This will be the start of a series of articles on Jannah.
Paradise: the Eternal Abode
Paradise is the tremendous reward which Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) has prepared for His beloved (awliyaa) and those who obey Him. It is complete joy and pleasure, where nothing is lacking and nothing can disturb its purity. What Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) and His Messenger have told us about it makes our heads spin because our minds are not able to comprehend the greatness of such blessings.
Listen to the words of Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) in this hadith qudsi:
"I have prepared for My righteous slaves that which no eye has seen, no ear has heard and has never crossed the mind of any human being".
Then the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "Recite, if you wish: "No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do". (32:17)
The joys of Paradise are far greater than the pleasures of this world, which pale into insignificance in comparison. al-Bukhaari reports from Sahl ibn Sa'd as-Sa'idee that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said: "A space the size of a whip in Paradise is better than this world and al that is in it". (Fath al-Baari, 6/319, an-Nawawi's commentary on Muslim 17/166)
Because admittance to Paradise and salvation from the Fire are according to Allaah's will and judgement, it is a great victory and tremendous success, as Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says:
"Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden, will have indeed attained the object of life [or: been successful]" (3:185)
"Allaah has promised to believers - men and women - Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein , and beautiful mansions in Gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allaah. That is the supreme felicity ". (9:72)
"...and those who obey Allaah and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens with rivers flowing underneath, to abide therein and that will be the supreme achievement". (4:13)
Admittance to Paradise
There is no doubt that the joy of the believers will be incomparable when they are led, group by honourable group, to the blessed Gardens of Paradise.
When they reach Paradise its gates will be opened for them, and they will be welcomed by noble angels congratulating them on their safe arrival after suffering so much hardship and witnessing so much horror:
"And those who feared their Rabb will be led to the garden in crowds, until, behold, they arrive there; its gates will be opened and its keepers will say "Peace be upon you! Well have you done! Enter here, to dwell therein". (39:73)
In other words, your words, thoughts and deeds were good so your hearts and souls became pure and for that you deserve Paradise.
Paradise: There is Nothing Like It
The delights of Paradise surpass the imagination and defy description. They are like nothing known to the people of this world; no matter how advanced we may become, what we achieve is as nothing in comparison with the joys of the Hereafter. As is mentioned in several reports, there is nothing like Paradise:
"It is sparkling light, aromatic plants, a lofty palace, a flowing river, ripe fruit, a beautiful wife and abundant clothing, in an eternal abode of radiant joy, in beautiful soundly-constructed high houses". [Ibn Maajah, as-Sunan, Kitaab az-Zuhd, Baab Sifaat al-Jannah, 2/1448, no. 4332. Ibn Hibbaan narrated it in his saheeh]
The Sahabah asked the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) about the buildings of Paradise and he replied with a wonderful description:
"Bricks of gold and silver, and mortar of fragrant musk, pebbles of pearl and sapphire, and soil of saffron. Whoever enters it is filled with joy and will never feel miserable; he will live there forever and never die; their clothes will never wear out and their youth will never fade." [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, ad-Daarimee, Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/29, sahih].
Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) indeed spoke the truth when He (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) said: "And when you look there you will see a delight . and a great dominion" [76:20]
What Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) has kept hidden from us the delights of Paradise is beyond our ability to comprehend: al-Bukhaari reported from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said that Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) said, "I have prepared for My slaves what no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no human heart can imagine". Recite if you wish, "No person know what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do." (32:17).
In the version reported by Muslim from Abu Hurayrah, there is the addition, "Never mind what Allaah has told you; what He has not told you is EVEN greater".
The Palaces and Tents of Paradise
Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will build good and beautiful dwellings for the people of Paradise:
"and beautiful mansions in Gardens of everlasting bliss" [9:72]
In some places in the Qur'aan, Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) described these dwellings as ghurafaat :
"and they will reside in the high dwellings in peace and security." [34:37]
The reward for the slaves of the all-Merciful will be:
"Those will be rewarded with the highest place because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect" [25:75]
Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) described these Ghurafaat:
"But for those who fear Allaah and keep their duty to their Rabb , for them are built lofty rooms, one above the other, under which rivers flow. the Promise of Allaah, and Allaah does not fail in Promise." [39:20]
Ibn Katheer said: "Allaah has told us about His blessed slaves who will have rooms in Paradise: these will be lofty palaces, "lofty rooms, one above another - story upon story, well-constructed, strong and decorated. The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) described these palaces to us. According to a hadith narrated by Ahmad, and Ibn Hibbaan from Abu Maalik al-Ash'ari and by at-Tirmidhi from 'Ali (Radiyallahu Anhu) the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said:
"In Paradise there are dwellings whose inside can be seen from the outside, and the outside can be seen from inside. Allaah [Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala] has prepared them for those who feed the hungry, and speak softly and gently, fast continuously and pray at night whilst the people are asleep." [Saheeh al-Jaami' as-Sagheer, 2/220, no. 2119]
Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) has told us that there are tents or pavilions in Paradise:
"Houris [beautiful, fair females] restrained in pavilions" [55:72]
These pavilions are wondrous tents, made of pearls, each one is made from a single, hollowed-out pearl. They are sixty miles high; according to some reports they are sixty miles wide. al-Bukhaari reports from 'Abdullaah ibn Qays that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The tent is a hollowed out pearl, thirty miles high; in each corner of it the believer will have a wife whom no one else can see". Abu 'Abdus-Samad and al-Haarith reported from Abu 'Imraan that the wording was "sixty miles high" [Sahih al-Bukhaari, Kitaab Bid' al-Khalq, Baab Sifaat al-Jannah, Fath al-Baari, 6/318]
Muslim reported from 'Abdullaah ibn Qays that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said:
"The believer in Paradise will have a tent made out of a single, hollowed-out pearl, sixty miles long, in which he will have wives, whom he will visit in turn, none of whom will see the others". [see also Muslim, Kitaab al-Jannah, Baab fi Sifaat Khiyaam al-Jannah, 4/2182, no. 2838]
The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) told us about the characteristics of the palaces of some of his wives and companions. al-Bukhaari and Muslim report that Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) said, "Jibreel came to the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "O Messenger of Allaah, Khadeejah is coming, carrying a container of food. When she comes to you, convey to her greetings of peace from her Rabb and from me, and give her the glad tidings of a house in Paradise made of brocade, in which there is no noise or exhaustion."" [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/266]
The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) has told us of the way in which the believer may acquire more than one house in Paradise:
Ahmad reports with a saheeh isnaad from Ibn 'Abbaas that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "Whoever builds a masjid for Allaah, even if it is as small as the nestling-place scratched out by the sane grouse for its eggs, Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will build a house for him in Paradise". [Saheeh al-Jaami' as-Sagheer, 5/265, no. 6005]
Ahmad, al-Bukhaari, Muslim, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Maajah report from 'Uthmaan that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said "Whoever builds a mosque for Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala), Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will build something similar for him in Paradise". [Saheeh al-Jaami' as-Sagheer, 5/265, no. 6007]
Muslim, Abu Dawud, Ahmad, an-Nasaa'ee, and Ibn Maajah report from Umm Habeebah that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "Whoever prays twelve extra rak'ahs every day, Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will build for him a house in Paradise." [Saheeh al-Jaami', 5/316, no. 6234]
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The Deeds for Which People Will Deserve to Enter Paradise
The people of Paradise are the believers and strict monotheists. All those who associate others with Allaah or disbelieve in Him, or deny any of the principles of faith will not be allowed to enter Paradise. Their destination will be Hellfire.
