Allah Almighty says: {The righteous will be in gardens and springs. “Enter in peace and safety!” We will remove all ill feelings from their hearts; like brothers, seated on couches facing one another. No fatigue will ever touch them therein, nor will they ever be made to leave.} [Surat al-Hijr: 45-48]
He also says: {[It will be said to them], “O My slaves, there is no fear for you Today, nor will you grieve, [those] who believed in Our verses and submitted [to Us as Muslims]. Enter Paradise, you and your spouses, rejoicing in bliss.” Golden trays and cups will be passed around among them; there will be all that souls desire and eyes delight in, and you will abide therein forever. That is Paradise which you will inherit for what you used to do. You will have therein abundant fruit to eat from.} [Surat az-Zukhruf: 68-73]
And He says: {Indeed, the righteous will be in a safe place, in gardens and springs, wearing fine silk and heavy brocade, facing one another. So it will be, and We will marry them to maidens with gorgeous eyes. They will call therein for every kind of fruit, safe and secure. They will not taste death therein except the first death, and He will protect them from the punishment of the Blazing Fire, as a grace from your Lord. That is the supreme triumph.} [Surat ad-Dukhān: 51-57]
Allah Almighty also says: {Indeed, the righteous will be in Bliss, seated on the couches, gazing in wonder. You will see on their faces the radiance of bliss. They will be served to drink pure wine from a sealed container, whose last sip is musk – let those who strive, strive for that – and it will be mixed with water from the spring of Tasnīm, a spring from which those who are close to Allah will drink.} [Surat al-Mutaffifīn: 22-28] There are many other well-known verses in this regard.
1) They give glad tidings about Paradise, the abode Allah Almighty has prepared for His pious servants and placed therein all kinds of bliss.
2) They show the great favor of Allah Almighty upon the dwellers of Paradise and that the believers are not fully aware of the bliss Allah has prepared for them. Worldly bliss is nothing but mere names compared to the bliss in Paradise.
3) They point out the reward for the righteous who do good and refrain from the prohibitions. They will be in all-inclusive bliss, spiritual and physical.
1880/1 - Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The inhabitants of Paradise will eat and drink therein, but they will not have to pass excrement, clear their noses, or urinate. Their food will be digested producing belch, having the smell of musk. They will be inspired to glorify Allah and proclaim His greatness as easily as they breathe.” [Narrated by Muslim]
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1) The bliss in Paradise is enduring and unending. Its dwellers will enjoy remembering and glorifying Allah Almighty without any effort.
2) The food and drink of the dwellers of Paradise will be free from harms and defects that exist in the food of this world.
3) The bliss enjoyed by the dwellers of Paradise will be both physical, in the form of material pleasures, and spiritual, by remembering Allah Almighty.
1881/2 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah Almighty said: ‘I have prepared for My righteous servants what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has perceived.’ Recite, if you will: {No soul knows what delights are kept hidden for them as a reward for what they used to do.} [Surat as-Sajdah: 17]” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
1) It points out the great bliss in Paradise. Allah Almighty has made its bliss partially known to His servants so as to increase their desire and longing for it. {Whoever hopes to meet Allah, the time appointed by Allah is sure to come.}
2) The dwellers of Paradise will get a reward similar to their actions. As they concealed their worship of Allah in worldly life and performed it sincerely, He has concealed for them the bliss of the Hereafter.
1882/3 - He also reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The first group of people who will enter Paradise will be glittering like the full moon, and those who will follow them will glitter like the most brilliant star in the sky. They will not urinate, defecate, spit, or have any nasal secretions. Their combs will be of gold, and their sweat will smell like musk. The aloes-wood will be used in their censers. Their wives will be the houris. They will all look alike and will resemble their father Adam (in stature), sixty cubits tall.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
In another narration by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim: “Their utensils will be of gold, and their perspiration will smell like musk. Everyone of them will have two wives; the marrow of the bones of the wives’ legs will be seen through the flesh, out of excessive beauty. They will neither have difference nor enmity amongst themselves; their hearts will be like one heart, and they will be glorifying Allah in the morning and in the evening.”
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1) The hearts of the dwellers of Paradise will be pure and free from bad morals. There will be no difference, animosity, envy, or rancor between them. It is the abode of goodness, and only those with good hearts, given their sound beliefs, and with good acts, given their sound acts of worship, and with good morals, given their virtues, will enter therein.
