Paradise (Jaanah) According to Quran and Ahadith
Hadith – Sahih Bukhari 4:51, Narrated Abu Huraira
The Prophet said, “A place in Paradise as small as the bow or lash of one of you is better than all the world and whatever is in it”
The Noble Qur’an – Al-Mu’minun 23:8-11
Those who are faithfully true to their trusts and to their covenants; And those who strictly guard their (five compulsory congregational) prayers (at their fixed stated hours). These are indeed the inheritors. Who shall inherit the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever.
Hadith – Sahih Bukhari 4:569, Narrated Abu Huraira
Then Allah [swt] will say (to him): ‘I have forbidden Paradise for the disbelievers.’
Hadith – Sahih Bukhari 6:373, Narrated Abu Huraira
The Prophet said, “Paradise and the Fire (Hell) argued, and the Fire (Hell) said, ‘I have been given the privilege of receiving the arrogant and the tyrants.’ Paradise said, ‘What is the matter with me? Why do only the weak and the humble among the people enter me?’ On that, Allah said to Paradise, ‘You are My Mercy which I bestow on whoever I wish of my servants.’ Then Allah said to the (Hell) Fire, ‘You are my (means of) punishment by which I punish whoever I wish of my slaves. And each of you will have its fill.’ As for the Fire (Hell), it will not be filled till Allah puts His Foot over it whereupon it will say, ‘Qati! Qati!’ At that time it will be filled, and its different parts will come closer to each other; and Allah will not wrong any of His created beings. As regards Paradise, Allah will create a new creation to fill it with.”
Descriptions of Paradise
Hadith – Sahih Bukhari 4:474, Narrated Anas bin Malik , see also Bukhari 6:403, Quran 56:30
The Prophet said, “There is a tree in Paradise (which is so big and huge that) if a rider travels in its shade for one hundred years, he would not be able to cross it.”
Hadith – Mishkat, Narrator AbuHurayrah , transmitted by Tirmidhi and Darimi
Allah’s Messenger said, “The inhabitants of Paradise are hairless, beardless and have black eyes, their youth does not pass away and their garments do not wear out.”
Hadith – Sahih Bukhari 4:479, Narrated Sahl bin Sad
The Prophet said, “Paradise has eight gates, and one of them is called Ar-Raiyan through which none will enter but those who observe fasting.” The Prophet also said, “If a person spends two different kinds of something (for Allah’s cause), he will be called from the gates of Paradise.”
Uniting Humanity
THE message of Islam is for the entire human race. According to Islam, Allah is the God of the entire universe and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a Messenger for the whole of mankind. According to Islam, all men are equal, whatever be their color, language, race or nationality. Islam addresses itself to the conscience of humanity and banishes all false barriers of race, status and wealth. There can be no denying the fact that such barriers have always existed, and do exist even today in this so-called enlightened age. Islam, however, removes all these impediments and proclaims the idea of the whole of humanity being one family of God.
Islam is international in its outlook and approach. It does not admit barriers and distinctions based on color, clan, blood or territory such as were prevalent before the advent of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These are rampant in different forms, even in this modern age.
Islam is a way of life that transcends race and ethnicity. The Glorious Qur’an repeatedly reminds us of our common origin : “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). (49: 13)
The eradication of race consciousness is one of the outstanding moral achievements of Islam. In the contemporary world there is, as it happens, a crying need for the propagation of this Islamic virtue. It is conceivable that the spirit of Islam might be the timely reinforcement which would decide this issue in favor of tolerance and peace.
Islam unites the entire human race under one banner. To a world torn by national rivalries and feuds, it presents a message of life and hope, and of a glorious future.
The Desire For The Hereafter
The desire for the Hereafter is not complete without renouncing this world, and renouncement from this world is not achieved except after:
a) Looking at this world, and how quickly it passes away and reaches its end, its deficiencies, decline, vileness; the distress of competing for it, and the way it spoils and causes misery. Also, its ephemerality and discontinuation comes with misery and regrets.
The one who seeks this world benefits only by having sadness before acquiring it, worries when he is enjoying it, and grief after its passing away.
b) Knowing with surety that the Hereafter is going to come and its arrival is certain. The eternality, endlessness and nobility of the good and pleasing things in it, and the difference between what is there and what is here.
After completely understanding these two aspects the individual is required to make its preference and renounce what it should.