The Qur'aan often states that the people of Paradise are the believers who do righteous deeds, to quote one of many examples:
"But whoever comes to Him as a believer and has done righteous good deeds, for such are the high ranks - 'Adn Paradise under which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever: such is the reward of those who purify themselves". [20:75-76]
* Believers may earn Paradise through their eemaan and Islaam:
"My worshippers! No fear shall be on you this Day, nor shall you grieve - who believed in Our aayaat and were Muslims, enter Paradise you and your wives in happiness" [43:68-70]
* Or because they were sincere in their devotion to Allaah:
"Save the chosen slaves of Allaah [al-Mukhliseen]. For them there will be a known provision, fruits and they shall be honoured, in the gardens of delight." [37:40-43]
* Or for the strength of their relationship with Allaah, their longing for Him and worship of Him:
"Only those who believe in our aayaat who, when they are reminded of them fall down prostrate, and glorify the praises of their rabb, and they are not proud. Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Rabb in fear and hope, and they spend [charity in Allaah's Cause] our of what We have bestowed on them". [32:15-16]
* Or for their patience and reliance upon Allaah Ta'ala:
"..Excellent is the reward of the workers, those who are patient and put their trust in their Rabb" [29:58-59]
* Or for their steadfastness in faith:
"Verily those who say "Our Rabb is Allaah" and remain firm , on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Such shall be the Companions of the Garden dwelling therein: a recompense for their good deeds". [46:13-14]
* Or for their humility:
"Verily those who believe and do righteous deeds and humble themselves before their Rabb - they will be dwellers of Paradise to dwell therein forever" [11:23]
* Or for their fear of Allaah Ta'ala:
"But for him who fears standing before his Rabb there will be two Gardens" [55:46]
* Or for their hatred of the kuffaar and mushrikeen and their refusal to befriend them:"You will not find any people who believe in Allaah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allaah and His messenger, even though they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred . For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Ruh [proof, light and guidance] from Himself. And We will admit them to Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein . Allaah is pleased with them and they with Him". [58:22]
Some aayaat discuss in detail the righteous deeds for which a person may deserve Paradise; for example, Surah ar-Ra'd states:
"But it is only the men of understanding who pay heed, those who fulfill the Covenant of Allaah and break not the mithaaq, those who join that which Allaah has commanded to be joined, , fear their Rabb and dread the terrible reckoning, and those who remain patient, seeking their Rabb's Countenance, perform as-Salaat, and spend out of that which We have bestowed on them, secretly and openly, and defend evil with good, for such there is a good end 'Adn Paradise which they shall enter and those who acted righteously from among their fathers and their wives, and their offspring. And angels shall enter unto them from every gate Salaamun ''alaykum for that you persevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!" [13:19-24]
And at the beginning of Surah al-Mu'minoon, Allaah explains that success is for the believers and then described the deeds that will qualify them for success:
"Successful indeed are the believers, those who offer their salaah with khushoo', and those who turn away from al-laghw [dirty, false, evil, vain talk, falsehood and all that Allaah has forbidden], and those who pay the zakah, and those who guard their chastity, except from their wives or those whom their right hands possess, for then, they are free from blame; but whoever seeks beyond that then those are the transgressors; those who are faithfully true to their amaanah [all duties that Allaah has ordained: honesty, moral responsibility, and trusts] and to their covenants and those who strictly guard their prayers . These are indeed the inheritors who shall inherit al-Firdaws. They shall dwell therein forever" [23:11]
The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) also said, "The people of Paradise are three: a ruler who is fair and just; a man who is compassionate and gentle towards every relative and Muslim; and a man with a large family who is proud and does not beg" [Muslim, see Sharh an-Nawawi 'alaa Muslim, 17/198]
The Way to Paradise is Very Hard
Paradise is very high, and ascending lofty places takes a great deal of effort. The way to Paradise is filled with things that go against human wishes and inclinations. This needs strong determination and willpower. In a hadith narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said,"Hell has been veiled with desires, and Paradise has been veiled with hardships."
an-Nasaa'ee, at-Tirmidhi, and Abu Dawud report from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "When Allaah created Paradise, He told Jibreel, "Go look at it". So he went and looked at it, then he came back and said, "By Your Glory, no-one will hear of it but he will enter it". So He surrounded it with hardships and said, "Go and look at it". So he went and looked at it, then came back and said, "By Your Glory, I fear that no-one will enter it"". [Jaami al-Usool, 10/520, 8068]
an-Nawawi commented on the first hadith:
"This is an example of the beautiful, eloquent and concise speech which the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) was capable, in which he gives a beautiful analogy. It means that nothing will help you to reach Paradise except going through hardships, and nothing will lead you to Hell, but whims and desires. Both are veiled as described, and whoever tears down the veil will reach what was hidden behind it. The veil of Paradise is torn down by going through hardships and the veil of Hell is torn down by giving in to whims and desires. Hardship including striving consistently and patiently in worship, restraining one's anger, forgiving, being patient, giving in charity, being kind to those who mistreat you, resisting physical desires, etc" [Sharh an-Nawawi 'ala Muslim, 17/165]
The People of Paradise
Description of the People of Paradise and the Delights They Enjoy Therein
The people of Paradise will enter in the most perfect and beautiful form, in the image of their father, Aadam (Alaihis Salaam), for there is no human form more perfect and beautiful than that of Aadam, whom Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) created very tall. He was as tall as a great palm tree, sixty cubits tall. Muslim reports from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said,
"Allaah, Subhaanahu wa ta'aala, created Aadam in his own image, sixty cubits tall... everyone who enters Paradise will be in the image of Aadam, sixty cubits tall. People kept getting shorter and shorter after the time of Aadam." [Saheeh Muslim, Kitaab al-Jannah, Baab Yadkhul al-Jannah Aqwam Af'idatuhum mithl af'idatah at-Tayr 4:2183, no. 2841]
Their external appearance will be in harmony, and their hearts will be as one. Their hearts and souls will be clean and pure. Muslim reports from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) a hadith in which the Prophet describes people entering Paradise including a group whose light will be like the full moon. He (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "Their form will be that of a single person, after the image of their father Aadam, sixty cubits tall." [Saheeh Muslim, Kitaab al-Jannah, Baab Awwal zumrah yadkhuluna al-Jannah, 4/2179, no. 2834]
Another aspect of their beauty is that they will have no body hair, and will look as if their eyes are anointed with kohl. Each of them will enter Paradise aged thirty-three, the age of strength, vitality and youth. Ahmad and at-Tirmidhi report from Mu'aadh ibn Jabal that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The people of Paradise will enter Paradise hairless, looking as if their eyes are ringed with kohl, aged thirty three." [Saheeh al-Jaami' 6/337, no. 7928]
The people of Paradise will not sleep. Jaabir ibn 'Abdullaah and 'Abdullaah ibn Abi Awfaa reported that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "Sleep is the brother of death; the people of Paradise will not sleep" [Silsilat al-Hadith as-Saheehah, 3/74, no. 1087, al-Kaamil of Ibn 'Adiyy, al-Hilyah of Abu Na'eem, Taareekh Isbahaan, by Abul-Sheikh]
The Superiority of Paradise Over the Pleasures of This World
The pleasures of this world are tangible and present, whilst the delights of Paradise are as-yet unseen promises. People are readily influenced by what they can see and know instantly; it is hard enough for them to forgo something that is in front of them for the sake of something else that is in the future, so how much harder it is if the promise will not be attained until after death! So Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) drew a comparison between the pleasures of this world and the joys of Paradise, and explained that the delights of Paradise are far superior to this world's pleasures. The Qur'aan speaks at length denouncing this world of instant, fleeting pleasures and stating that the rewards with Allaah as far better, to encourage man to strive hard for success in the next world:
"And strain not your eyes in longing for the things We have given them for enjoyment to various groups of them the splendour of this life that We may test them thereby. But the provision of your Rabb is better and more lasting" [20:131]
And "Beautified for men is the love of things they covet: women, children, much of gold and silver , branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world's life but Allaah has the excellent return with Him. Say: "Shall I inform you of things far better than those? For al-Muttaqoon there are Gardens with their Rabb, under which rivers flow. Therein eternal and Azwaajun mutahharatun , and Allaah will be pleased with them. And Allaah is All-Seer of Slaves" [3:14-15]
There are many reasons why the delights of Paradise are superior to the pleasures of this dunyaa; Amongst them:
(i) The Pleasures of this Dunyaa are Fleeting:
"Say: Short is the enjoyment of this world. The Hereafter is better for him who fears Allaah.." [4:77]
The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) illustrated the inferiority of this dunyaa by comparing it to what Allaah has prepared in Paradise, "By Allaah, this world in comparison with the Hereafter is nothing more than as if one of you put his finger" - and he gestured with his forefinger - "in the sea; let him see how much water he would retrieve" [Saheeh Muslim, 4/2193, no. 2858]. A finger dipped in the ocean would not even pick up one drop; this is how little this world is worth when compared with the Aakhirah.