2) The dwellers of Paradise will be all alike in terms of their appearance. They will be like their father Adam, in terms of his look and height. As they will be rejoicing the bliss, they will also be inspired to remember Allah Almighty and glorify Him in the morning and evening.
1883/4 - Al-Mughīrah ibn Shu‘bah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Moses (peace be upon him) asked his Lord: ‘Who amongst the inhabitants of Paradise will be the lowest in rank?’ He said: ‘It will be a man who will be admitted into Paradise last of all when all the dwellers of Paradise have entered Paradise. It will be said to him: “Enter Paradise.” But he will say: “O my Lord, how could I enter while the people have settled in their dwellings and taken their shares?” It will be said to him: “Will you be satisfied and pleased if you have a kingdom like that of a monarch of the world?” He will say: “I will be content, my Lord.” Allah will say: “For you is that, and the like of that and the like of that and the like of that and the like of that.” He will say at the fifth time: “I am well-pleased, my Lord.” Allah will say: “It is for you and ten times more like it. You will have whatever your soul desires and whatever your eyes could delight in.” He will say: “I am well-pleased, my Lord.”’ Moses said: ‘Who will be of the highest rank in Paradise.’ Allah said: ‘They are those whom I chose and I established their honor with My own Hand. I attest with My seal that they will be blessed with such bounties as no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has thought about.’” [Narrated by Muslim]
1884/5 - Ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “I know the last of the inhabitants of Hellfire to be taken out therefrom, and the last of the inhabitants of Paradise to enter therein. A man will come out of Hellfire crawling. Then, Allah Almighty will say to him: ‘Go and enter Paradise.’ So, he will come to it and it will appear to him as if it were full. He will go back and say: ‘O my Lord, I found it full.’ Allah Almighty will say to him: ‘Go and enter Paradise.’ He will come and perceive as if it were full. He will return and say: ‘O my Lord, I found it full.’ Allah will say to him: ‘Go and enter Paradise, for there is for you the like of the world and ten times like it - or for you is ten times the like of this world.’ He will say: ‘Are You making fun of me - or Are You laughing at me - though You are the King?’” Ibn Mas‘ūd added: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) laugh till his molar teeth were visible. He said: ‘That will be the lowest in rank among the inhabitants of Paradise.’” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
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1) They show the great bounty of Allah Almighty, Whose treasuries are filled and inexhaustible. People in the lowest rank in Paradise will have ten times as all the possessions and good things in this world. This encourages the seekers of Paradise to bear its high dowry patiently, and that is faith and good deeds. So, where are the buyers of this valuable commodity?
2) The dwellers of Paradise will occupy varying ranks in accordance with their degree of faith and good deeds in this world.
1885/6 - Abu Mūsa (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Verily, for the believer in Paradise is a tent made of a single hollow pearl, the length of which would be sixty miles in the sky. The believer will have wives therein whom he will visit in turn, and none of whom will see the others.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim] --
1) The bliss of Paradise will grow and increase to make the believers more pleased with that enduring happiness.
2) What is reported about the bliss in Paradise is part of what Allah Almighty has prepared for you, O believer! So, what have you prepared for it? Let the competitors compete in this.
1886/7 - Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “In Paradise there is a tree that the rider of a lean swift horse cannot cover (its distance) in one hundred years.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
In another narration by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim, and reported by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): “The rider will travel in its shade for a hundred years and cannot cross it.”
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1) The trees of Paradise are huge and their shades are very lengthy, which indicates Allah’s bounty and grace towards His pious servants.
2) It indicates how vast Paradise is. Paradise is the commodity of Allah Almighty offered to the believers. What an excellent commodity!
1887/8 - He also reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The dwellers of Paradise will look at the dwellers of the lofty chambers above them in the same way that you look at a shining star far away on the horizon, in the east or in the west, due to their superiority over one another.” They said: “O Messenger of Allah, are those the ranks of the prophets which none other than them can reach?” He said: “No, by the One in Whose Hand my soul is, they are men who believed in Allah and believed the messengers.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
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1) It points out that the ranks of the dwellers of Paradise are varying, according to the degree of their good deeds and due to the bounty of their Lord. Where are the diligent ones?!