So anyone who is naturally disposed to leave the enjoyment of this world and the present worldly gains for the pleasures that are hidden and yet to come in the Hereafter will not do so unless the excellence of the next life over this one is clear to him, and has a strong desire to achieve the superior instead of the inferior.
When he prefers the transient and the inadequate it is either because he does not understand what is better for him or because he does not have the desire to achieve the best.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his Companions put this world behind their backs, turned their hearts away from it, and abandoned it. They did not befriend it they renounced it. They did not incline towards it.
They considered it to be a prison, not Paradise! They renounced it as it ought to have been renounced. Had they wished, they could have had anything they liked and obtained anything they desired because the key of its treasures were presented to them, but they refused to accept them.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said in authentic narrations:
“What am I in this world except for like a person who is traveling and stops under the shade of the tree to rest for a few moments and then continues with his traveling.”
And “What is this world compared to the Hereafter except like when one of you puts his finger in the sea, so he sees what he takes out (of the sea with his wet finger).”
Our Lord, the Creator of this world, draws a parable from our own lives to illustrate the Real value of this world: “Verily, the likeness of (this) worldly life is as the water (rain) which We send down from the sky; so by it arises the intermingled produce of the earth of which men and cattle eat: until when the earth is clad in its adornments and is beautified, and its people think that they have all the powers of disposal over it, Our Command reaches it by night or by day, and We make it like a clean-mown harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday. (10: 24)
Allah Kay Mehboob (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) Ki Duaaien
Virtues Of Muharram
Muharram – The first month of the Hijra calendar – is one of the four sacred months about which Allah said: “Verily, the number of months with Allah is 12 months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein…” (Qur’an, 9:36)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The year is 12 months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab which comes between Jumada and Sha’ban.” (Al-Bukhari, 2958)
It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbas said that this phrase “so wrong not yourselves therein…” referred to all the months, then these four were singled out and made sacred, so that sin in these months is more serious and good deeds bring a greater reward.
Voluntary fasting
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting Allah’s month of Muharram.” (Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith is probably meant to encourage fasting during Muharram, without meaning that one should fast for the entire month.
Fasting on ‘Ashoura
Ibn Abbas said: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) came to Madina and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashoura. When he asked them about it, they said, ‘This is a blessed day, it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa (peace be upon him) fasted on this day.’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘We have more right to Musa (peace be upon him) than you,’ so he fasted on that day and commanded (the Muslims) to fast on that day.” (Al-Bukhari)
Fasting on the day of ‘Ashoura was earlier obligatory, but when fasting Ramadan was made obligatory, the obligation to fast ‘Ashoura was cancelled, i.e., it was no longer obligatory to fast on this day, but it is still recommended.
Virtues of fasting ‘Ashoura
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “For fasting the day of ‘Ashoura, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before.” (Sahih Muslim)
This is from the bounty of Allah towards us. By fasting one day, He expiates our sins for the whole year. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.
Fasting the ninth and tenth
Abdullah Ibn Abbas said: “When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) fasted on ‘Ashoura and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.’ The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, ‘If I live to see the next year, Insha Allah, we will fast on the ninth day too.’ But it so happened that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) passed away before the next year came.” (Sahih Muslim)
Al-Shafi’i and his companions, Ahmad, Ishaq and others said: “It is Mustahab (recommended) to fast on both days, ninth and tenth, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) fasted on the tenth, and intended to fast on the ninth.”
The Way To Paradise Is Very Hard
Paradise is very high, and ascending lofty places takes a great deal of effort. The way to Paradise is filled with things that go against human wishes and inclinations. This needs strong determination and willpower. In a hadith narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim from Abu Hurayrah (ra) the Messenger of Allah (saw) said,
“Hell has been veiled with desires, and Paradise has been veiled with [surrounded by] hardships.”