Because these pleasures are so insignificant, Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) has rebuked those who prefer the pleasures of this world to the joys of the Aakhirah:
"O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that when you are asked to go forth in the Cause of Allaah you cling heavily to this earth? Do you prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter" [9:38]
We have already quoted numerous texts that indicate the inexhaustible abundance of the blessings and joys of the Aakhirah.
(ii) The Hereafter is also better from the perspective of quality.
The clothing, food, drink, jewellery and palaces of the people of Paradise will be far superior to their counterparts in this world. There is in fact no room for comparison, as even the smallest space in Paradise is better than this world and all that is in it. al-Bukhaari and Muslim report from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The space of a whip in Paradise is better than this world and everything in it" [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/85, no. 5613]
Also narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The space of the bow of any one of you in Paradise is better than all that the sun rises upon" [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/85, no. 5615]
The comparison between the women of Paradise and the women of this earth serves to demonstrate the superiority of that which is in Paradise. al-Bukhaari reports from Anas that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said,
"If a woman from the people of Paradise were to look at this earth, she would light up everything between it and fill it with her fragrance; the veil on her head is better than this world and all that is in it" [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/85, no. 5614]
(iii) Paradise is free from all the impurities and disappointments of this world.
Eating and drinking in this life results in the need for excretion and its associated unpleasant odours. If a person drinks wine in this world, he loses his mind. Women in this world menstruate and give birth, which are sources of pain and hurt. Paradise is free from all of these discomforts: its people will not urinate, defecate, spit or suffer from catarrh. The wine of Paradise, as described by its Creator, is:
"Crystal-white, delicious to those who drink , free from intoxication, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom" [37:46-47]
The water of Paradise does not become brackish, and its milk never changes in flavour:
"..rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes.." [47:15]
The women of Paradise are pure and free from menstruation, nifaas and all the other impurities suffered by women in this world, as Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says:
"...and they shall have therein Azwaajun Muttaharatun [Purified mates having no menses, urine, stools, etc]" [2:25]
The hearts of the people of Paradise will be pure, their speech will be good, their deeds righteous. There will be no hurtful, upsetting, offensive or provocative talk there, for Paradise is free of all worthless words and deeds:
"...free from any laghw [dirty, false, evil, vague talk], and free from sin" [52:23]
The only speech that is heard there is good, sincere and pure, free from all the shameful shortcomings of earthly speech:
"No Laghw [dirty, false, evil talk] will they hear therein, nor lying" [78:35]
"They shall not hear therein any Laghw, but only salaam " [19:62]
"Where they shall hear neither harmful speech nor falsehood" [88:11]
Paradise is the abode of purity and peace, "No laghw will they hear therein, nor any sinful speech [like backbiting, etc], But only the saying of Salaam! Salaam! " [56:25]
For this reason, when the people of Paradise have been saved from the Fire, they will be detained of a bridge between Paradise and Hell, where they will be purified by settling any wrongs that may be outstanding, so that they may enter Paradise, pure of heart and soul, free from any resentment, envy or other negative emotions of this world. al-Bukhaari and Muslim report that when the people of Paradise enter Paradise, "There will be no hatred of resentment among them, their hearts will be as one, and they will glorify Allaah, morning and evening" [al-Bukhaari from Abu Hurayrah, in Kitaab bid' al-Khalq, Baab maa jaa'a fi Sifaat al-Jannah, Fath al-Baari, 6/318]
Allaah indeed spoke the truth when He (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) said,
"And We shall remove from their breasts any lurking sense of injury: brothers facing each other on thrones " [15:47]
A "sense of injury" is hatred. It was reported from Ibn 'Abbaas and 'Ali ibn Abi Taalib that when the people of paradise enter Paradise they will drink from one spring, and Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will remove all sense of injury or hatred from their hearts, then they will drink from another spring, and their faces will become pure and bright [al-Qurtubee, at-Tadhkirah, p. 499]. This is probably what is meant by the aayah, "And their Rabb will give them a pure drink" [76:21]
(iv) The Pleasures of This World are Transient Whilst the Joys of the Hereafter are Lasting and Eternal
This is why Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) calls the pleasures of this world "temporary conveniences" because they are enjoyed for a short while, then come to an end, but the joys of al-Aakhirah have no end:
"What is with you, must vanish, and what is with Allaah will endure.." [16:96]
": This is Our Provision, which will never finish" [38:54]
"...its provision is eternal and so is its shade.." [13:35]
Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) gave an example of how quickly this world will pass away:
"And put forward for them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allaah is Able to do everything. Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last are better with your Rabb for rewards and better in respect of hope" [18:45-46]
Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) likened this life to the rain that falls from the sky and causes plants to grow and flower and bear fruit. This lasts for only a short time, before they shrivel and are blown away by the wind. Such are the luxuries of this life, such as youth, wealth, sons, lands and fields. All of this passes away; youth fades, health and vitality are replaced by sickness and old age, wealth and children may disappear, a man may be taken from his family and wealth, but the Hereafter will never vanish or go away:
"...And excellent indeed will be the home of the Muttaqoon, 'Adn Paradise which they will enter, under which rivers flow.." [16:30-31]
(v) Seeking to Enjoy the Pleasures of this World and Neglecting the Hereafter Will be Followed By Regret and Sorrow When One Enters the Fire of Hell
"Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection will you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception " [3:185]
The people will have whatever food and drink they desire:
"Any fruit that they may choose, And the flesh of fowls that they desire" [56:20-21]
"...there will be there all that the souls could desire, all that the eyes could delight in.." [43:71]
Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will permit them to take whatever they want of the good food and drink of Paradise:
"Eat and drink at ease for that which you have sent on before you in days past!" [69:24]
In Paradise there will be a sea of water, a sea of wine, a sea of milk and a sea of honey, and the rivers of Paradise will flow out of these seas. There will be also many springs in Paradise, and its people will drink from these seas, rivers and springs.
(i) The Wine of the People of Paradise
One of the drinks that Allaah will bestow on the people of Paradise will be wine. The wine of Paradise is free of all the troubles and problems that characterise the wine of this world, which makes people lose their minds, and causes headaches, stomach aches and other physical disorders, or which may have something wrong in the way it is made, or its colour, etc. But the wine of Paradise is free from all such faults; it is pure and beautiful:
"Round them will be passed a cup of pure wine; white, delicious to the drinkers. Neither will they have ghoul [any kind of hurt, abdominal pain, headache, etc] from that, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom" [37:45-47]
Allaah described the beauty of its white colour, then explained that its drinker enjoy it very much, without is affecting their minds:
"..rivers of wine delicious to those who drink.." [47:15]
And they will never be adversely affected by drinking it:
"..nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom" [37:47]
Elsewhere in the Qur'aan, Allaah describes the wine of Paradise,
"They will be served by immortal boys, With cups and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine, Wherefrom they will get neither any aching of the head, nor any intoxication" [56:17-19]
Commenting on this passage, Ibn Katheer said, "it does not cause their heads to ache or their minds to be fogged; it is pure, although it still contains the ingredients that make it a delight to the drinker. ad-Dahhaak narrated that Ibn 'Abbaas said, "Wine produces four things: drunkenness, headache, vomit and urine. Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) has mentioned the wine of Paradise, and He has purified it of all these things." [Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 6/514]
In another part of the Qur'aan, Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says:
"They will be given to drink pure sealed wine, the last thereof will be the smell of musk.." [83:25-26]
This wine is sealed or covered, and at the end of it, the drinker will find the scent of musk.
(ii) The food and drink of the people of Paradise does not produce any impure excrement.
This does not only apply to the first group to enter Paradise, all those who enter will be similarly pure. Muslim reports from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The first group of my ummah to enter Paradise will be as beautiful as the full moon and those that come after them will be like the brightest shining star, and those that follow them will be ranked according to their status. They will not defecate, urinate or blow their noses or spit." [Muslim in Kitaab al-Jannah, Baab awwal zumrah tadkhul al-Jannah, 4/2188, no. 2834]
(iii) Why Will the People of Paradise Eat and Drink and Comb their Hair?
