PARADISE & ITS DELIGHTS.

1)   Paradise & its delights

2)   WILL INHABITANTS OF PARADISE SEE OTHER WOMEN

3)   PEOPLE OF HEAVEN AND HELL

1. PARADISE & ITS DELIGHTS

Question :

What are description of the people of paradise and the delights they enjoy therein?

Answer :

The people of Paradise will enter in the most perfect and beautiful form, in the image of their father, Aadam (as), for there is no human form more perfect and beautiful than that of Aadam, whom Allah (swt) created very tall. He was as tall as a great palm tree, sixty cubits tall. Muslim reports from Abu Hurayrah (ra) that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "Allah, 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]

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 (ra) a hadith in which the Prophet describes people entering Paradise including a group whose light will be like the full moon. He (saw) 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]

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 Allah (saw) 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]

As reported in the hadith narrated by Bukhaari and Muslim, from Abu Hurayrah (ra), the people of Paradise "will not spit, blow their noses or excrete".

The people of Paradise will not sleep. Jaabir ibn 'Abdullaah and 'Abdullaah ibn Abi Awfaa reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw) 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 Delights of the People of Paradise: The Superiority of Paradise Over the Pleasures of This World

Allah (swt) 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'an speaks at length denouncing this world of instant, fleeting pleasures and stating that the rewards with Allah 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 [mushrikeen and kuffaar] the splendour of this life that We may test them thereby. But the provision [good reward in the Hereafter] of your Rabb is better and more lasting" [Taha 20:131]

And "Beautified for men is the love of things they covet: women, children, much of gold and silver [wealth], branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world's life but Allah 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 [is their] eternal [home] and Azwaajun mutahharatun [purified mates or wives], and Allah will be pleased with them. And Allah is All-Seer of [His] Slaves" [Aale-Imran 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 world are Fleeting: "Say: Short is the enjoyment of this world. The Hereafter is [far] better for him who fears Allah.." [An-Nisa 4:77]

The Prophet (saw) illustrated the inferiority of this dunyaa by comparing it to what Allah has prepared in Paradise, "By Allah, 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]. 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, Allah (swt) 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 Allah [Jihaad] 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" [At-Tauba 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. Bukhaari and Muslim report from Abu Hurayrah (ra) that the Messenger of Allah (saw) 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 (saw) 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. Bukhaari reports from Anas that the Messenger of Allah (saw) 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 [thereof], free from intoxication, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom"  [As-Saffat 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.." [Mohammad 47:15]

The women of Paradise are pure and free from menstruation, nifaas [postnatal bleeding] and all the other impurities suffered by women in this world, as Allah (swt) says: "...and they shall have therein Azwaajun Muttaharatun [Purified mates having no menses, urine, stools, etc]" [Al-Bqarah 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"  [At-Tur 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" [An-Naba 78:35]

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

"Where they shall hear neither harmful speech nor falsehood"   [Al-Ghashia 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! [greetings with peace]" [Al-Waqia 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. 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 Allah, morning and evening" [Bukhaari from Abu Hurayrah, in Kitaab bid' al-Khalq, Baab maa jaa'a fi Sifaat al-Jannah, Fath al-Baari, 6/318]

Allah indeed spoke the truth when He (swt) said, "And We shall remove from their breasts any lurking sense of injury: [they will be] brothers [joyfully] facing each other on thrones [of dignity]" [Al-Hijr 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 Allah (swt) 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" [Al-Insan 76:21]

(iv) The Pleasures of This World are Transient Whilst the Joys of the Hereafter are Lasting and Eternal : "...its provision is eternal and so is its shade.." [Ar-Rad 13:35]

Allah (swt) 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 [rain] which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But [later] it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allah 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" [Al-Kahf 18:45-46]

(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 [a deceiving thing]" [Aale-Imran 3:185]

 The Delights of the People of Paradise: The Food and Drink of the People of Paradise

