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Table of  My Religion> Pillars of Belief [Arkān al-Īmān]> Signs of Judgement Day [ʾĀlāmāt As-Sā’ʾah]>Articles of Faith-The Day of Judgement (Yawm al-Qiyāmah)>Table of Contents with Main headings and subheadings in article

1. Introduction1-3
2. The Stages of the Day of Judgement 3

3.The Trumpet [Sūr] and the Blowing of the Trumpet

4. The Standing Place [Maḥshar] and the Intercession
5. Giving account [Ḥisāb]: the Balance and receiving the Book of Deeds
6. 6. The Balance Al Mīzān]
7. 7. The Bridge [Ṣirāt]

8,9.  Hell [Jahanam]

10,11. Paradise [Jannah]

12,13,14 Conclusion

15. 15. Reference

 5

1. I N T R O D U C T I O N

The Day of Judgement [Yawmul Qiyāmah] is a tremendous day upon which Allah [God] ﷻ [ jalla jalāluhu: Great is His Majesty] will call everyone to account. Allah ﷻ has created mankind and jinn for the purpose of worship. He ﷻ has sent angels and messengers with codes of conduct; right and wrong have been made clear and free will has been given to every single person. 

Belief in the Day of Judgement is one of the six upholding pillars of the islamic faith [īmān] . As Muslims we believe that all souls will be resurrected to face their final judgement before Allah ﷻ. Without such a reckoning and calling to account, the creation of humanity would be in vain.

“Verily, to Us will be their return, then verily, for Us will be their Reckoning.” Qurʾān: The Overwhelming Event [Al-Ghāshiyah] 88: 25–26

Allah ﷻ, the supreme Creator ﷻ, brought the Universe and everything that exists into existence. He ﷻ is Lord of the Worlds ﷻ and has made us, as believers, ambassadors in this world.  With this divinely appointed role, we have a noble and vital duty to fulfil in living a good life in accordance with the laws of Allah ﷻ.

So what is the reason for the Day of Judgement? 

The answer to that is that we  expect a return for all we do during our time on Earth: for example, when someone does a month of work, they expect a salary in return; likewise, when someone is harmed, they expect some sort of compensation; for everything we do, we anticipate some sort of appreciation for our effort and this is our natural state. However, whilst we value justice in our lives, the reality is that in this world justice will never be perfect or equal to what we seek.  There are many criminals who go unpunished while the oppressed are sadly denied basic rights.  The question arises as to what kind of reality we would be living in if lives were to simply dissolve away without accountability or fair dealings. It is for this reason that Allah ﷻ has set this tremendous day: The Day of Judgement. Allah ﷻ says:

“Do those who commit evil deeds really think that We will deal with them in the same way as those who believe and do righteous deeds, that they will be alike in their living and their dying? How badly they judge!” Qurʾān: Kneeling [al-Jāthiya] 45:21

Allah ﷻ will hold us accountable for all our doings, and only He ﷻ can be the true judge of our deeds.

“Whoever chooses to follow the right path, follows it but for his own good; and whoever goes astray, goes but astray to his own loss; and no bearer of burdens shall be made to bear another’s burden.” Qurʾān: The Night Journey [Al-Isrāʾ] 17:15

This final judgement will ultimately hold every person to account for how they lived.  We are accountable for our actions and no injustice will be done to anyone.

And of course this world is only temporary.  So, another reason for judgement is that we may return to our final abode in which we will reside for eternity.

“My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Jannah.” Qurʾān: Prohibition [at-Taḥrīm] 66:11

2. The Stages of the Day of Judgement

The Day of Judgement will happen in stages.  It will be difficult and long and people will have no choice but to go through with it unless Allah ﷻ pardons them.

3. The Trumpet [Sūr] and the Blowing of the Trumpet

The Day of Judgement will come upon humankind suddenly.   No matter how well informed or interested someone is in its preceding signs, its commencement will come as a shock.  The first trumpet will be blown, and the people will hear a sound so horrendous that the mountains and the earth itself will crumble to dust.