2) Whoever believes the messengers and believe in their message, Allah will make him reach the ranks of the messengers by His bounty and grace. Blessed and blissful are those who believe the divine revelation!
1888/9 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “A place in Paradise as small as a bow is better than all that upon which the sun rises and sets.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
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1) It highlights the remarkable bliss in Paradise and shows the insignificance of this world and what it contains. The bliss of Paradise is abundant and enduring, while the pleasures of this world are trivial and fleeting.
2) The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) shed light on the bliss in Paradise to increase our desire and longing for it and to motivate us to compete to attain it.
1889/1 - Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Verily, in Paradise there is a market to which people will go every Friday. The north wind will blow and scatter fragrances on their faces and clothes, increasing them in charm and beauty. Then, they will return to their families, having increased in charm and beauty, and their families will say to them: ‘By Allah, you have increased in charm and beauty!’ They will then say: ‘By Allah, you too have increased in charm and beauty after us!’” [Narrated by Muslim]
The north wind is that wind that blows from the direction opposite the Qiblah. He mentioned it specifically because the Arabs would anxiously wait for the north wind coming from the direction of the Levant with rain and goodness.
1) The dwellers of Paradise will be in increasing and renewed charm and beauty.
2) One should desire to perform good deeds, for they are the provision whereby he can earn the bliss in the Hereafter.
1890/11 - Sahl ibn Sa‘d (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The dwellers of Paradise will see the upper chambers of Paradise as you see the stars in the sky.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
1) It encourages the believers to aim at high ranks in Paradise, which can only be attained by those with great resolve.
2) It shows the varying ranks to be occupied by the dwellers of Paradise according to their deeds, as well as the bounty of their Lord.
1891/12 - He also reported: “I was in a gathering with the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) in which he described Paradise and concluded his talk with these words: ‘It has what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has thought about.’ Then, he recited: {They forsake their beds... No soul knows what delights are kept hidden for them as a reward for what they used to do.} [Surat as-Sajdah: 16-17]” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri]
1) It mentions different types of the honorable things Allah Almighty has prepared for the believers, urging them to perform acts of obedience. Indeed, when goodness is endeared to people’s souls, they come to it with love.
2) The Qur’an and Sunnah are two close companions, explaining and clarifying each other.
1892/13 - Abu Sa‘īd and Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “When the inhabitants of Paradise enter Paradise, a caller will call out: ‘Indeed, you will live forever and never die, you will be healthy and never fall ill, you will be young and never grow old, and you will be happy and never be sad.’” [Narrated by Muslim]
1) The dwellers of Paradise will be in renewable bliss that they will not be subject to any change due to any illness, old age, death, or a disaster.
2) One should patiently endure the afflictions of this world, which is naturally marked by trouble and annoyance.
1893/14 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Verily, the lowest place of any of you in Paradise will be that Allah will tell him to express his wish. He will wish and wish again. Allah will then ask him: ‘Have you expressed your wish?’ He will answer: ‘Yes, I have.’ Allah will say: ‘You will have what you have wished for and the like thereof along with it.’” [Narrated by Muslim]
1) The treasuries of Allah Almighty are inexhaustible, even if He grants the wishes of all the dwellers of Paradise.
2) A wise believer would prefer the permanent life over the fleeting one and work in worldly life for the sake of the Hereafter.
1894/15 - Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah Almighty will say to the dwellers of Paradise: ‘O people of Paradise!’ They will reply: ‘O our Lord, we present ourselves and are at Your pleasure, and goodness rests in Your Hands.’ Then, He will say: ‘Are you contented?’ They will say: ‘How could we not be contented, O Lord, when You have given us what You have not given to any of Your creation?’ Then, He will say: ‘Would you like Me to give you something better than that?’ They will say: ‘O Lord, what could be better than that?’ He will say: ‘I shall bestow My pleasure upon you and I shall never be displeased with you ever thereafter.’” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
1) Closeness to Allah Almighty, being safe in His company, and winning His pleasure are the greatest objectives of the believers in the abode of bliss.
2) The greatest bliss for the dwellers of Paradise after settling therein is attaining the pleasure of Allah that would never be followed by displeasure. He who gains the pleasure of the Lord of the worlds is truly blissful and fortunate.