We have already discussed the trees and fruits of Paradise, including the ripe fruits, which hang within easy reach, so that the people of Paradise may pick whichever fruits they desire. The people will also have whatever food and drink they desire: "Any fruit [any] that they may choose, And the flesh of fowls that they desire" [Al-Waqia 56:20-21]

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

Allah (swt) 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!" [Al-Haqqa 69:24]

We have also mentioned above that 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 Allah 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" [As-Saffat 37:45-47]

Allah 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.." [Muhammad 47:15]

And they will never be adversely affected by drinking it : "..nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom" [As-Saffat 37:47]

Elsewhere in the Qur'an, Allah 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" [Al-Waqia 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. Allah (saw) 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'an, Allah (swt) says: "They will be given to drink pure sealed wine, the last thereof will be the smell of musk.." [Al-Mutafafeen 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 first food of the people of Paradise

The first food which Allah (swt) will present to the people of Paradise will be the caudate [extra] lobe of fish-liver. al-Bukhaari and Muslim report from Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri (ra) that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "On the Day of Resurrection, the earth will be like one loaf of bread, which Allah will turn around in His hands, just as any of you prepares bread whilst he is travelling, to offer it as food to the people of Paradise."

A Jewish man came and said, "May the Most Merciful bless you, O Abul-Qaasim. Shall I not tell you what food [nuzul] will be offered to the people of Paradise on the Day of Resurrection?" The Prophet (saw) said, "Of course." The Jew said that the earth would be a single loaf of bread, just as the Prophet (saw) has said. The Prophet (saw) looked at us and smiled so broadly that his back teeth were visible, then he said, "Shall I not tell you of their food? Balam and noon [a large fish]". They asked, "What is that?" He said, "A bull and noon seventy thousand people will eat from the caudate [extra] lobes of their livers" [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/56]

An-Nawawi's comments on this hadith may be summarised as follows: "Nuzul is the food prepared for a guest upon his arrival. Turning the bread around in one's hands means kneading it and tossing it from hand to hand, until it is flat and round like a disk. The meaning of the hadith is that Allah (swt) will make the earth like a huge loaf of bread to feed the people of Paradise. Noon is a whale or large fish; balam is a Hebrew word that means "bull"; the caudate [extra] lobe of a fish liver is the best part of it." [Sharh an-Nawawi 'alaa Muslim, 17/136]

Bukhaari reports that 'Abdullaah ibn Salaam asked the Prophet (saw) a number of questions when he first came to Madinah, one of which was, "What is the first thing that the people of Paradise will eat?" He said, "The caudate [extra] lobe of fish liver" [Ibn Katheer]

Muslim reports from Thawban that a Jew asked that the Prophet (saw), "What will they be presented with when they enter Paradise?" He said, "The caudate [extra] lobe of fish liver." The Jew asked, "What will they eat after that?" The Prophet (saw) said, "The bull, which is grazing now in Paradise, will be slaughtered for them." The Jew asked, "What will they drink after that?" He said, "From a spring called Salsaabeel." The Jew said, "You have spoken the truth." [Ibn Katheer]

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

It might cross one's mind that the food and drink of Paradise might produce the same effect as the food and drink of this world, namely excrement, urine, mucus, saliva, and so on. But this is not the case. Paradise is a place that is free from all impurities, and its people are free of all the blemishes of people of this world. A hadith reported by Bukhaari and Muslim from Abu Hurayrah clearly rejects such a nation: the Prophet (saw) said, "The first group to enter Paradise will be as beautiful as the full moon; they will not spit or blow their noses." [Bukhaari, Kitaab Bad' al-Khalq , Baab Maa jaa'a fi Sifaat al-Jannah, also Muslim in Kitaab al-Jannah]

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 Allah (saw) 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]

It might be asked where will the waste produces go? This question was posed to the Prophet (saw) by his Sahabah and he replied, "[It will come out as] burps which are like musk." [Muslim]. Other parts of the excretions will be turned into sweat like musk that will come out of their bodies.

(iv) 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 Allah (swt) to Aadam?

"Verily you have [a promise from Us] that you will never be hungry therein nor naked.