“And when the trumpet is blown with a single blast, and the earth and the mountains are removed from their places, and crushed with a single crushing, then on that Day shall the [Great] Event befall.” Qurʾān: The Inevitable Hour [Al Hāqqah] 69: 13 – 15

It will be a single shout, a long continuous sound that will not cease until everything has perished. Then it will be followed by a second blowing of the trumpet.  Behold, Allah ﷻ tells us that everyone who has ever lived will find themselves standing, staring, and awestruck by the events.

 “The trumpet shall be sounded when behold! From the sepulchers (men) will rush forth to their Lord!” Qurʾān: Yasin [Yasīn] 36:51

“The Trumpet will [just] be sounded, when all that is in the heavens and on earth will swoon, except such as it will please God [to exempt]. Then will a second one be sounded, when behold, they will be standing and looking on!”   Qurʾān: The Throngs: [Az-Zumar] 39:68

 It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “The whole [body] of the son of Adam will be consumed by the earth except for the tailbone, from which he was created and from which He will be created anew.” Sunan an-Nasāʾī 2077

Between the two blasts of the trumpet there will be about forty years:

Abu Hurairah reported Allah’s Messenger ﷺ as saying: Between the two blowings of the trumpet (there would be an interval of forty).  They said: Abu Huraira, do you mean forty days? He said: I cannot say anything.  They said:  Do you mean forty months?  He said: I cannot say anything.  They said: Do you mean forty years? He said: I cannot say anything.  Then Allah would cause the water to descend from the sky and they (people) will sprout like vegetables.  The only thing in a man which would not decay would be one bone (the tailbone) from which the whole frame would be constituted on the Day of Resurrection. Saḥīḥ Muslim 2955a, Book 54, Ḥadīth

175

4. The Standing Place [Maḥshar] and the Intercession

The entire creation, including all jinn, men, devils, cattle, wild beasts and predators will be gathered on a shining white plain resembling pure flour. When the bodies are raised from the dead, they will be naked so that nothing can be hidden. Each person will be able to hear the Summoner and eyesight will be penetrating. They will descend to Allah’s ﷻ command and they will be surrounded by rows of angels. On that Day people will follow straight on to the call of the Summoner, no one daring to show any haughtiness. Their voices will be hushed before the Most Compassionate Lord ﷻ so that they will hear nothing but a whispering murmur. 

“They will come forth – their eyes humbled – from [their] graves, [torpid] like locusts scattered abroad. Hastening, with eyes transfixed, towards the Caller! – ‘Hard is this Day!’ The unbelievers will say this is a hard day.” Qurʾān: The Moon [al-Qamar] 54: 7-8

It is stated  in a narration [ḥadīth] of the Prophet ﷺ [ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wasallam: May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]  that:

“The gathering place will be a smooth flat place.  Men will be sent to the gathering place as naked, barefoot, uncircumcised, and faultless. While men wait in the gathering place, the sun will approach, and they will sweat. That day men will be sent to the gathering place in three groups: on foot, riding, and crawling face downwards.” (Bukhārī, Riqāq, 44-45)

The gathering place will become crowded. There will be a lot of difficulty and turmoil.  The sun will draw near.  People will face heat so much so that they will perspire until their sweat penetrates the earth.  

Sulaim bin ʿAmir narrated from Al-Miqdad, a Companion of the Messenger of Allah ( ﷺ ) who said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah ( ﷺ ) saying: ‘On the Day of Judgement, the sun will be drawn near the servants until it has come a mile or two [away].’ Sulaim bin ʿAmir said: ‘I do not know if it is miles that refer to distance on the land or Al-Mil which is used to apply Kuhl for the eyes.’ He [the Prophet ( ﷺ )]  said: ‘The sun will melt them until they will be in sweat according to their deeds. Among them one will be covered up to his ankles, and among them will be one who is covered up to his knees, and among them will be one who is covered up to his waist, and among them will be one who is bridled with it.’ I saw the Messenger of Allah ( ﷺ ) indicating with his hand toward his mouth, meaning that one would be bridled with it.”