If the people of Paradise are to abide there forever, and it is free form all discomfort, pain and sickness, if there is no hunger or thirst there, and no impurities or dirt, then why will the people of Paradise eat and drink, and wear perfume and comb their hair?
al-Qurtubee answered this question in at-Tadhkirah [p. 475, see also al-Fath, 6/325]: "The luxuries and clothing of the people of Paradise will not be for the purpose of warding off potential pains; they will not eat because of hunger or drink because of thirst, or wear perfume because of some offensive odour, because Paradise is a never-ending succession of delight and joy. Do you not remember the words of Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) to Aadam?
"Verily you have that you will never be hungry therein nor naked. And you suffer not from thirst therein nor from the sun's heat." [20:118-119]
The wisdom behind it [food and drink, etc] is so that Allaah will introduce Paradise to them in ways similar to the good things that they enjoyed on earth, but He will increase it in ways known only to Him."
(iv) The Vessels and Cups of the People of Paradise
The vessels from which the people of Paradise will eat and drink will be of gold and silver. Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says:
"Trays of gold and cups will be passed round them.." [43:71] i.e. cups of gold.
And Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says, "And amongst them, will be passed round vessels of silver and cups of crystal, crystal-clear, made of silver. They will determine the measure thereof according to their wishes." [76:15] i.e it will combine the purity of crystal with the whiteness of silver.
al-Bukhaari and Muslim reported from Abu Musaa al-Ash'ari that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The believer in paradise will have a tent made of a hollowed out pearl.. and two gardens of silver, their vessels and everything in them, and two gardens of gold, their vessels and everything in them." [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/86]
Among the vessels from which they will drink will be cups and jugs and glasses:
"They will be served by immortal boys, with cups, and jugs and a glass from the flowing wine." [56:17-18]
The Clothing, Jewellery and Incense-Burners Of the People of Paradise
The people of Paradise will wear the most luxurious clothes, amongst other things, garments of silk and bracelets of gold, silver and pearls. Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says:
"...wherein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments will be of silk." [22:23]
"'Adn Paradise they will enter, therein will they be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments there will be of silk." [35:33]
"...They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Rabb will give them a pure drink." [76:21]
Their clothes will be colourful, including garments of green silk and brocade:
"..They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade. They will recline therein on raised thrones. How good the recompense! How beautiful a couch to recline on." [18:31]
"Their garments will be of fine green silk, and gold embroidery. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver.." [76:21]
The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) also told us that the people of Paradise will have combs of gold and silver, and that they will perfume themselves with 'Ud at-Teeb, even though the scent of musk will be emanating from their pure bodies. al-Bukhaari narrates from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said of those who will enter Paradise:
"Their vessels will be of gold and silver, their combs will be of gold and the coals of their incense-burners will be of aloe-wood [Abul-Yaman said, "of 'Ud at-Teeb] and their sweat will be musk." [al-Bukhaari, Kitaab Bid' al-Khalq, Baab Maa Jaa'a fi Sifat al-Jannah wan-Naar, Fath al-Baari, 6/319]
Their jewellery will include crowns. at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Maajah report from al-Miqdaam ibn Ma'd Yakrib that among the honours bestowed upon the martyr will be: "..there will be placed upon his head a crown of dignity, one ruby of which is better than this world and all that is in it." [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/358, no. 3834, Saheeh Muslim, saheeh]
The clothing and jewellery of the people of Paradise will never wear out or fade. Muslim reports from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "Whoever enters Paradise is blessed, and will never be miserable, his clothes will never wear out and his youth will never fade away." [Saheeh Muslim, Kitaab al-Jannah, Baab fi Dawam Na'eem al-Jannah, 4/2181, no. 2836]
Since this is the 'Jannah thread' sister allow me to post something as well Insh'Ala
30 Ways To Gain The Top Ranks in Jannah
It should be the ultimate dream, ambition and the aim of every Muslim to strive and do everything possible in this life in order to please Allah so that we may gain the top ranks of Jannah.
Narrated Abu Huraira (RA):
The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
"Whoever believes in Allah and His Apostle offers prayers perfectly and fasts (the month of) Ramadan then it is incumbent upon Allah to admit him into Paradise, whether he emigrates for Allah's cause or stays in the land where he was born." They (the companions of the Prophet) said, "O Allah's Apostle! Should we not inform the people of that?" He said, "There are one-hundred degrees in Paradise which Allah has prepared for those who carry on Jihad in His Cause. The distance between every two degrees is like the distance between the sky and the Earth, so if you ask Allah for anything, ask Him for the firdaus, for it is the last part of Paradise and the highest part of Paradise, and at its top there is the Throne of Beneficent, and from it gush forth the rivers of Paradise."
Bukhari (Book #93, Hadith #519)
Therefore we should ask for Jannatul Firdaus in every dua and obey the commands of Allah so that we may please him and so we may be granted with eternal bliss. Allah the exalted says:
Allah hath promised to believer's 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: 9. at-Tawbah
So how can we gain eternal bliss? How can we make the best of every second we have to ensure that we gain the top ranks of Jannah?
1. Fulfil our Obligatory duties unto Allah
There is NO doubt that we must fulfil our obligations unto Allah before anything else. We cannot expect to get closer to Allah and gain high ranks of Jannah without fulfilling our obligatory duties unto him.
It is stated according to Hadith Qudsi:
"Whoever draws near to Me among those drawn near by fulfilling what I have made obligatory on them....
You do not draw near to Allah except by fulfilling the obligatory duties which Allah has made obligatory on you; (that is) the obligatory duties from the obligatory duties (Faraid) such as Prayers, and Zakat (obligatory charity), and Hajj, and Fasting and being good to Parents and all these obligatory duties on you draw you near to Allah, the Glorified and the Exalted.
So the first thing we must do is to fulfil ALL our obligatory duties to Allah and abstain from that which Allah and his messenger have forbidden us from.
2. Doing everything to please Allah
We must to do EVERYTHING in our daily life which pleases Allah and stay away from anything which angers or displeases him.
Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported regarding the saying of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "If I forbid you to do something, then keep away from it. And if I order you to do something, then do of it as much as you can." (Al-Bukhaari)
3. Striving to get closer to Allah
Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu anhu reports that the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) in a Hadith Qudsi narrated that Allah says:
I treat My slaves according to his expectations from Me.
I am with him when he remembers Me;
and if he remembers Me in his heart,
I remember him in My heart;
and if he remembers Me in a gathering,
I remember him in a better and nobler gathering (of angels).
If he comes closer to Me by one span,
I go closer to him an arm's length;
if he comes towards Me an arm's length,
I go towards him two-arm's length;
and if he comes to Me walking,
I run to him. (Bukhari)
So when a person strives to get closer to Allah through good deeds, then Allah turns towards His slave with much more attention, mercy and help.
4. Maintaining Imaan (faith)
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "Faith wears out in the heart of any one of you just as clothes wear out, so ask Allaah to renew the faith in your hearts." (Reported by al-Haakim, al-Tabaraani)
If we want to gain high ranks of Jannah we need to keep our Imaan topped up. This is because Imaan fluctuates and needs to be maintained otherwise it may fall dangerously low resulting in us losing our way and opening a path for shaythan to misguide us.
Our Imaan can only be constantly high if we maintain it by doing good actions and everything which pleases Allah. Without making effort our Imaan will fall low and we will be vulnerable to attack.
5. Being thankful to Allah
We should always ask of Allah to make us of the appreciative and thankful. We should constantly think of the favours that Allah has done for us and know that even if we spent our whole lives worshipping Allah then we would NEVER be able to repay him for even one blessing he has given us. Therefore we should be thankful to him and never be ungrateful:
"Therefore remember Me, I will remember you, And be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me." [Qur'an 2:152]
6. Being constant in Repentance
Allah loves repentance and loves those who turn to him in repentance:
Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance, and He loves those who keep themselves in purity. (Qur'an 2:222)
7. Best Manners, Character & Conduct
We should strive to be of those with the best of characters and manners as that is what will elevate us in the hereafter:
Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alahi wasallam) used to say:
The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character. (Related by al-Bukhari)
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: There is none heavier in the scales of the Hereafter than good character, (Hadith narrated by al-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud).