"And you [will] 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 Allah 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."

The Delights of the People of Paradise: 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. Allah (swt) says:  "Trays of gold and cups will be passed round them.." [Az-Zukhruf 43:71] i.e. cups of gold.

And Allah (swt) 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." [Al-Insan 76:15] i.e it will combine the purity of crystal with the whiteness of silver.

Bukhaari and Muslim reported from Abu Musaa al-Ash'ari that the Messenger of Allah (saw) 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 "cup" [koob] is something that has no handle or spout, the "jug" [ibreeq] has a handle and a spout and the "glass" [kaa's] is a cup that is filled with drink.

The Delights of the People of Paradise: 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. Allah (swt) says: "And their recompense will be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient." [Al-Insan 76:12]

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

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

"...They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Rabb will give them a pure drink." [Al-Insan 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." [Al-Kahf 18:31]

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

The Prophet (saw) 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. Bukhaari narrates from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (saw) 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." [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. 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 (ra) that the Prophet (saw) 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]

The Delights of the People of Paradise: The Couches of the People of Paradise

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. There are cushions and splendid carpets laid out in the most delightful fashion. Allah (swt) says: "Therein will be thrones raised high, And cups set at hand, and cushions set in rows, and rich carpets [all spread out]" [Al-Ghashia 88:13-16]

"They will recline [with ease] on thrones arranged in ranks. And We shall marry them to Houris [female fair ones] with wide lovely eyes." [At-Tur 52:20]

"A multitude of those [foremost] will be from the first generations [who embraced Islaam] and a few of those [foremost] will be from the later time [generations]. [They will be] on thrones woven with gold and precious stones,reclining thereon, face to face." [Al-Waqia 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 Allah (swt) says : "And we shall remove from their breasts any lurking sense of injury; [they will be like] brothers [joyfully] facing each other on thrones [of dignity]." [Al-Hijr 15:47]

"Reclining on green cushions and rich beautiful mattresses" [Ar-Rahman 55:76}

"Reclining upon the couches lined with silk brocade" [Ar-Rahman 55:54]

The Delights of the People of Paradise: The Servants of the People of Paradise

 The People of Paradise will be served by boys whom Allah (swt) will create to serve them and who will be most beautiful and perfect in form: "They will be served by immortal boys, With cups, and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine." [Al-Waqia 56:17-18]

"And round about them will [serve] boys of everlasting youth. If you see them, you would think them scattered pearls." [Al-Insan 76:19]

Ibn Katheer, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "Boys of eternal youth will go around to serve people of Paradise, boys who remain in that youthful form forever, never changing or advancing in age. It was said that they will be wearing earrings, to emphasise their youth, because such a thing is appropriate for young people, but it does not befit those who are older. And Allah (swt) said [76:19] i.e. if you saw them going around to attend to the needs of their masters, with their beautiful faces and splendid colourful clothes and jewellery, you would think that they were scattered pearls. There is no more beautiful description than the picture of pearls scattered in a place of beauty." [Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 7/184]

Some scholars suggested that these boys are the children of the Muslims and Mushrikeen who die in childhood, but this was refuted by 'Allaamah Ibn Taymiyyah (ra), who explained that these boys of eternal youth are part of the creation of Paradise: "..they are not the children of this world. When the children of this world enter Paradise, they will do so in a perfect form, like all the other people of Paradise, in the form of their father, Aadam." [Majmu' al-Fatawa, 4/279, 4/311]

The Delights of the People of Paradise: The Market of the People of Paradise

Muslim reported from Anas ibn Maalik that the Messenger of Allah (saw) 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 Allah, you increased in beauty after you left us." And they will say, "And you too, by Allah, you have increased in beauty since you left us." [Saheeh Muslim, Kitaab al-Jannah]

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 Delights of the People of Paradise: 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 Allah (swt) has blessed them by admitting them to Paradise. Allah (swt) described the gatherings of the people of Paradise: "And We shall remove from their breasts any lurking sense of injury, [they will be like] brothers, [joyfully] facing each other on thrones [of dignity]." [Al-Hijr 15:47]

Allah (swt) 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 [of the punishment of Allah], but Allah has been gracious to us, and has saved us from the torment of the Fire. Verily, we used to invoke Him [Alone and none else] before. Verily He is Al-Barr, the All-Merciful." [At-Tur 52:25-28]

The Delights of the People of Paradise: The Wishes of the People of Paradise

Some of the People of Paradise will wish for things that will be fulfilled in the strangest ways, unlike anything that happens in this world. The Messenger (saw) told some of these and how they will be fulfilled.

Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet (saw) was speaking and a bedouin man was present. The Prophet (saw) said: "A man from the people of Paradise will ask his Rabb for permission to grow things. Allah will ask him, "Do you not have what you want?" He will say, "Of course, but I love to grow things." So he will sow the seeds and in the blinking of an eye the plant will grow and its fruit will ripen and become like mountains. Allah (swt) will say, "Here it is. O son of Aadam nothing satisfies you!" The Bedouin said, "By Allah! you wont find him except he is from Quraysh or the Ansaar for these are the people that love to grow things. As for us, we don't grow anything!" The Messenger of Allah (saw) laughed." [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/95, no. 5653]

The Delights of the People of Paradise: 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 [also] those who act righteously from among their fathers, and their wives and their offspring..." [Ar-Rad 13:23]

"They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, reclining on thrones." [Yaseen 36:56]

"Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness" [Az-Zukhruf 43:70]

(ii) A Woman [Who Was Married More Than Once] Will Be With The Last of Her Husbands

In Taareekh ar-Raqqah, Abu 'Ali al-Hurani reported from Maymun ibn Mahran that "Mu'aawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan (ra) proposed to Umm ad-Darda' but she refused to marry him, saying, "I heard Abud-Dardaa' say that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "A woman will be with the last of her husbands." The men in its isnaad are trustworthy apart from al-'Abbaas ibn Saalih, whose biography is unknown. Abul-Shaykh reported it in at-Taareek with a saheeh isnaad only quoting the marfoo' version of it. Tabaraani reported it with a da'eef isnaad in al-Mu'jam al-Awsat but taking both isnaads into account strengthens it. The marfoo' version is saheeh, and it also has two corroborating reports that are mawqoof.

The first of these was reported by Ibn 'Asaakir from 'Ikrimah:

"Asmaa bint Abi Bakr was married to az-Zubayr ibn al-'Awwaam who was harsh towards her. She came to her father and complained to him, and he said, "O my daughter, have patience, for if a woman has a righteous husband, and he dies and she does not remarry after his death, they will be reunited in Paradise." [The men of its isnaad are thiqaat [trustworthy] but is it mursaal because 'Ikrimah never met Abu Bakr; he only heard it from Asmaa]

The second report was narrated by al-Bayhaqee in as-Sunan, where he says that Hudhayfah said to his wife, "If you want to be my wife in Paradise, do not remarry after I die, for the woman in Paradise will be with the last of her husbands on earth."

For this reason, Allah forbade the wives of the Prophet (saw) to remarry after his death, because they will be his wives in the Hereafter.

(iii) Hoor al-'Eeyn

Allah (swt) will marry the believers in Paradise to beautiful women who were not their wives in this world, as Allah (swt) says: "So [it will be] and We shall marry them to Houris with wide lovely eyes." [Ad-Dukhan 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'an 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 [mature] maidens of equal age." [An-Naba 78:31-33]

Al-Hoor al-'Eeyn are creatures that Allah (swt) has made especially for Paradise, and has made them virgins:

"Verily, We have created [their companions] of special creation, and made them virgin-pure [and undefiled], beloved [by nature], equal in age." [Al-Waqia 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." [Ar-Rahman 55:56]

This refutes the idea that the wives that Allah (swt) 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 Allah (swt) will admit the believing women to Paradise with their youth restored but they are not al-Hoor al-'Eeyn whom Allah created in Paradise.