(Jamiʾ at-Tirmidhī   English reference: Vol. 4, Book 11, Ḥadīth 2421)

On that difficult day of intense heat, some fortunate people will be shaded by Allah ﷻ: 

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Seven are (the persons) to whom Allah will give protection with His Shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His Shade (i.e., on the Day of Resurrection), and they are: a just ruler; a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah; a person whose heart is attached to the mosques; two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom a beautiful and high-ranking woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer by saying): ‘I fear Allah;’ a person who gives a charity and conceals it, (to such an extent) that the left hand might not know what the right hand has given; and a person who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes well up.” 

(Al-Bukhārī and Muslim: Riyāḍ as-Ṣālihīn 658)

“On that Day shall no intercession avail save [that of] him to whom the Beneficent [Allah] gives leave and whose word He is pleased with.” Qurʾān: Ta Ha[Ṭā Hā] 20:109

While people are standing on the white plain where they are to be gathered, they will find it so difficult, and it will become overwhelming.  They will debate among themselves to decide whom they should go to or who might intercede on their behalf for Allah ﷻ to pass judgement on them so that they will be delivered from their situation.

They will go to every prophet starting with Prophet Adam عليه السلام [Peace be upon him:alayhi salām], then Prophet Abraham [Ibrāhim] عليه السلام , who will refer them to Prophet Moses [Mūsa] عليه السلام, who will then send them to Prophet Jesus [ʿĪsa]  عليه السلام, who will send them to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.  Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  will intercede with his Lord ﷻ , asking for judgement to be passed and people to be released.  Allah ﷻ will issue His ﷻ command to the angels who will carry the tremendous Throne of the All-Merciful ﷻ to the standing place. The Garden will be brought to the right of the Throne and the Fire to its left, and all mankind will be brought before their Lord ﷻ to be judged.

The Intercession [Shafāʿa] will then become permitted and the prophets, true ones [siddiqūn], the religious scholars [ʿulemā] the righteous, and the believers will intercede, each according to their rank with Allah the Exalted ﷻ. A man of this nation will intercede for a large number of people, while others will intercede for just one or two people.  The first person permitted to intercede shall be Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who will continue to intercede until he ﷺ is granted the release of people who had already been designated for the Fire. 

5. Giving Account [Hisāb]: The Balance and Receiving the Book of Deeds

All people will be made to stand before Allah ﷻ and the questioning will start at this point. Every single person will be questioned by Allah ﷻ with no interpreter between them.  While standing on the right you will see nothing but that which you have sent ahead; to the left you will see nothing but that which you have sent ahead, and the Fire will be before your face.

The following Qur’ānic verses  [ayahs] show how the believers will be granted the highest and most noble felicity of seeing the Noble Face of Allah ﷻ whilst the disbelievers will be denied such a vision.

“On that Day [some] faces will be bright, looking at their Lord.” Qurʾān: The Resurrection [Al-Qiyamah] 75: 22-23

“Undoubtedly, they will be sealed off from their Lord on that Day.” Qurʾān: Those Who Give Short Measure [Al-Muṭaffifin] 83:15

Ibn Mas’ud narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ ) said: “The feet of the son of Adam shall not move from before his Lord on the Day of Judgement, until he is asked about five things: about his life and what he did with it, about his youth and what he wore it out in, about his wealth and how he earned it and spent it upon, and what he did with what he knew.”  (Jamiʾ at-Tirmidhī Vol. 4, Book 11, Ḥadīth  2416)

“[Let them not be heedless of] the Day when their own tongues, their hands, and their feet shall all bear witness against them as to what they have been doing.” Qurʾān: Light [Al Nur] 24:24

5. The Balance [al Mīzān]

The Balance of the Hereafter is used to weigh our good deeds and sins on the Day of Judgement.  As for the exact nature of the Balance, only Allah ﷻ knows this.

“We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Judgment so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least, and if there be [no more than] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it [to account]: and enough are We to take account.” Qurʾān: The Prophets [Al-Anbiyā]21:47

Those people whose good acts outweigh the bad are victors and the fortunate. As for those whose good and evil deeds are equal, it is said that they will be stood on the Heights [Arāf] between the Garden and Fire, after which, through Allah’s ﷻ Mercy, they will be admitted to the Garden.