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant." (Tirmidhi)
So let us strive to perfect our manners, character and conduct and know that these good deeds will be of the heaviest on the scales and will enable us to reach the highest ranks of Jannah
8. Reading & implement Qur'an into daily life
Ibn Kathir says regarding tafsir of [Soorah al-A'raf (7): 179]:The similitude of the one, who memorizes the Qur'an but does not act in accordance to it, is like a donkey, which carries a load of books, but does not understand!
Therefore we must not be of those who read the Qur'an but do not aim to understand it. We should read and study the deeper meanings of the Qur'an and act upon everything we read as this is what the Sahaaba did. Some of the Sahaaba took a very long time finishing the Qur'an because they wanted to implement everything they read before moving on to the rest of the Qur'an.
9. Knowing Allah by his attributes
Ibn al-Qayyim (RA) said: "There does not exist a need of the souls that is greater than their need for the knowledge of their Maker and Originator, and for possessing love of Him, mentioning Him, being delighted at Him, and for seeking a means and position with Him. However, there is no route to this except by way of knowledge of His characteristics and names. Thus, the more knowledgeable the servant is of these names and attributes, the more knowledgeable he will be of Allah, the more will be his pursuit of His Pleasure, and the nearer he will be to Him. Likewise, the more averse he is to the names and attributes, the greater ignorance he will have of Allah, the more will be his dislike for Him and the further away he will be from Him. Allah affords the servant a status with Him that is in accordance with the status that the servant gives to Allah with himself..." ['al-Kafiyah ash-Shafiyah' ]
Therefore we should try to know Allah by his names and his attributes. We should contemplate and ponder over his majesty and greatness. By knowing Allah by his names and attributes we will feel ever closer to him and do everything to please him.
10. Fearing Allah
"Surely, Allah loves al - Muttaqun (God fearing)." [At-Tawba: 4]
The fear of Allah is the source of pure soul - it is borne out of love and obedience. Thus a pious person is constantly driven to do good only and guard against evil. He/She is humble and does not flaunt his/her piety in front of others.
The fear of Allah beautifies the Iman and is the origin of all good as one to strive to do only what pleases Allah and stay away from the things that would displeased Him. Piety is an internal quality as the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, "Taqwa is here" whilst pointing to his chest (Muslim) and it is a quality that puts us above others in the sight of Allah.
So in order to be raised in the highest of positions in the hereafter we need to fear Allah and be aware that he is watching us at all times.
11. Memorising the Qur'an
Ibn 'Amr reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said:
"It will be said to the companion of the Qur'aan after he has entered Paradise, 'Recite, and rise!' For every verse he recites he will rise one level (in Paradise), until he recites the last verse with him (i.e., in his memory)." (Aboo Dawood)
Therefore we should memorise as much of the Qur'an as possible in order to elevate our position in the hereafter.
12. Concentrating in Salaah
Abu l-Aas (RA) reported that he said,"O Messenger of Allaah, the Shaytaan interrupts me when I pray, and I get confused in my recitation." The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, "That is a shaytaan whose name is Khanzab. If you sense his presence, seek refuge with Allaah from him, and spit [dry spitting] towards your left three times." [Abu'l-'Aas] said: "I did that and Allaah took him away from me."(Reported by Muslim, no. 2203)
Salaah is of the best and most important of all our worship so we must ensure that we pray our Salaah as perfectly as possible as our Salaah is being scrutinised everytime we pray and if we do not pray our Salaah properly and lack concentration then we will not gain the full benefits of our Salaah and instead it will feel like a burden upon us.
Therefore we should strive to try and concentrate on our Salaah as much as possible imagining that Allah is watching our every movement in prayer.
13. Men praying Fard Salaah in the Masjid
The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
"I had considered ordering for the prayer to be established, then I would order every man to pray and set loose men who have with them logs of wood upon a people who did not come to the prayer and I would burn their houses with the fire." (Bukhari, Muslim)
This clearly indicates that there is no excuse for men to make a congregation at home if they have a Masjid near them and it is possible for them to pray in one.
Honourable place in Jannah: It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "Whoever goes to the mosque in the morning and evening, Allaah will prepare for him an honourable place in Paradise every time he goes and comes." (Bukhaari, 631; Muslim, 669)
Therefore it is clear that men should establish a close connection with the house of Allah, pray all of our Salaah on time and our fards in the Masjid:
14. Doing Voluntary Prayers & Fasts
Voluntary prayers:
Allah says in Hadith Qudsi:
....and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (voluntary deeds) until I love him, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My Protection, I will protect him..." (Bukhari)
A Source of Elevation: The Prophet (SallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet (SallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet( SallAllahu alayhi wasallam)said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers)." (Muslim)
Therefore we should pray all of the voluntary prayers as the more prostrations we do the more closer we will get to Allah and the more chance we have of being in the company of Rasulallah (SallAllahu alayhi wasallam) in Jannah:
Voluntary fasting:
Abu Hurairah reported that the most the Prophet, (salla Allahu alaihi wa salam) would fast would be Monday and Thursday.
He was asked about that and he said: "The deeds of people are presented to Allah on every Monday and Thursday. Allah forgives every Muslim except for those who are deserting each other. He says: "leave them for later." (Ahmad; Hasan)
Fasting the white days (3 days in the lunar month, 13th, 14th & 15th):
Abu Tharr Al-Ghefari said: "The Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said "O Abu Tharr! if you fast three days of every month, then fast the 13th, the 14th and the 15th [these are call the al-ayaam al-beedh, the white days]". (Ahmad, an-Nasaa'i and at-Tirmithi; Sahih)
Intercession for those who fast: "Fasting and the Qur'an will intercede for the slave on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say: 'O My Rabb! I prevented him from food and desires, so accept my intercession for him.' And the Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleep during the night, so accept my intercession for him.' He (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: 'And they will (be allowed to) intercede.'" (Ahmad, at-Tabarani, Al-Hakim, Sahih)
So let us get closer to Allah by fasting Mondays & Thursdays or at least 3 days every lunar month on the 13th,14th and 15th. If we leave something for the pleasure of Allah then we will get MUCH more in return!
15. Remember & Glorify Allah night & day
Mu`adh ibn Jabal said that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "The People of Paradise will not regret except one thing alone: the hour that passed them by and in which they made no remembrance of Allah." Narrated by Bayhaqi in Shu`ab al-iman (1:392 #512-513)
The highest rank in Jannah for those who remember Allah the most:
Abu Sa`id narrates: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked, "Which of the servants of Allah is best in rank before Allah on the Day of resurrection?" He said: "The ones who remember him much." I said: "O Messenger of Allah, what about the fighter in the way of Allah?" He answered: "Even if he strikes the unbelievers and mushrikin with his sword until it broke, and becomes red with their blood, truly those who do dhikr are better than him in rank." (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, and Bayhaqi)
Therefore we should remember Allah as much as is possible and glorify him night and day for his remembrance is the best of deeds and will surely elevate our position in Jannah:
16. Pray Tahajjud & beg & cry unto Allah for mercy & forgiveness
Abu Hurayra (RA) reports that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, "The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer." (Muslim)
Therefore we should make a habit to pray Tahajjud in the latter portions of the night and beg and cry unto Allah for mercy. The one who prays Tahajjud has their ranks elevated in Jannah. The one who cries unto Allah in the depths of the night will surely be heard for Allah tends to his servants who are crying for his mercy quicker just as a mother tends to her crying baby:
17. Implement FULL Sunnah into daily life
Following the Sunnah is a command from Allah:
"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran: 3:31)
Surely if we follow the Prophet in every aspect of our life then everything that we do will become a worship even going to the toilet, having a bath, dressing and undressing etc
"Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward."
(Tirmidhi)
Therefore let us revive the Sunnah and act upon every Sunnah we possibly can in our daily lives so that our whole life and everything we do in our day is worship to Allah:
18. Giving charity
Spending in the way of Allah is of the best of deeds and will save us from the fire:
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "Charity wipes out sins as water extinguishes fire." (Tirmidhi)
Charity should be paid secretly: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "Righteous deeds protect a person from an evil end; a charity spent in secret extinguishes Allah's wrath; and maintaining good ties of kinship increases ones lifespan." (Tabaraani)
Removing harmful objects from people's way is also a charity: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said:"I saw a man enjoying himself in Paradise (simply) because he removed from a road a tree that used to harm people."(Muslim)
Providing for ones family is a charity: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said:"If a man provides for his family hoping for the reward, it will be counted as charity for him."(Bukhari & Muslim)
So let us give in the way of Allah and know that we will get SO much more in return in the hereafter.