The Qur'an also speaks of the beauty of the women of al-Jannah:

"And [there will be] Houris with wide lovely eyes [as wives for the pious], Like unto preserved pearls." [Al-Waqia 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, Allah likens them to rubies and coral, two beautiful precious stones: "In them will be [maidens] 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." [Ar-Rahman 55:56-58]

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. Allah (swt) has stated that they are very beautiful, and it is sufficient to know that Allah (swt) said: "In them will be fair [companions] good and beautiful; then which of the favours of your Rabb will you deny? Companions restrained [as to their glances] in [goodly] pavilions" [Ar-Rahman 55:70-72]

The women are not like the women of this world. They are free of al-Hayd [menstruation], an-Nifaas [post-natal bleeding], spittle, mucus, urine and stools. This is what is referred to in the aayah: "..And they shall have therein Azwaajun Mutahharatun [purified mates]" [Al-Baqarah 2:25]

The Prophet (saw) told us about the beauty of the wives of the People of Paradise. Bukhaari and Muslim reported from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger (saw) said, "...the marrow of whose leg-bones will be visible through the flesh because of their extreme beauty." [Bukhari, Kitaab al-Khalq, Muslim in Kitaab al-Jannah wa Sifaat]

Look at this beauty that the Prophet (saw) 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." [Bukhaari, Kitaab al-Jihaad]

The smallest number of wives that any one man will have in Paradise is seventy-two. It was reported that the Shaheed will have seventy two wives from amongst al-Hoor a--'Eeyn [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/357, no. 3834, at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah from al-Miqdaam ibn Ma'd Yakrib]

The Song of al-Hoor al-'Eeyn

The Messenger (saw) told us that al-Hoor in Jannah sing with sweet, beautiful voices. In al-Mu'jam al-Awsat, at-Tabaraani reports with a saheeh isnaad from Ibn 'Umar that the Prophet (saw) said, "The wives of the people of Paradise will sing to their husband in the most beautiful voices that anyone has ever heard. What they will sing is: "We are good and beautiful, the wives of a noble people, who look at their husbands content and happy." And they will sing, "We are eternal, and will never die, we are safe and will never fear, we are remaining here and will never go away." [Saheeh al-Jaami as-Sagheer, 2/48, no. 1557; also Abu Na'eem, ad-Diyaa in Sifaat al-Jannah]

Samawayh reported in al-Fawaa'id from Anas that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "al-Hoor al-'Eeyn are singing in Paradise saying, "We are the beautiful houris, we are being kept for noble husbands." [Saheeh al-Jaami', 2/58, no. 1598]

The Jealousy of al-Hoor al-Eeyn over their Husbands in this World

The Prophet (saw) told us that al-Hoor feel jealous over their husbands in this world, if the wife of one of them upsets him. Ahmad and Tirmidhi report with a saheeh isnaad from Mu'aadh that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "No woman in this world upsets her husband but his wife from among al-Hoor al-'Eeyn will say, "Do not upset him, may Allah kill you! For he is with you only temporarily, and soon he will leave you and come to us." [Saheeh al-Jaami' as-Sagheer, 6/125, no. 7069]

(iv) The believer in Paradise will be given the Strength of One Hundred Men

Anas reported that the Prophet (saw) said, "The believer in Paradise will be given such and such strength." He was asked, "O Messenger of Allah, will he really be able to do that?" He said, "He will be given the strength of one hundred men." [it was reported by at-Tirmidhi, Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/90, no. 5636, at-Tirmidhi said: "ghareeb saheeh."]