 “Then, he whose balance [of good deeds] will be [found] heavy will be in a life of good pleasure and satisfaction. But he whose balance [of good deeds] will be [found] light – will have his home in a [bottomless] pit.” Qurʾān: The Crashing Blow [Al-Qāriʿah] 101:6-10)

Muslims are expected to believe in the Balance and accept its reality. However, it is impossible for our logic to perceive the reality of the weighing process and the essence of the Balance in detail.

Every individual has a complete record, known as a Book of Deeds.  We do not know the nature of these books, but we know they are a record of deeds and that each person has one and it will be presented to them on the Day of Judgment. 

 “And the Book [of Deeds] will be placed [before you], and thou wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is [recorded] therein; they will say, ‘Ah! woe to us! What a book this is! It leaves out nothing small or great but takes account thereof!’ They will find all that they did, placed before them: and not one will thy Lord treat with injustice.” Qurʾān: The Cave [Al-Kahf] 18:49

The books of deeds will be given to the people of Paradise from the right side and to the people of Hell from the left side or from the back. Receiving the Book from the right side indicates good news that the reckoning will be easy, whereas receiving it from the left side indicates a difficult reckoning.

“[It will be said to him:]‘Read thy [own] record: sufficient is thy soul this day to make out an account against thee.’” Qurʾān: The Night Journey [al-Isrā’] 17:14

7. 7. The Bridge [As-Sirāt]

The clear road that is on a bridge [sirāt] is situated on top of and across Hell [Jahanam] .  It is described as sharper than a sword and narrower than a hair and all people will have to cross it with their deeds. Those who lived a good spiritual life, depending on how strong their faith and actions were, will cross the bridge with speed and ease whereas those who did not, will find it much harder and go more slowly.

Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri: “We, the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘O Allah’s Messengerﷺ! What is the bridge?’ He said: ‘It is a slippery [bridge] on which there are clamps and [hooks like]) a thorny seed that is wide at one side and narrow at the other and has thorns with bent ends. Such a thorny seed is found in Najd and is called As-Sa’dan. Some of the believers will cross the bridge as quickly as the wink of an eye; some others as quick as lightning, a strong wind, fast horses, or she-camels. So, some will be safe without any harm; some will be safe after receiving some scratches, and some will fall down into Hell [Fire]. The last person will cross by being dragged [over the bridge].’”

Saḥīḥ al-Bukhāri 7439

“Not one of you but will pass over it: this is, with thy Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished. But We shall save those who guard against evil, and We shall leave the wrongdoers therein, [humbled] to their knees.” Qurʾān: Mary [Maryam] 19:71-72

When the believers cross the Bridge [sirāt], they will come across two springs.  They will bathe in one and drink from the other. After attaining material and spiritual purity they will come to the gates of Paradise where the angels will welcome them, saying, “Peace be upon you! Welcome! Enter here eternally!” Then, they will be clothed in garments of Paradise and will stay there forever!

8. Lake Kawthar [Hawd al Kawthar]

Lake Kawthar is a place where water is gathered.  In a narration [ḥadith], the Prophet ﷺ described it as a tremendous lake, with a length and breadth each equivalent to a month’s journey. Its quantity is described as numerous as the stars in the sky and whoever drinks a single drink from it will never feel thirst again.  Its water is whiter than milk and sweeter than honey.

Anas bin Malik narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ ) was asked:

“What is Al-Kawthar?” He said: “That is a river that Allah has given me,”- that is, in Paradise – “whiter than milk and sweeter than honey. In it are birds whose necks are like the necks of camels.” ʿUmar said: “Indeed this is plump and luxurious then.” So the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Those who consume it are more plump than it.” Jamiʿ al-Tirmidhī

  : English Reference Vol. 4, Book 12, Ḥadīth 2542

It was narrated from Anas (رضى الله عنه) that the Prophet ﷺ  said: “I have been given al-Kawthar, and it is a river that flows on the face of the earth. Its banks are domes of pearls and it is not covered. I struck its dust with my hand and its dust was the most fragrant [or pure] musk, and its pebbles were pearls.” Al-Musnad (12084)

9. Hell [Jahannam]

Hell [Jahannam], is a place of torture.  It will be a permanent home for the unbelievers (ie. those who did not submit to Allah ﷻ and His ﷻ rules) and a temporary home to some Muslims who, due to the crimes they have committed, will end up in Hell.

