever will enter Paradise will prosper and never get miserable. His garments will never wear out, nor will his youth come to an end.”[87] The clothes of the dwellers of Paradise are superior to those made by man. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) was given a silk garment as a gift and people were enchanted by its beauty and softness. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “The handkerchiefs of Sa’d Ibn Mu’ath in Paradise are better than this.”[88] Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) mentioned the privileges granted the martyr, saying: “On his head will be placed the crown of dignity; a single ruby thereof is better than the mundane world and whatever is it in.”[89] Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) described the brilliance of the least valuable pearl of the crown, saying: “On them there will be crowns, the least valuable pearl of which will lighten the distance between east and west.”[90] Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) tells us that the dwellers of Paradise will have gold combs, and will perfume themselves with the ole wood as incense. He says: “Their combs will be of gold and in their censers the aloe wood will be used….”[91]

                   2.  The women of Paradise

Wives in Paradise constitute part of the delights that the dwellers of Paradise will enjoy. The same will be true regarding the faithful woman, for her prosperity and happiness will be realized through her husband. When the believer enters Paradise and his righteous wife enters with him, she will be his wife in it. Allah (SWT) says: “Paradise (everlasting Gardens), which they will enter and (also) those who acted righteously from among their fathers, and their wives, and their offspring. And angels will enter unto them from every gate.” (XIII: 23) The believer will live with his wives in Paradise happily and gaily. Allah (SWT) says: “They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, reclining on thrones.” (XXXVI: 56) Allah (SWT) also says: “Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness.” (XLIII: 70) Allah (SWT) will marry the believer to maidens of lovely wide eyes.  Allah (SWT) says: “So (it will be), and We shall marry them to Houris (fair maidens) with wide, lovely eyes.” (XLIV: 54) The Holy Qur’an describes the wives of the believer in Paradise. It describes their beauty, saying:  “And (there will be) Houris (fair females) with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious), like unto preserved pearls [the pure color of which has not been affected by sunlight or the touch of hands].” (LVI: 22-23) In another position it likens them to rubies and corals. Allah (SWT) says: “In them will be (maidens), chaste and restraining their glances, whom no man or jinn has opened their hymens with sexual intercourse before them. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?  (In beauty) they are like rubies and coral.” (LV: 56-58)  It also describes their equal age. Allah (SWT) says: “And young full-breasted (mature) maidens of equal age.” (LXXVII: 33) It describes them as restraining their glances except at their husbands. Allah (SWT) says: “Houris (beautiful, fair females) restrained (as to their glances) in pavilions.” (LV: 72) Allah (SWT) also says: “And with them will be chaste females, restraining their glances (desiring none except their husbands), with wide and beautiful eyes.” (XXXVII: 48) Women in Paradise are not like those in this life, for they are purified.  Allah (SWT) says: “and they shall have therein purified mates or wives (having no menses, stools, urine, etc.), and they will abide therein forever.” (II: 25)

 Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) describes the beauty of the women in Paradise, saying: “Every one of them will have two wives the marrow of whose legs is so beautiful as to be seen through the flesh.”[92] Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) also said: “If one of the women of the people of Paradise should look over the people of the world, she would lighten the space between them and fill it with fragrance. Her veil on her head would be better than the world and whatever in it.”[93]

The wide-eyed maiden will sing to her husband with a beautiful melodious voice. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The wives of the dwellers of Paradise sing to their husbands with the best voice that nobody has heard before….”[94]

Allah (SWT) describes the wives in Paradise as virgin. Allah (SWT) says: “Verily, We have created them (maidens) of special creation. And made them virgins.” (LVI: 35-36) Allah (SWT) also says: “Whose hymens no man or jinn has opened with sexual intercourse before them.” (LV: 74)

Ibn ‘Abbas said: “It was said: ‘O Allah’s Messenger! Shall we have sexual intercourse with our wives in Paradise as we do with ours in this life?’ He said: ‘By Him in Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, a man will have sexual intercourse with a hundred virgins in a single night.’”[95]