19. Worship Allah in youth
We should make the best of our youth as it is the best time in ones life in order to turn to Allah and worship him and do everything to please him refraining from anything which angers or displeases him:
20. Making best use of time in worshipping Allah
Time is short and death is near. This is what we must always keep in mind everyday of our lives and keep reminding ourselves of this fact
And the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "Make the most of five things before five others: life before death, health before sickness, free time before becoming busy, youth before old age, and wealth before poverty." (Saheeh al-Jaami', no. 1077)
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "There are two blessings which many people do not make the most of and thus lose out: good health and free time." (Bukhari, 6412)
We need to realise that time is short and death is around the corner. Any one of us can go at ANY second so therefore we need to make the best of each precious second before we face death and by then it is too late to change and get closer to Allah so our ONLY chance is now!
Surely we will utterly regret the precious seconds we wasted in this world. So with this utter regret in our mind constantly we should feel motivated to make the best of each second in spending it trying to please Allah and get closer to him:
21. Maximising our time to worship Allah
The Prophet (Sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "No servant will be let go on the day of judgment until he is asked about the four matters: His lifetime: How did he spend it? His knowledge: What did he use it for? His money: Where did he gain it from and what did he spend in it? And his body: In what did he wear it away?" (at-Tirmidhee)
Have we used our bodies for fasting, praying, enjoining good and forbidding evil or have we used them up by succumbing to our desires?
Surely then we need to maximise the little time we have and spend each day as it is our last as it may well be. We must treat each day as a blessing for us and an opportunity to do more good and to repent for our sins. So surely we must optimise each day by maximising our worship unto Allah:
22. Hasten in doing Good deeds
Abu Hurayrah narrates that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "Hasten to do good deeds before there come tribulations like pieces of a dark night, when a man will be a believer in the morning and a kaafir by evening, or he will be a believer in the evening and a kaafir by morning, selling his religious commitment for worldly gain." (Muslim, 118)
We must hasten in doing as many good deeds in our lives as possible for there is no doubt that the good effects of every good deed we do in this world in order to please Allah will remain with us forever.
Surely it is a worthwhile investment in that which will benefit us for eternity! So we must be consistent in doing as many good deeds as possible in order to please Allah so that we may get closer to him.
Best deeds are those which are done most often even though they may be little:
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "The best loved deeds to Allah are the ones that are continuous even if they are not very many." (Bukhari, Muslim)
Knowing the effects of our good deeds will last forever should motivate us even more to make the best use of every second in order to do as much good as possible so that we may please Allah.
23. Showing mercy & forgiveness unto others
We should know that if we want forgiveness from Allah then we should also show mercy and forgiveness to others.
24. Inviting to the way of Allah
Surely we should spend our lives inviting others towards Allah whether they are Muslim or non Muslim.
"Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. They are prosperous ones." (3.104)
We should not argue with them or use a harsh manner but use wisdom, tact and the best approach possible:
Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. (16:125)
We should enjoin good and forbid evil for it is a duty upon us:
The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: 'Indeed, by Allah, you either enjoin good and forbid evil and catch hold of the oppressor and persuade him to act justly and stick to the truth, or, Allah will involve the hearts of some of you with the hearts of others and will curse you as he had cursed them' (At-Tirmidhi)
Whatever beneficial knowledge we have we should convey it unto others so that they may also benefit from it:
Zaid b. Thabit (RA) narrated the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "May Allah cause to have freshness and brilliance the man who hears what I say and keeps it in mind, then convey it to others. (Ahmad, 5-183)
We should know that any good action another does because of some beneficial knowledge we have shared then we will also have a share of it:
"Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." (Sahih Muslim)
25. Treating parents the best
To be obedient and to show kindness to parents has been enjoined in the Holy Quran in such a manner as to say that among the noble deeds, to obey parents, treat them respectfully and to show kindness to them is next to worshipping Almighty Allah.
The Quran says, "Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour." - Surah Al Isra (17:23).
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said:"What a loss is for him! What a loss is for him! What a loss is for him!" Someone asked: "Who, O Allah's Messenger?" He replied: "He whose parents reach old age, either one or both of them, and he does not use their presence (by being good to them, etc.) to cause him to enter Paradise." (Muslim)
Abdullah bin Mas'ood (RA), observed: "I asked Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) which deed was the best." He replied: 'The Prayer at its appointed hour.' I (again) asked: "Then what?" He replied: 'Kindness to the parents.'... (Sahih Muslim: 120)
So let us treat our parents the best knowing that we will please Allah in doing so and attain high ranks in Jannah.
26. Being patient through trials & hardships
Whatever tests, hardships and adversities we go through in life we should know that we will be recompensed for it as long as we remain patient and accept the decree of Allah and never question it. Surely trials and hardships are a blessing in disguise and Allah wanting good for us.
A Muslim should adhere to patience when afflicted with calamity and should not submit either to desperation nor despondence because if we are patient, everything that was destined and preordained for us will occur and we will be rewarded. If we complain and are hopeless, then all that was destined to us will occur, but we will be blamed for our impatience at Allah's Will.
Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "On the Day of Resurrection, when people who have suffered affliction are given their reward, those who are healthy will wish their skins had been cut to pieces with scissors when they were in the world."(Al-Tirmidhi #1570)
Therefore let us realise that the bigger trials and hardships we go through in this life then the more rewards we will gain in the hereafter as long as we are patient and are constantly turning towards Allah.
In the hereafter when we see the rewards of going through trials and hardships then we will all wish that we wen through the WORST trials possible for the longest amount of time!
May Allah make us patient through adversity, trials and hardships. Ameen
27. Spending time in good company
We should try to spend as much time as possible with pious, righteous and learned people and keep away from keeping bad friends and those who are loose in their talk and have a bad influence towards us.
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, "The case of the good companion and the bad companion is like that of the seller of musk and the blower of the bellows (iron-smith). As for the seller of musk, he will either give you some of the musk, or you will purchase some from him, or at least you will come away having experienced its good smell. Whereas the blower of the bellows will either burn your clothing, or at least you will come away having experienced its repugnant smell." [Bukhari and Muslim]
Remember: "All friends will be enemies of one another on that Day (Day of Judgment) except those of the virtuous." (Al-Qur'an 43:67)
A scholar said: "keeping good company with the pious results in attainment of beneficial knowledge, noble manners and righteous actions, whereas keeping company with the wicked prevents all of that."
So let us keep good company and compete with them to do good deeds. Know that a good pious friend will make the path to Jannah an easier one and a bad friend will make the path to Jahannam easier to. So which path would we rather take?
28. Piety, Kindness & Justice
"Verily, then Allah loves those who are al-Muttaqun (the God fearing, pious)."
(Quran: 3:76)
Being Just is piety:
"Be just: that is nearer to piety; and fear Allah." (Quran: 5:8)
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Allah loves that you be just toward your children even when kissing them." (Ibn Al-Najjar)
Being kind and gentle:
Baihaqani narrated: The Prophet (Sallallahu Aalaihi Wasallam) said: "Allah is kind and gentle (to others)."
Aisha narrated: The Prophet (Sallallahu Aalaihi Wasallam) said: "Allah loves kindliness in all matters." (Bukhari)
29. Trusting in Allah (Tawakkul)
"Allah loves those who put their trust in Him." [Ali 'Imran: 159]
The secret and reality of trust in Allah is the reliance of the heart on Allah alone. Therefore trusting in Allah words are different from trusting in Him with the heart.
Reliance is doing and hoping - doing everything necessary within one's capability to achieve one's aim and hoping with tranquillity of heart and soul and putting one's trust in Allah with firm belief that whatever the outcome is, it is a result of the Will of Allah and His Decree.
One should never feel that too much time has passed by without his/her supplications being answered; rather we should always place our hope on the One who is able to do all things.
"If you all depend on Allah, with due reliance, he would certainly give you provision as He gives to birds who go forth hungry in the morning and return with full bellies at dusk." (Tirmidhi)
"Certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)." (Quran: 3:159)
So let us put our FULL trust in Allah and rely upon him and know that whatever happens in our lives then he is there for us if only we relied upon him.