1895/16 - Jarīr ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “We were with the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), as he looked at the moon when it was full and said: ‘You will see your Lord as you see this moon, having no difficulty in seeing Him.’” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
1896/17 - Suhayb (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “When the dwellers of Paradise enter Paradise, Allah Almighty will say: ‘Do you wish Me to give you anything more?’ They will say: ‘Have You not brightened our faces? Have You not made us enter Paradise and saved us from Hellfire?’ He will then lift the veil, and of all the things they have been given, nothing will be dearer to them than looking at their Lord.” [Narrated by Muslim]
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He will then lift the veil: This is the veil of light that prevents anyone from seeing Him in worldly life. But He will lift it in Paradise so that the believers, who believed Him and His Messenger, can see Him.
1) The glad tidings to the believers that they will see their Lord in Paradise, the greatest and dearest bliss ever.
2) The fact that the believers will see their Lord in Paradise is established by the Qur’an and Sunnah and the consensus among the earlier Muslims. As for the disbelievers, they will be prevented from seeing their Lord. Allah Almighty says: {No indeed! On that Day they will be barred from seeing their Lord.}
3) The most precious thing the believers will be granted in Paradise is seeing their Almighty Lord. This is indeed the greatest favor and blessing in the abode of honor and recompense, just as servitude to Him is the greatest blessing in the abode of trials.
Imam Abu Ja‘far al-Tahāwi (may Allah have mercy upon him) said:
“It is true that the dwellers of Paradise will see Allah, as revealed in the Qur’an, yet without knowing exactly how. Allah Almighty says: {On that Day some faces will be bright, looking at their Lord.} In interpreting this, we refer it to Allah’s will and knowledge, and this also applies to the relevant authentic Hadīths; they are as the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said and intended. We should not try to interpret this based on our personal opinions or inclinations. To keep our religion sound, we should submit to Allah Almighty and His Messenger (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and refer ambiguous matters to those who possess the right knowledge about them.
Islam can only be firmly established on complete submission. If a person seeks to possess such knowledge that is kept hidden from him, and he is not convinced of submission, his pursuit will prevent him from pure monotheism, sound knowledge, and correct faith, and he will oscillate between disbelief and belief and acknowledgment and denial, being in confusion, loss, doubt, and deviation. Neither is he a believer nor a denier.”
Conclusion of the Book Rawh wa Rayāhīn:
The erudite scholar Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy upon him and his parents) concluded his great book Riyād al-Sālihīn Min Ahādīth Sayyid al-Mursalīn with the chapter:
Mentioning what Allah has prepared for the believers in Paradise, as optimism and hope that Allah Almighty will admit us, the author, and all the believers into His Paradise and give us all a good end, as we act upon the verses and Hadīths cited in this book, which contain divine and prophetic guidance. This is the only means to attaining the prepared bliss and honor.
One of the remarkable things in concluding this book with noble verses is the author’s note that guidance is the greatest favor and blessing from Allah. If a person follows the right guidance, while being sincere to the Lord of the worlds and sticking to the Prophet’s example and the path of the earlier Muslims in this abode of trials, he will attain a great reward and win the bliss in Paradise.
Concluding the book, the author said:
“Allah Almighty says: {As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, their Lord will guide them by virtue of their faith. Rivers will flow beneath them in the Gardens of Bliss. Their prayer will be, “Glory be to You, O Allah,” and their greeting will be, “Peace,” and the closing of their prayer will be, “All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.”} [Surat Yūnus: 9-10]
This book has been accomplished by help from Allah Almighty - all praise is due to Him.
Praise be to Allah Who has guided us to this; and we would not have been guided had Allah not guided us.
O Allah, bestow Your peace upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You bestowed Your peace upon Abraham and the family of Abraham. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed Abraham and the family of Abraham; You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.”
The author, Yahya al-Nawāwi (may Allah have mercy upon him) said: “I have finished it Monday, 14 Ramadān, 670 AH.”
The commentators on this book (may Allah forgive them and their parents and all the believers) said: “We have finished reviewing this book Rawh Wa Rayāhīn Sharh Riyād al-Sālihīn, the 3rd edition, at the beginning of Rajab, 1434 AH.”
Praise be to Allah by Whose grace good things are accomplished.
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and Companions.