                  3.  The servants of the dwellers of Paradise

Allah (SWT) will honor the dwellers of Paradise with boys of everlasting youth that He will create[96] to serve them. They will be very handsome. Allah (SWT) says: “And round about them will (serve) boys of everlasting youth. If you saw them, you would think them scattered pearls.” (LXXVI: 19) Allah (SWT) also says: “They will be served by immortal (mukhalladun) boys, with cups, and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine.” (LVI: 17-18)

Abu ‘Ubaidah and al-Farra’ say: “Mukhalladun (immortal) means not aging or changing”[97]

         4. The food and drink of the dwellers of Paradise

In Paradise there will be the types of food and drink that one may desire. Allah (SWT) says: “And fruit that they may choose, and the flesh of fowls that they desire.” (LVI: 20-21) Allah (SWT) also says: “Verily, the pious Allah-fearing people will be amidst shades and springs. And fruits, such as they desire. ‘Eat and drink comfortably for that which you used to do.’” (LXXVII: 41-43)

We have already mentioned the fruits of Paradise and the rivers and springs in it. The first meal of the dwellers of Paradise will be the caudate (i.e. extra) lobe of the fish liver, as Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said when he was asked about the first thing the dwellers of Paradise will eat. He said: “the caudate (i.e., extra) lobe of the fish liver.”[98]

            5. The utensils of the dwellers of Paradise

The utensils the dwellers of Paradise will eat and drink from will be made of gold and silver. Allah (SWT) says: “Trays of gold and cups (of gold too) will be passed round them.” (XLIII: 71) Allah (SWT) also 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.” (LXXVI: 15-16) Namely, they are as clear as crystal cups and as white as silver.

Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrate on the authority of Abu Musa al-Ash’ari in their Sahihs that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Two gardens, the utensils and the contents of which are of silver, and two other gardens, the utensils and contents of which are of gold.”[99]

Among the vessels they will drink from will be earless cups, jugs and glasses. Allah (SWT) says: “They will be served by immortal boys, with cups, and jugs, and a glass from flowing wine.” (LVI: 17-18)

            6. The ability of the dwellers of Paradise to eat, drink and copulate

Zaid Ibn al-Arqam said: “A Jewish man came upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said: ‘O Aba al-Qasim! Do you not claim that the dwellers of Paradise eat and drink in it?’ He already had said to his comrades: ‘If he should answer my question affirmatively, I would argue with him.’ Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: ‘Yes, by Him in Whose is my soul, each of them will be given such power as equal to that of one hundred men to eat, drink, desire and copulate.’ The Jew said: ‘But whoever eats and drinks will have to relieve nature.’ Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: ‘They will secrete just sweat that will flow from their skin like the scent of musk, whereupon their bellies will shrink.’”[100]

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “The dwellers of Paradise eat and drink therein, but they do not urinate, defecate or blow their noses.” They said: “What about (the wastes of) the food?” He said: “Burp and sweat like sweat of musk. They will be inspired to glorify and praise (Allah) as you are inspired to breathe naturally.”[101]      

                7.   The furniture of Paradise

The palaces of Paradise and the places of sitting in its gardens and orchards are provided with all types of wonderfully colored furniture to sit or recline on. Beds and couches are numerous and splendid; the mattresses are remarkable lined with silk brocade. How wonderful then would the outer surface be! There you see cushions set in rows nicely and wonderfully and rich carpets (all) spread out harmoniously. Allah (SWT) says: “Therein will be couches raised high, and cups set at hand, and cushions set in rows and rich carpets (all) spread out.” (LXXXVIII: 13-16) Allah (SWT) also says: “Reclining on couches lined with silk brocade, and the fruits of the two Gardens will be near at hand.” (LV: 54) Allah (SWT) also says: “They will recline (with ease) on couches arranged in rows. And We shall marry them to Houris (female, fair ones) with wide lovely eyes.” (LII: 20) Allah (SWT) also says: “A number of people from those of old and a few from those of later times. (They will be) on couches encrusted (with gold and precious stones); reclining on them, facing each other.” (LVI: 13-16) Allah (SWT) also says: “And We shall remove from their breasts any sense of injury (that they may have), (So they will be like) brothers facing each other on raised couches.” (LV: 47)