On the authority of Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri, The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said that: “On the Day of Resurrection death will be presented in the form of a big sheep.  Then it will be slaughtered in front of those who will enter Paradise and those who will enter Hell so that they know that there is no more death,only eternity in Paradise or Hell.” Al-Bukhāri, Muslim, and others narrated this ḥadīth.

In the Qur’ān, Allah ﷻ warns people about Hell and how harsh its punishments are:

“Know they not that whoever opposes God and His Messenger [Muhammad], certainly for him will be the Fire of Hell to abide therein?  That is the extreme disgrace.” Qurʾān: Repentance [At-Tawbah] 9:63

“Surely, God has cursed the disbelievers, and has prepared for them a flaming Fire wherein they will abide forever.” Qurʾān: The Joint Forces [Al-Aḥzāb] 33:64

Hell [jahannam] is a place of punishment. It is referred to by different names in the Qur’ān: that which breaks to pieces [Ḥuṭamah]; the abyss [Hāwiyah];  that which pulls the skin out of the scalp  [Laẓā]; the blaze [Saʾīr]; the sixth level of hell – so hot that it burns the skin until it is black [Saqar]; the fire [al Jahʾīm].

Hell will be home for those who do not believe in Allah ﷻ and for those who have disobeyed His ﷻ laws, and/or rejected His ﷻ messengers.

 Ibn ʿUmar narrated: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “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 the people of the [Hell] Fire! No death anymore! And O people of Paradise! No death [anymore] but Eternity.’” Al-Bukhāri 6544

The fire of  Hell [Jahannam] was heated for a thousand years until it became red. Then it was heated for another thousand years until it became white. Then it was heated for a thousand years more until it became black and dark.

The punishments in Hell vary depending on the sin the person has committed during their time on Earth; for some the punishments will be harsh whilst for others, they will be less severe:

Narrated An-Nu’man: I heard the Prophet saying, “The person who will have the least punishment from amongst the Hell Fire people on the Day of Resurrection will be a man under whose arch of the feet a smouldering ember will be placed so that his brain will boil because of it.”  Saḥīḥ al-Bukhāri Book 78 Ḥadīth 566

Some of them will be enveloped by the fire to their heels, some to their knees, some to their waists, and others to their shoulders. Hunger will be cast upon the people of the fire until it equals their other torments. They will cry for help, but this will come in the form of a bitter thorn fruit that does not appease their hunger.

“No food for them save bitter thorn-fruit – Which doth not nourish nor release from hunger.” Qurʾān: The Overwhelming [Al-Ghāshiyah] 88:6-7

“Verily the Tree of Zaqqum will be the food of the sinful, – like molten brass, it will boil in their insides, like the boiling of scalding water.” Qurʾān: The Smoke [Ad-Dukāhn] 44:43-45

“Nor any food except from the (foul) discharge of wounds; none will eat it except the sinners.” Qurʾān: The Reality [Al  Ḥāqqah] 69:36-37

Hadhrat Abu Darda (رضى الله عنه) reports that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The dwellers of Jahannam will experience such intense hunger, that this alone will be equal to the terrible torment which will be rendered.  Then they will seek for food and they will be given food that will stick to the throat [i.e. it will neither go in nor come out.]” (Mishkāt)

Their clothing will be made from fire and pitch:

“…but those who disbelieved will have cut out for them garments of fire.” Qurʾān: The Pilgrimage  [Al-Ḥajj] 22:19

The inhabitants of Hellfire will call out for help, asking for their punishment to end.