The People of Paradise Will Laugh at the People of Fire

After Allah (swt) admits the people of Paradise to Paradise, they will call out to their opponents among the kuffaar in Hell, rebuking and scolding them: "And the dwellers of Paradise will call out to the dwellers of the Fire [saying]: "We have indeed found true what our Rabb promised us; have you also found true, what your Rabb promised [warnings, etc]? They will say "Yes". Then a crier will proclaim between them: "The Curse of Allah is on the Dhaalimoon [wrongdoers]" [Al-Araf 7:44]

The kuffaar used to dispute with the believers in this world, making fun of them and insulting them, but on that Day the believers will be victorious: they will be in a state of everlasting joy, looking at the wrongdoers and making fun of them: "Verily, al-Abraar will be in delight, on thrones, looking [at all things]. You will recognise in their faces the brightness of delight. They will be given to drink pure sealed wine, the last thereof will be the smell of musk, and for this let [all] those strive who want to strive. It [that wine] will be mixed with Tasneem, a spring whereof drink those nearest to Allah. Verily [during the earthly life] those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed, and whenever they passed by them, used to wink to one another [in mockery]; and when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting; and when they saw them, they say, "Verily! These have indeed gone astray!" But the [disbelievers] had not been sent as watchers over them [the believers]. But this Day those who believe will laugh at the disbelievers on [high] thrones, looking [at all things]. Are not the disbelievers paid [fully] for what they used to do?" [83:22-36]

By Allah, the kuffaar will finally get the punishment that they deserve, a punishment that fits their crimes. The believer who is now in the luxury of Paradise will remember that colleague or friend who used to encourage him to follow kufr in this world and called him to embrace those misguided principles that would have placed him in the ranks of the kuffaar and enemies of Allah (swt). He will tell his companions about that former colleague, and tell them to look at him and his punishment. When he sees how he is being punished, he will realise the extent of the blessing that Allah (swt) has bestowed upon him, and how Allah (swt) has saved him from a similar fate. Then he will address his former companion and rebuke him:

"Then they will turn to one another, mutually questioning. A speaker of them will say, "Verily I had a companion [in the world] who used to say, "Are you among those who believe [in resurrection after death], [that] when we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed [be raised up] to receive reward or punishment [according to our deeds]?" The Man said, "Will you look down?" So he looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire. He said, "By Allah! You have nearly ruined me. Had it not been for the Grace of my Rabb, I would certainly have been among those brought forth [to Hell]." [Allah (swt) informs about the true believer that he said], "Are we not then to die [any more]? Except our first death and we shall not be punished? [after we have entered Paradise] Truly this is the supreme success! For the like of this let the workers work." [As-Saffat 37:50-61]

Tasbeeh And Takbeer Are Among The Delights Of The People Of Paradise

 Paradise is the abode of reward and delight, not of trials and testing. A problem might arise concerning the hadith reported by al-Bukhaari and others from Abu Hurayrah, according to which the Prophet (saw) described the first group to enter Paradise and said, "They will glorify Allah (swt) morning and evening." [Saheeh al-Bukhaari, Kitaab Bid' al-Khalq, Baab maa jaa'a fi Sifaat al-Jannah, Fath al-Baari, 6/318]

But there is nothing problematic in this report, insha'Allah, because, as al-Qurtubee said "This tasbeeh is not the matter of obligation or imposition." As was reported by Muslim, Jaabir explained it as follows, "They will be inspired with tasbeeh and takbeer as they are inspired with breathing." The analogy of breathing was used because it is something man does with no conscious effort. Their breathing will become tasbeeh, and the reason for this is that their hearts will be illuminated with the knowledge of their rabb, may He be glorified, and filled with love for Him, and whoever loves a thing remembers it frequently."" [Fath al-Baari, 6/326]

Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah stated that this tasbeeh and takbeer will be one of the pleasures enjoyed by the people of Paradise. He said, "This is not the kind of obligatory work that is done for the sake of a specific reward. It is the same as the kind of deeds that people do for pleasure and enjoyment." [Majmu' Fataawa, 4/330]

The Greatest Delight: Ridwaan Allah and Looking At His Face

 "Some faces that Day will be Nadhirah [shining, radiant], Looking at their Rabb." [Al-Qiyamah 75:22-23]