30. Reaching the highest peak of Imaan - Ihsaan
"Verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good doers)." (Ali 'Imran: 134)
"Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him and if you cannot achieve this devotion, then you must know that He sees you." (Bukhari)
So Ihsaan goes beyond a noble trait for it is an integral part of Islam.
It is the secret of an attentive heart - knowing that Allah is watching everything. This fills the heart with respect and veneration and one becomes too embarrassed to go against Allah's commands. It promotes performance of good deeds for the sake of Allah and not show or to gain praise or fame.
Surely this is the highest peak of Imaan where one imagines Allah to be watching him where ever he/she is and whatever he/she may be doing.
This will also lead us to strive for our best in performing our Ibadah (Worship) - we will be more sincere in our Ibadah. Thus Ihsaan is also about the best actions of the heart.
The actions that will lead to Ihsaan: to love Allah the most, to fear Allah the most, to seek the help of Allah, to have hope in Allah that He will give us mercy and guide us, to trust Allah wholly.
This is a stage we must all try to reach for it will send us plummeting to the highest ranks of Jannah inshallah.
Conclusion
Now It is upto us to ensure that we do everything we can to obey the commands of Allah and to strive to be closer to him and to please him in everything we do and to refrain from doing anything which may anger or displease him.
We must align our intentions and actions to that of the Qur'an and Sunnah so that we may be successful in this life and the next. We should know that this life is temporary and can end at any second and that we will return to Allah and be questioned as to how we lived our life. Are we ready for that? The time to prepare is now as tomorrow may never come so there is no such thing as preparing tomorrow or the day after for change must occur now.
This is our ONLY chance to do everything we can do make our eternity a blissful one. We have this one opportunity to gain the highest ranks of Jannah but when this opportunity ends and we have not prepared then we will regret FOREVER the one chance that we missed out on.
We should continuously listen to good Islamic lectures particularly on death and the hereafter in order to keep our Imaan high and hearts softened and so that we are constantly reminded of our purpose here and that we can go at any second.
By all means...skimmed through as its too long to read now but will inshaAllah do so later..Jazaakallah and may Allah bestow on us the highest stages in Jannah with His eternal pleasure and closeness, aameeeen
"Allaahumma inni as-aluka ridhaaka wal-jannah wa-a'oodhubika min sakhathika wannaar....
Ya Allah, I ask of You Your pleasure and Jannah and ask for refuge from Your anger and Jahannam"
The palaces of Paradise have been prepared, and in their gardens are places to sit and recline, beautiful couches of delightful colours and high beds whose interiors are lined with silk brocade, let alone how magnificent their outward appearance must be. There are cushions and splendid carpets laid out in the most delightful fashion. Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says:
"Therein will be thrones raised high, And cups set at hand, and cushions set in rows, and rich carpets " [88:13-16]
"They will recline on thrones arranged in ranks. And We shall marry them to Houris with wide lovely eyes." [52:20]
"A multitude of those will be from the first generations and a few of those will be from the later time . on thrones woven with gold and precious stones,reclining thereon, face to face." [56:13-16]
This reclining on those thrones and couches will be one of the luxuries that the people of Paradise will enjoy when they gather together, as Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says,
"And we shall remove from their breasts any lurking sense of injury; brothers facing each other on thrones ." [15:47]
"Reclining on green cushions and rich beautiful mattresses" [55:76}
"Reclining upon the couches lined with silk brocade" [55:54]
The Market of the People of Paradise
Muslim reported from Anas ibn Maalik that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said;
"In Paradise there is a market to which the people will come every Friday, then a wind will come from the north and blow on their faces, and clothes, and they will increase in beauty. Then they will return to their wives, who will also have increased in beauty. Their wives will say to them, "By Allaah, you increased in beauty after you left us." And they will say, "And you too, by Allaah, you have increased in beauty since you left us." [Saheeh Muslim, Kitaab al-Jannah, Baab fi Sooq al-Jannah, 4/2178, no. 2833]
an-Nawawi commented on this hadith, "What is meant by a market is a gathering place where the people will come together, just as they gather in marketplaces in this world. Gathering together every Friday means that they will meet once a week, or what approximates to once a week; there will be no real weeks there, as there will be no sun or moon or days. The wind of Paradise was described specifically as being the north winds, because for the Arabs this is the wind that brings rain, coming from the direction of Syria, so they always hoped for a wind coming from the north. In the hadith this wind is called al-Mutheerah, i.e. something that carries things, because it will blow the sand or dust of Paradise into their faces, which is musk." [Sharh an-Nawawi ala Muslim, 17/170]
The Gatherings and Conversations of the People of Paradise
The people of Paradise will visit one another, in delightful gatherings where they will remember their lives in this world and how Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) has blessed them by admitting them to Paradise. Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) described the gatherings of the people of Paradise:
"And We shall remove from their breasts any lurking sense of injury, brothers, facing each other on thrones ." [15:47]
Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) has also described some of the kinds of conversation that will take place in their gatherings:
"And some of them draw near to others, questioning, saying, "Aforetime we were afraid with our families , but Allaah has been gracious to us, and has saved us from the torment of the Fire. Verily, we used to invoke Him before. Verily He is Al-Barr, the All-Merciful." [52:25-28]
The Wives of the People of Paradise
(i) The Wife Of The Believer In This World Will Be His Wife In The Hereafter If She Is Righteous
"Gardens of 'Adn, which they shall enter, and those who act righteously from among their fathers, and their wives and their offspring..." [13:23]
"They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, reclining on thrones." [36:56]
"Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness" [43:70]
(ii) al-Hoor al-'Eeyn Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will marry the believers in Paradise to beautiful women who were not their wives in this world, as Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says:
"So and We shall marry them to Houris with wide lovely eyes." [44:54]
al-Hoor is the plural of Hooraa', which is a woman, the white parts of her eyes intensely white, and the black is intensely black. al-'Eeyn is the plural fo 'Aynaa, which is the woman whose eyes are wide.
The Qur'aan describes al-Hoor al-'Eeyn as being firm and full-breasted:
"Verily, for al-Muttaqoon, there will be a success; gardens and grapeyards and young full-breasted maidens of equal age." [78:31-33]
Al-Hoor al-'Eeyn are creatures that Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) has made especially for Paradise, and has made them virgins:
"Verily, We have created of special creation, and made them virgin-pure , beloved , equal in age." [56:35-37]
The fact that they are virgins means that no-one has ever married them before:
"...whom no man or jinn has touched before them." [55:56]
This refutes the idea that the wives that Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will create for them in Paradise will be their wives from this life, made young again after old age had overtaken them. That idea if correct in that Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will admit the believing women to Paradise with their youth restored but they are not al-Hoor al-'Eeyn whom Allaah created in Paradise.
The Qur'an also speaks of the beauty of the women of al-Jannah:
"And Houris with wide lovely eyes , Like unto preserved pearls." [56:22-23]
Maknoon ["preserved"] means hidden or protected, something whose colour is not changed by exposure to sunlight or by being tampered with. Elsewhere, Allaah likens them to rubies and coral, two beautiful precious stones:
"In them will be restraining their glances, whom no man or jinn has touched before them, Then which of the favours of your Rabb will you deny? Like unto rubies and coral." [55:56-58]
al-Hoor are also described as restraining their gaze upon their husbands i.e. they restrict their gaze and don't let their eyes wander to others. Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) has stated that they are very beautiful, and it is sufficient to know that Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) said:
"In them will be fair good and beautiful; then which of the favours of your Rabb will you deny? Companions restrained in pavilions" [55:70-72]
Look at this beauty that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) described! Can you find any comparison to it in the world that you know?! :
"If one of the women of Paradise were to look at the people of this world, everything in between them would be lit up and filled with her fragrance. The veil on her head is better than this world and everything in it." [al-Bukhaari, in as-Saheeh, Kitaab al-Jihaad, Baab wa Zawwajnahum bi Hoor-'Eeyn. Fath al-Baari, 6/15]
Earning The Blessings Of Paradise Does Not Mean One Has To Forego The Pleasures Of This World
Monks and ascetics, and many of the believers of this ummah think that the blessings of the hereafter cannot be attained without giving up the good things and pleasures of this world. So you see them punishing themselves and making life hard for themselves with non-stop fasting and praying at night. Some of them even deny themselves good food, drink and clothing and reject work and marriage. All of this is wrong, for Allaah has created the good things of this world for the believers, and He denounces those who forbid the beautiful things that Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) has created for His slaves:
"Say: "Who has forbidden the adornment with clothes given by Allah, which He has produced for His slaves, and at-Tayyibaat of food?" Say: "They are in the life of this world, for those who believe, exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection ." [7:32]
This world is only condemned when it distracts the believer from the Hereafter, but if he treats it as a means of achieving success in the aakhirah then its pleasures need not be spurned, as some people think.