“They will say, ‘Our Lord, our wretchedness overcame us, and we were a people astray.  Our Lord, remove us from it, and if we were to return [to evil], we would indeed be wrongdoers.’” Qurʾān: The Believers [Al Muʾminūn] 23:106-107

 Allah ﷻ will say to them: “Remain despised therein and do not speak to Me.” Qurʾān: The Believers [Al Muʾminūn] 23:108

“No term shall be determined for them, so they should die, nor shall its chastisement be lightened for them.” Qurʾān: The Originator [Al-Fāṭir] 35:36

The pain from this response will be worse than their fiery torment.  For the disbelievers will know that their stay in Hell is to be for an eternity and that their omission from Paradise is absolute and final.

As for unfortunate Muslims who end up in Hell due to the crimes they have committed, they will be punished there for an appointed time that only Allah ﷻ knows.  Then He ﷻ will bring them out of the Fire and will decree that they will abide for eternity in Paradise.  Allah ﷻ forgives everything except for associating partners to Him ﷻ [shirk]:

“Lo! Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him [in worship]. But he forgives [except that} anything else to whom He wills. And whoever sets up partner to Allah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.” Qurʾān: Women [An-Nisāʾ] 4:48

10 . Paradise [Jannah]

Jannah will be home to the believers who are truly fortunate and by the Mercy of Allah ﷻ they will live there for eternity.

Jannah is described as a very beautiful destination which no eye has witnessed. It contains everything that a person could want and dream of and is a reward for the believers who remained steadfast in the way of Allah ﷻ. Allah  ﷻtells us in the Qur’ān:

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said that,  “Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said: I have prepared for My pious servants which the eye has seen not, and the ear has heard not and no human heart has ever perceived such bounties leaving aside those about which Allah has informed you.” He then recited: “No soul knows what comfort has been hidden for them.”

Saḥīḥ Muslim Book 40, Number 6782

“Truly, Allah will admit those who believe [in the Oneness of Allah, Islamic Monotheism] and do righteous good deeds, to Gardens underneath which rivers flow [in Paradise], wherein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments therein will be of silk.” Qurʾān: The Pilgrimage  [Al-Ḥajj] 22:23

When the inhabitants of Jannah enter, they will be greeted by angels who will say to them:

“Peace be with you, that you persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final home!” Qurʾān:  Thunder [ Ar-Raʿd] 13:24

 Whoever enters Paradise will dwell there for eternity.  Whatever one wishes for, they shall receive.  They will not suffer from any illness or be tired.  It is complete bliss. 

“But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom, they say: ‘Why this is what we were fed with before,’ for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein companions pure [and holy], and they abide therein [forever]” Qurʾān: The Cow [Al-Baqara] 2: 25

The most significant description of heaven is a beautiful garden, filled with greenery and flowing water. In fact, the Arabic word, Jannah, means “garden”.  Paradise is a place that is as wide as  the heavens and the earth. It is a place with no extremes of heat or cold. There are rivers of clean water, rivers of incorruptible milk, and pure honey, a freshwater spring with a scent of ginger and a drink that leaves the scent of musk after drinking it. Paradise wine is a kind of drink that does not cause a headache or intoxication; it gives joy to drinkers and it comes out from a snow-white spring. There are various fruits, dates, pomegranates, grapevines, cedar trees without thorns, banana-trees with fruits piled one above another, and various  kinds of bird flesh.

The people of Paradise will be truly fortunate; they will own palaces; they will have companions and most importantly they will get what their hearts desire. There are all kinds of immaterial and material, bodily and spiritual tastes, and joys with all details there. When Allah ﷻ mentions the blessings there, He ﷻ explains them by likening them to the worldly blessings so that we can understand them. As a matter of fact, only their names resemble the blessings here, not any other qualities

“People who enter Jannah will say, ‘Praise be to Allah who has removed from us [all] sorrow, for our Lord is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Appreciative, who has settled us in the house of lasting residence out of His bounty. No toil nor sense of weariness shall touch us therein.’” Qurʾān: The Originator [Al-Fāṭir] 35:34–35

It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The people of Paradise will be able to see the people in the apartments above them as you see the shining stars on the horizon in the east and the west, because of the differences in their status.” They said: “O Messenger of Allah, is that the status of the Prophets which no one else will reach besides them?” He said: “No, by the One in Whose hand is my soul, they are men who had faith in Allah and believed in the Messengers.” Narrated by Bukhāri, 2082; Muslim, 2831

Paradise consists of seven levels, with each level divided into many stages, levels, and categories. Each level up in Paradise comprises greater joys and pleasures and is more amazing than the level beneath it. The lowest level of Paradise is ten times the size of this whole Universe. The highest level of Paradise is called Jannat al-Firdaws.