The family of the believer and his offspring in Paradise:

Out of His Grace and Generosity, Allah (SWT) elevates the faithful offspring of the believers to the rank of the fathers without lowering the ranks of the latter, in order to make them all happy and satisfied. Allah (SWT) says: “And those who believe and whose offspring follow them in Faith, to them shall We join their offspring, and We shall not decrease the reward of their deeds in anything. Every person is a pledge for that which he has earned.” (LII: 21)

Mutual visits in Paradise:

The dwellers of Paradise will visit each other. They will meet in good assemblies and talk about what they have experienced in this life and about the grace Allah will have bestowed on them by admitting them to Paradise. Allah (SWT) says: “And some of them will draw near to some others, engaging in mutual enquiry, saying: ‘Aforetime, we were afraid with our families (from the punishment of Allah). But Allah has been gracious to us, and has saved us from the torment of the Fire. Verily, we used to invoke Him (Alone and none else) before. Verily, He is the Beneficent, the Most Merciful.” (LII: 25-28) Allah (SWT) also says: “And We shall remove from their breasts any sense of injury (that they may have), (So they will be like) brothers facing each other on raised couches.” (LV: 47)

The wishes of the dwellers of Paradise:

Some of the dwellers of Paradise will have wishes as they used to have in this life, although they will have everything desired by oneself in Paradise. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) tells us about some of such wishes and how they will be fulfilled. In Sahih al-Bukhari Abu Hurairah narrates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was talking while a Bedouin was present. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “One of the inhabitants of Paradise will ask Allah to allow him to cultivate the land. Allah will ask him: ‘Are you not living in the pleasures you like?’ He will say, ‘Yes, but I like to cultivate the land.’ The man will sow the seeds, and the plants will grow and get ripe, ready for reaping and so on till it will be as huge as mountains within a wink. Allah will then say to him: ‘O son of Adam! Here you are! Gather (the yield); nothing satisfies you.’” On that, the Bedouin said:  “The man must be either from the Quraish (i.e. an emigrant) or an Ansari, for they are farmers, whereas we are not farmers.” The Prophet smiled (at this).”[102]

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) tells us about another believer who will desire to have a baby in Paradise. He said: “When the believer wishes to have a baby in Paradise, the baby will be conceived, born and made grow within an hour, as he (the believer will wish).”[103]

The greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah:

The best thing the dwellers of Paradise will be granted will be Allah’s Pleasure and looking at His Gracious Face. Allah (SWT) says: “Their reward with their Lord is (Eden) Paradise (Gardens of Eternity), beneath which rivers flow. They will abide therein forever. Allah has been pleased with them, and they with Him. That is for him who fears his Lord.” (XCVIII: 8) Allah (SWT) also says: “and beautiful mansions in Gardens of Eternity. But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah. That is the supreme success.” (IX: 72)

Suhaib (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger  (peace be upon him) said: “When those deserving Paradise enter Paradise, Allah, the Blessed, the Exalted will ask: ‘Do you wish Me to give you anything more?’ They will say: ‘Have You not brightened our faces? Have You not made us enter Paradise and saved us from Fire?’” He (the narrator) said: “He (Allah) will lift the veil, and of the things given to them nothing will he dearer to them than looking at their Lord, the Mighty and Glorious.”[104] Allah (SWT) says: “Some faces that Day shall be shining and radian, looking at their Lord.”

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) said that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Allah will say to the people of Paradise: ‘O the people of Paradise!’ They will say: ‘Labbaik, O our Lord, and Sa’daik, and all the good is in Your Hands!’ Allah will say: ‘Are you satisfied?’ They will say: ‘Why shouldn’t we be satisfied, O our Lord, as You have given us what You have not given to any of Your created beings?’ He will say: ‘I shall give you something better than that?’ They will say: ‘O our Lord! What else could be better than that?’ He will say: ‘I bestow My Pleasure on you and will never be angry with you after that.’”[105]

Security and never-ceasing delight:

The dwellers of Paradise will be in complete security and freedom from offences and inconveniences. They will be in a place of security and will have no fear whatever. Allah (SWT) says: “Verily, the pious and Allah–fearing will be in a place of security (Paradise), among Gardens and springs.” (XLIV: 51-52)  Allah (SWT) also says: “They will call therein for every kind of fruit in peace and security.” (XLIV: 55) They will not die or be tortured in Paradise. Allah (SWT) says: “They will never taste death therein except the first death (of this world), and He will save them from the torment of the blazing Fire.” (XLIV: 56)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) says: “The people of Paradise will enter Paradise, and the people of the (Hell) Fire will enter the (Hell) Fire: then a call-maker will get up (and make an announcement) among them, 'O people of the (Hell) Fire! No death any more! And O people of Paradise! No death (any more) but Eternity for everybody where he abides.’”[106]

They will never be dismissed from Paradise, and its delights will never cease. Allah (SWT) says: “As to those who are blessed, they will be in Paradise, abiding therein for all the time that the heavens and the earth endure, except as your Lord will, a gift without an end.” (XI: 108) Allah (SWT) also says: “(It will be said to them) ‘Verily, this is Our Provision which will never finish.’” (XXXVIII: 54) Allah  (SWT) will make them secure from fear and grief. Allah (SWT) says: “Enter Paradise, no fear shall be on you, nor shall you grieve.” (VII: 49)

They will be in good health and youthfulness and secure from sickness and aging. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A crier will address them saying: ‘You are guaranteed to be healthy and never get sick, to live and never die, to be young and never age, to be happy and prosperous and never get miserable.’”[107]

The most fearful thing to the believer is the wrath or indignation of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) will secure the dwellers of Paradise from it, as the following Qudsi hadith indicates: (I bestow My Pleasure on you and will never be angry with you after that.)

Allah (SWT) says: “Verily, those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, their Lord will guide them through their Faith; beneath them will flow rivers in the Gardens of delight (Paradise). Their prayer therein will be Subhanaka Allahumma (Glory to You, O Allah!), and Salam [peace] will be their greetings therein (Paradise)! And the end of their prayer will be: Al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-'Alamin [praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds].” (X: 9-10)

The price of Paradise:

The price of Paradise is faith and righteous deeds. Allah (SWT) says:  "Verily, those who believe and do righteous deeds, shall have the Gardens of Al-Firdaus (Paradise) for their entertainment.” (XVIII: 107)

Allah (SWT) has promised to grant Paradise to him who sacrifices himself and his property in the cause of Allah through a confirmed pledge in the Torah, the Gospel and the Qur’an. Allah (SWT) says: “Verily, Allah has purchased of the believers their lives and their property; for the price that theirs shall be Paradise. They fight in Allah’s Cause, and kill (others) and are killed. It is a promise binding on Him in truth in the Torah, the Gospel and the Qur'an. And who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain that you have concluded. That is the supreme success.” (IX: 111)

There are numerous deeds shown by the Qur’an and the Sunnah that are attributed to faith and righteousness. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “He who is afraid starts (his journey) early at night, and who does so will arrive at his home (in time). Lo! The merchandise of Allah is expensive! Lo! The merchandise of Allah is expensive! Lo! The merchandise of Allah is Paradise.”[108]

Obeying Allah and His Messenger in all affairs is the price of Paradise. Allah (SWT) says: “And those who obey Allah and the Messenger will be in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace: of the Prophets, the Siddiqûn (those followers of the Prophets who were first and foremost to believe in them, like Abu Bakr al-Siddiq ), the martyrs, and the righteous. And how excellent these Companions are! Such is the Bounty from Allah, and it is Sufficient that Allah knows all.” (IV: 69-70)

Access to this delight and prosperity is the goal for which the believers compete. Allah (SWT) says: “Verily, Al-Abrar (the pious who fear Allah and avoid evil) will be in bliss, on raised couches, looking (at all things). You will recognize in their faces the brightness of delight. They will be given to drink pure sealed wine. The last thereof (that wine) will be the smell of musk. And for this let (all) those strive who want to strive (i.e. hasten earnestly to the obedience of Allah).” (LXXXIII: 22-26)

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