The Conclusion Of Their Prayer Will Be Al-Hamdulillaahi Rabbil-Aalameen
The believers will pass through the turmoil of the Day of Judgement, then they will cross as-Siraat and will witness its horrors. Then Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will admit them to gardens of delight in Paradise, after removing all grief and sorrow from their hearts. They will see the wonders that Allaah has prepared for them in Paradise and they will raise their voices in praise and glorification of Allaah because He will have lifted their sorrow, fulfilled His promise to them, and caused them to inherit Paradise:
"And they will say, "All praise and thanks be to Allaah, Who has removed from us grief. For Our Rabb is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate Who out of His Grace, has lodged us in a home that will last forever, there, toil will not touch us, nor will weariness touch us" [35:34-35]
"And they will say, "All the praises and thanks be to Allaah Who Has fulfilled His promise to us and has made us inherit land. We can dwell in Paradise where we will; how excellent a reward for the workers!" And you will see the angels surrounding the Throne from all around, glorifying the praises of their Rabb. And they will be judged with truth, and it will be said, "All the praises and thanks be to Allaah, the Rabb of the Aalameen" [39:74-75]
And the conclusion of their prayer will be al-Hamdulillaahi Rabbil Aalameen:"Their prayer will be Glory to You, O Allaah! and their greeting therein will be Peace, and the conclusion of their prayer will be, "Praise be to Allaah, Lord of the Worlds" [10:10]
"And if you ask about its ground and its soil, then it is of musk and saffron.
And if you ask about its roof, then it is the Throne of the Most Merciful.
And if you ask about its rocks, then they are pearls and jewels.
And if you ask about its buildings, then they are made of bricks of gold and silver.
And if you ask about its trees, then it does not contain a single tre e except that its trunk is made of gold and silver.
And if you ask about its fruits, then they are softer than butter and sweeter than honey.
And if you ask about its leaves, then they are softer than the softest cloth.
And if you ask about its rivers, then there are rivers of milk who’s taste does not change, and rivers of wine that is delicious to those who drink it, and rivers of honey that is pure, and rivers of water that is fresh.
And if you ask about their food, then it is fruits from whatever they will choose, and the meat of whatever birds they desire.
And if you ask about their drink, then it is Tasneem, ginger, and Kaafoor.
And if you ask about their drinking cups, then they are crystal-clear and made of gold and silver.
And if you ask about its shade, then a fast rider would ride in the shade of one of its trees for a hundred years and not escape it.
And if you ask about its vastness, then the lowest of its people would have within his kingdom and walls and palaces and gardens the distance that would be travelled in a thousand years.
And if you ask about its tents and encampments, then one tent is like a concealed pearl that is sixty miles long.
And if you ask about its towers, then they are rooms above rooms in buildings that have rivers running underneath them.
And if you ask about how far it reaches into the sky, then look at the shining star that is visible, as well as those that are far in the heavens that the eyesight cannot possibly reach.
And if you ask about the clothing of its inhabitants, then they are of silk and gold.
And if you ask about its beds, then its blankets are of the finest silk laid out in the highest of its levels.
And if you ask about the faces of its inhabitants and their beauty, then they are like the image of the Moon.
And if you ask about their age, then they are young ones of 33 years in the image of Adam, the father of humanity.
And if you ask about what they will be hearing, then it is the singing of their wives from among the Hoor al-‘Ayn, and better than that are the voices of the Angels and the Prophets, and better than that is the Speech of the Lord of the Worlds.
And if you ask about their servants, then they are young boys of everlasting youth who resemble scattered pearls.
And if you ask about their brides and wives, then they are young and full-breasted and have had the liquid of youth flow through their limbs; the Sun runs along the beauty of her face if she shows it, light shines from between her teeth if she smiles; if you meet her love, then say whatever you want regarding the joining of two lights; he sees his face in the roundness of her cheek as if he is looking into a polished mirror, and he sees the brightness from behind her muscles and bones; if she were to be unleashed upon the World, she would fill what is between the Heavens and the Earth with a beautiful wind, and the mouths of the creation would glorifiy, praise, and exclaim greatness, and everything between the East and the West would be adorned for her, and every eye would be shut from everthing but her, and the light of the Sun would be outshone just as the light of the Sun outshines the light of the stars, and everyone on the face of the Earth would believe in the Ever-Living, the One who Sustains and Protects all the exists.
And the covering on her head is better than the World and all that is in it, and she does not increase with age except in beauty; free from an umbilical cord, childbirth and menses, and pure of mucous, saliva, urine and other filthy things; her youth never fades, her clothing is never worn out, no garment can be created that matches her beauty, and no one who is with her can ever become bored; her attention is restricted to her husband, so she desires none but him, just as his attention is restricted to her so she is the sole object of his desire, and he is with her in utmost safety and security, as none has touched her before of either humans or Jinn.
And if you ask about the Day of Increase (in reward) and the visit of the all-Mighty, all-Wise, and the sight of His Face - free from any resemblance or likeness to anything - as you see the Sun in the middle of the day and the full Moon on a cloudless night, then listen on the day that the caller will call: ‘O People of Paradise! Your Lord - Blessed and Exalted - requests you to visit Him, so come to visit Him!’ So they will say: ‘We hear and obey!’
Until, when they finally reach the wide valley where they will all meet - and none of them will turn down the request of the caller - the Lord - Blessed and Exalted - will order His Chair to be brought there. Then, pulpits of light will emerge, as well as pulpits of pearls, gemstone, gold, and silver. The lowest of them in rank will sit on sheets of musk, and will not see what those who are on the chairs above them are given. When they are comfortable where they are sitting and are secure in their places, and the caller calls: ‘O People of Paradise! You have an appointment with Allaah in which He wishes to reward you!’ So they will say: ‘And what is that reward? Has He not already made our faces bright, made our scales heavy, entered us into Paradise, and pushed us away from the Fire?’
And when they are like that, all of a sudden a light shines that encompasses all of Paradise. So, they raise their heads, and, behold: the Compeller - Exalted is He, and Holy are His Names - has come to them from above them and majestified them and said: ‘O People of Paradise! Peace be upon you!’ So, this greeting will not be responded to with anything better than: ‘O Allaah! You are Peace, and from You is Peace! Blessed are You, O possessor of Majesty and Honor!’ So the Lord - Blessed and Exalted - will laugh to them and say: ‘O People of Paradise! Where are those who used to obey Me without having ever seen Me? This is the Day of Increase!’
So, they will all give the same response: ‘We are pleased, so be pleased with us!’ So, He will say: ‘O People of Paradise! If I were not pleased with you, I would not have made you inhabitants of My Paradise! So, ask of Me!’ So, they will all give the same response: ‘Show us your Face so that we may look at it!’ So, the Lord - Mighty and Majestic - will remove his covering and will majestify them and will cover them with His Light, which, if Allaah - the Exalted - had not Willed not to burn them, would have burned them.
And there will not remain a single person in this gathering except that his Lord - the Exalted - will speak to him and say: ‘Do you remember the day that you did this and that?’ and He will remind him of some of his bad deeds in the Worldy life, so he will say: ‘O Lord! Will you not forgive me?’ So, He will say: ‘Of course! You have not reached this position of yours (in Paradise) except by my forgiveness.’
So, how sweet is this speech to the ears, and how cooled are the righteous eyes by the glance at His Noble Face in the Afterlife…
Some faces that Day will be shining and radiant, looking at their Lord…
(al-Qiyaamah:22-3)
[Haadi al-Arwaah ilaa Bilaad il-Afraah by Ibn al-Qayyim, pg. 193]
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