The highest of the degrees of Paradise is al-Firdaws, as it was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “… When you ask of Allah, ask Him for al-Firdaws, for it is in the middle of Paradise and is the highest part of Paradise, and above it is the Throne of the Most Merciful, and from it spring forth the rivers of Paradise.” Narrated by Bukhāri, 2637; Muslim, 2831 

Jannah has also got eight doors which are as follows:

Door of Prayer [Bāb as-Ṣalah]: for those who were punctual in prayer

Door of Jihad [Bāb al-Jihād]: for those who took part in the inner and outer struggle to spread the words of Allah ﷻ by actions, words or in themselves [jihād]

Door of Charity [Bāb al-Sadaqah]: for those who gave charity more often

Door of those who kept the fast [Bāb al-Rayyan]: for those who fasted

Door of the Pilgrimage [Bāb al-Ḥajj]: for those who participated in the annual pilgrimage

Door for those who withheld their anger and forgave others:[Bāb al-Kāẓimīn al-Ghayẓ wa al-ʾĀfīn ʿan-Nās]

Door of Faith [Bāb al-Imān]: for those who by virtue of their faith are saved from reckoning and chastisement

Door of Remembrance [Bāb al-Dhikr]: for those who showed zeal in remembering Allah ﷻ.

“Look how We have favoured [in provision] some of them over others. But the Hereafter is greater in degrees [of difference] and greater in distinction.” Qurʾān: The Night Journey [Al-ʾIsrāʾ] 17:21

The brick layers of Paradise are gold and silver. The soil is of pure white musk, and the pebbles are made of pearls, rubies, diamonds, and jewels – truly remarkable beauty that is beyond description.

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (radiyAllahu anhu) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “The first group to enter Paradise will look like the moon when it is full. They will not spit or blow their noses or defecate therein. Their vessels there will be of gold, and their combs will be of gold and silver; their incense burners will be of aloeswood and their sweat will be musk. Each of them will have two wives, the marrow of whose calves will be visible from beneath the flesh because of their beauty. There will be no dissent or enmity among them and their hearts will be as one, and they will glorify Allah morning and evening.” (Al-Bukhāri, Muslim)

In Paradise everything will be permanent. Life will be without any danger of death and there will be health without any risk of disease. There will be happiness and bliss without any fear of ageing. Everywhere there will be happiness, ease, comfort, enjoyment without any pain, worry, hardship or distress. All residents will get that which their hearts desire, including all kinds of fruit and vegetation along with a blissful residence.

Al-Bukhāri and Muslim

The declaration about Allahﷻ being pleased with the dwellers of Paradise will certainly be the greatest of the feelings and rewards of  Paradise..

11.Conclusion

In conclusion, the ultimate and greatest delight that the eyes can behold will be seeing the Countenance of Allah ﷻ.  For the true believer, this blessed vision of Allah ﷻ will be indeed the ultimate prize.

“[Some] faces, that Day, will be radiant, looking at their Lord.” Qurʾān: The Resurrection [Al- Qiyāmah] 75:22-23

Rabia Al Adwiyah a Muslim saint mentioned in her poem beautifully:

“O God, if I worship Thee in fear of Hell, burn me in Hell; and if I worship Thee in hope of Paradise, exclude me from Paradise; but if I worship Thee for Thine own sake, withhold not Thine everlasting beauty.”

This shows that pleasures also have leagues and clearly the most a human could seek from pleasure is the countenance of Allahﷻ, to see the Beloved ﷻ, to witness, to be in a moment with the Source of Love, Allah ﷻ.

This is Paradise, the eternal home and final destination of the righteous believer.  May Allah, Most Highﷻ, make us worthy of it.

REFERENCES