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 [qiyaam] 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 Allah has created the good things of this world for the believers, and He denounces those who forbid the beautiful things that Allah (swt) 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 [all kinds of lawful things] of food?" Say: "They are in the life of this world, for those who believe, [and] exclusively for them [believers] on the Day of Resurrection [the disbelievers will not share them]." [A-Araf 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 [the bridge over Hell] and will witness its horrors. Then Allah (swt) will admit them to gardens of delight in Paradise, after removing all grief and sorrow from their hearts. They will see the wonders that Allah has prepared for them in Paradise and they will raise their voices in praise and glorification of Allah 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 Allah, Who has removed from us [all] grief. For Our Rabb is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate [good deeds and recompense] 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" [Fatir 35:34-35]

"And they will say, "All the praises and thanks be to Allah Who Has fulfilled His promise to us and has made us inherit [this] land. We can dwell in Paradise where we will; how excellent a reward for the [pious good] workers!" And you will see the angels surrounding the Throne [of Allah] from all around, glorifying the praises of their Rabb. And they [all the creatures] will be judged with truth, and it will be said, "All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Rabb of the Aalameen" [z-Zumr 39:74-75]

And the conclusion of their prayer will be al-Hamdulillaahi Rabbil Aalameen:

"Their prayer will be Glory to You, O Allah! and their greeting therein will be Peace, and the conclusion of their prayer will be, "Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds" [Younus 10:10]

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2. WILL INHABITANTS OF PARADISE SEE OTHER WOMEN

Question:

If a Muslim is one of the people of Paradise, will he be able to see the females companions of others? How are women of paradise?

Answer: Praise be to Allah.

Firstly:

In Paradise, there will be no evil looks or sickness of the heart such that men in Paradise will seek women other than his own womenfolk. And women will not seek men whom they knew in this world. Paradise is the place where Allah honours people and there is no evil there, and no haraam desires or wishes.  

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah ((PBUH)) 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 and 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.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (3073) and Muslim (2834). 

According to a report narrated by al-Bukhaari: “they will not envy one another.” 

Secondly:

One of the blessings of Paradise for men is that Allah will bestow upon them wives whose love and gaze will be only for them, and he will not see anyone who is better than them, and he will not desire anyone else. 

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“And beside them will be Qaasiraat‑at‑Tarf [chaste females (wives), restraining their glances (desiring none except their husbands)]”      [Al-Saaffaat 37:48]. 

Imam al-Tabari (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

Allah, may He be exalted, says: With these sincere slaves of Allah in Paradise will be qaasiraat al-tarf (chaste females restraining their glances), who will be wives who lower their gaze and refrain from looking at anyone other than their husbands, and will not desire anyone but them, and they will not look at anyone but them.      Tafseer al-Tabari (21/41). 

Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Sa’di (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “And beside them will be Qaasiraat‑at‑Tarf [chaste females (wives), restraining their glances” means: With the people of the abode of bliss in their places will be al-hoor al-‘iyn, perfect in appearance and restraining their glances. Either they will restrain their glances by looking at no one but their husbands, because they will be chaste and have no desire  for anyone else, and because their husbands will be so handsome and perfect that they will not seek or desire anyone else in Paradise, or because they will be so beautiful that their husbands will look only at them. This is indicative of their perfect beauty which will make their husbands restrain their glances and look only at them. Restraining the glance also indicates that his love will be restricted only to her. Both meanings are possible and both are valid. All of this indicates that the men and women in Paradise will be beautiful and will love one another, a love that does not desire anyone else. They will all be extremely chaste and there will be no envy or hatred there, because the causes of that will not exist. 

Tafseer al-Sa’di (p. 702) 

The apparent meaning of the verses “And beside them will be Qaasiraat‑at‑Tarf [chaste females (wives), restraining their glances (desiring none except their husbands)]” [Al-Saaffaat 37:48] and

“And beside them will be Qaasiraat‑at‑Tarf [chaste females (wives) restraining their glances (desiring none except their husbands)], (and) of equal ages” [Sa’ad 38:52]  is both al-hoor al-‘iyn and the women of this world who enter Paradise. What is meant by ‘iyn is wide-eyed and what is meant by “of equal ages” is of the same age. 