an-Nasaa’ee, at-Tirmidhi, and Abu Dawud report from Abu Hurayrah (ra) that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “When Allah created Paradise, He told Jibreel, “Go look at it”. So he went and looked at it, then he came back and said, “By Your Glory, no-one will hear of it but he will enter it”. So He surrounded it with hardships and said, “Go and look at it”. So he went and looked at it, then came back and said, “By Your Glory, I fear that no-one will enter it””. [Jaami al-Usool, 10/520, 8068]
an-Nawawi commented on the first hadith:
“This is an example of the beautiful, eloquent and concise speech which the Prophet (saw) was capable, in which he gives a beautiful analogy. It means that nothing will help you to reach Paradise except going through hardships, and nothing will lead you to Hell, but whims and desires. Both are veiled as described, and whoever tears down the veil will reach what was hidden behind it. The veil of Paradise is torn down by going through hardships and the veil of Hell is torn down by giving in to whims and desires. Hardship including striving consistently and patiently in worship, restraining one’s anger, forgiving, being patient, giving in charity, being kind to those who mistreat you, resisting physical desires, etc” [Sharh an-Nawawi ‘ala Muslim, 17/165]
The Importance Of Seeking Knowledge
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever seeks a way to acquire knowledge, Allah will make his way easy to Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim)
The above Hadith is a part of a long Hadith which talks about the importance and virtues of seeking knowledge.
This Hadith mentions that if one chooses to seek the path of knowledge then he has a lot to gain from it. If we try to analyze, we will understand that the type of knowledge our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is mentioning hear is the knowledge of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. This kind of knowledge will lead one to paradise. Othman Bin Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The most superior among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” (Bukhari)
The road to paradise becomes easy when a Muslim seeks knowledge for the sake of Allah Alone, for only His pleasure and to seek His reward. Since Islam teaches every aspect of life one can easily identify a change in behavior, outlook and perspective of the seeker.
To gain proper kind of knowledge a Muslim should do actions that are ordained by Allah and avoid things forbidden by Him. He should become punctual in offering his Salah, Sawm and other obligations. He should not only improve his relationship with his Lord but also improve his relationship with his kith and kin and all human beings in general.
In any case knowledge is light and ignorance is darkness. But in the light of this Hadith the only kind of knowledge that can be beneficial in the Hereafter is the knowledge of Islam. By gaining knowledge knowledge a person’s life is enlightened and his vision is widened, which reduces the chances of one being misguided.
He doesn’t do anything wrong with himself nor he does it with others. He himself walks in light and helps others to do the same. Furthermore, he is guided by Allah from darkness and evil.
A person who is enriched with the knowledge of Qur’an and Sunnah is blessed with many virtues attached as mentioned in the Qur’an and Ahadith. The birds and creatures on land, the fishes in the oceans pray for the forgiveness of a person who he set out in search of knowledge.
To gain knowledge a person has to choose the correct route for it, which is attending Islamic lectures, being a part of gatherings where reflect on Ahadith and verses from the Qur’an, reading religious books and so on. Thus, if a person strives to acquire knowledge then Insha’Allah one shall be able to acquire it, and the road to paradise would become easy as well.
Hafzay kay Lye Mujarab Amal
The Aim Of Education
The greatest objective of education is to prepare the young generation for leadership.
Islamic education, of course, has the highest objective. The aim of Islamic education is character building. Growth and development of an Islamic personality should be the final goal of any Islamic school. Islamic values are the foundation of the Islamic personality.
As Muslims our educational aim is to develop the personalities of our children fully so that they will be conscious of their responsibility to Allah (the Creator) and to fellow humans. The aims and objectives of Islamic education have been defined in the Recommendation of the Committee of the First World Conference on Muslim Education as:
“Education should aim at the balanced growth of the total personality of man through training of the human spirit, intellect, rational self, feelings and senses. The training imparted to a Muslim must be such that faith is infused into the whole of his/her personality and creates in him/her an emotional attachment to Islam and enables him to follow the Qur ‘an and Sunnah and be governed by Islamic system of values willingly and joyfully so that he/she may proceed to the realization of his/her status as Khalifatullah to whom Allah has promised the authority of the universe.”
We need to prepare the younger generation having leadership quality and not to be the followers of alien ideologies but to play the role of torchbearer by their excellence in knowledge, character, and positive action.
Some scholars believe that this quality can be developed in Muslim youth by a direct study of the Qur’an with a view to solve the problems of life in its light.
Every Muslim parent is advised to raise his or her children well and properly.
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said whoever is not kind to young people is not one of us and the best teaching that a parent can give a child is the teaching of good manners and character.
The Muslim child absorbs the Islamic values from its parents, teachers, peers, friends and the environment, including the care-givers
Nip it in the bud is the best advice. Otherwise once the Muslim child develops undesirable habits and unethical values, it becomes extremely difficult to reform the child into a good Muslim.