Thirdly:

No woman will be unmarried in Paradise. Every woman will have a husband, and there will be no single people in Paradise.  

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “…there will be no one in Paradise who is unmarried.” (Muslim 2834).  

Fourthly:

With regard to this specific issue, it seems from the texts that women will live with their husbands and children in their own realms in Paradise, and a woman will be content with her husband and have no need to see other people, as stated above. There is no text to suggest that she will see non-mahrams there, or that the righteous men will see righteous, worshipping believing women in Paradise. 

Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Barraak (may Allah preserve him) said: 

There is no way to know matters of the unseen except by information from the infallible one (i.e., the Prophet (PBUH), because matters of the unseen cannot be known by reasoning and thinking. Information about Paradise is one of the matters of the unseen that are hidden, and we must adhere to what has been stated in the texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah. We must believe in Paradise and what Allah has told us of the various delights therein, whilst remembering that its realities are known only to Allah. There is nothing in the texts to say that a man will meet the wives of others, and there is nothing to confirm or deny the seeing asked about here. But what is indicated by the Qur'an is that the believers will meet and sit facing one another on thrones, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“A multitude of those (foremost) will be from the first generations (who embraced Islam). And a few of those (foremost) will be from the later generations. (They will be) on thrones woven with gold and precious stones. Reclining thereon, face to face”  [Al-Waaqi’ah 56:13-16] 

 “And We shall remove from their hearts any deep feeling of bitterness (that they may have). (So they will be like) brothers facing each other on thrones”  [Al-Hijr 15:47] 

We should not indulge in discussion of matters of the unseen without knowledge, rather if such a question comes up, we should answer by saying Allah knows best, and the questioner should be told not to indulge in such topics, because there is no benefit in that. 

“And follow not (O man, i.e., say not, or do not, or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing, and the sight, and the heart of each of those ones will be questioned (by Allah)”  [Al-Isra’ 17:36] 

“They (angels) said: Glory is to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us. Verily, it is You, the All-Knower, the All-Wise”  [Al-Baqarah 2:32] 

We ask Allah to guide us to the Straight Path and to make us all people of Paradise. May Allah send blessings and peace upon His slave and Messenger Muhammad and upon his family and companions. 

And Allah knows best.

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3. PEOPLE OF HEAVEN OR HELL

Question :

Can we differentiate people of Paradise from people of Fire in present world?

Answer :  

In this world we can not clearly differentiate among such peoples, because we don’t know what will be his end (will die or died as believer and died with Allah’s forgiveness or not). However following two hadiths give answer to the question.

Narrated Imran bin Husain:

A man said, "O Allah's Apostle! Can the people of Paradise be known (differentiated) from the people of the Fire; The Prophet replied, "Yes." The man said, "Why do people (try to) do (good) deeds?" The Prophet said, "Everyone will do the deeds for which he has been created to do or he will do those deeds which will be made easy for him to do." (i.e. everybody will find easy to do such deeds as will lead him to his destined place for which he has been created). Volume 8, Book 77, Number 595:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

We witnessed along with Allah's Apostle the Khaibar (campaign). Allah's Apostle told his companions about a man who claimed to be a Muslim, "This man is from the people of the Fire." When the battle started, the man fought very bravely and received a great number of wounds and got crippled. On that, a man from among the companions of the Prophet came and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Do you know what the man you described as of the people of the Fire has done? He has fought very bravely for Allah's Cause and he has received many wounds."

The Prophet said, "But he is indeed one of the people of the Fire." Some of the Muslims were about to have some doubt about that statement. So while the man was in that state, the pain caused by the wounds troubled him so much that he put his hand into his quiver and took out an arrow and committed suicide with it. Off went some men from among the Muslims to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Allah has made your statement true. So-and-so has committed suicide." Allah's Apostle said, "O Bilal! Get up and announce in public: None will enter Paradise but a believer, and Allah may support this religion (Islam) with a wicked man." Volume 8, Book 77, Number 603:

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