For the adherents of Islam, a given religion is the path to Jannah, or Paradise, from another perspective. In literal translation, Jannah would mean “garden” and corresponds with the Christian or Jewish concept of Heaven. The meaning thereof represents the utmost place Muslims presuppose they will reach and where they are going to be for the rest of eternity in peace and bliss.
Entry to Jannah stands as a straightforward concept to Islam; however, it calls for commitment and sincere effort. Through Islamic teachings, Allah gave clear criteria of the nature and attributes of the individuals to whom He will give this entry to Jannah. They are described as pious believers: They have full submission to the commands of Allah, good moral character, do all good deeds, and keep away positively from the prohibitions. All this is in the attempt to lead an Islamic way of life.
Only those who come out victorious in gaining Jannah amidst all the difficulties and temptations imposed by Shaytan and other distractions of the world are those who are resolute in their faith, keep their hearts clear of defilement, and continue to take refuge in Allah. This is the essence of being resolute to righteousness and virtue even if tested with adversities.
In fact, the concept of Jannah is used to motivate Muslims into living their lives according to the teachings of Islam and eventually attaining eternal happiness and fulfillment in the hereafter. Much emphasis is put on faith, good deeds, and patience through persecution as an integral part of Islamic spirituality.
Of course, Jannah can be an awesome motivator for Muslims in their spiritual march, and a proper understanding of its concept and essence in Islam can act as an influential source of motivation. Contemplation of the Quranic verses and the Hadiths, explaining the beauty and rewards of paradise, encourages a believing soul to lead a righteous and pious life.
Quranic Verses about the Beauty of Jannah
Surah Al-Rahman [55:54-56] states:
“They will recline on beds whose linings are of silk brocade, and the fruit of the two gardens will be hanging low within reach. In them will be maidens of modest gaze, untouched before them by man or jinn.”
Surah Al-Insan (76:11):
“For them are gardens of perpetual residence which they will enter. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments therein will be silk.”
Surah At-Tur (52:17-20):
“Indeed, the righteous will be in gardens and pleasure, enjoying what their Lord has given them, and their Lord protected them from the punishment of Hellfire. [They will be told], “Eat and drink in satisfaction for what you put forth in the days past.”
Check Out : SURAH MULK QURAN 411 | 2024
Hadiths about Jannah:
Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him- narrated that Allah said, “I have prepared for My righteous servants what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and the mind of no man has conceived.” (Sahih Muslim)
Narrating again, Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him- said: “The person who is admitted into Paradise is certainly to be envied.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him-said: “In Paradise, there are things which no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has ever thought of.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
These verses and Hadiths instill the spirit of being steadfast in faith, working to be righteous, and continuing efforts to achieve Jannah. It reminds man of the greatest reward that awaits him after keeping obedience to Allah and His commandments, which motivates believers to sacrifice their time, energy, and efforts for the sake of the eternal bliss awaiting them in the hereafter.
Arabic sayings regarding Jannah (paradise)
These Quranic verses describe the beauty of Jannah, or paradise, for righteous believers who fear Allah and try to live pious lives full of righteousness. Let’s take a look at what is being relayed in these following verses:
Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:23-24):
It describes the Gardens of Everlasting abode, which the righteous believers will enter. They will enter along with their parents, spouses, and descendants. The angels will receive them at the gates with greetings and praise for their patience. And that attaches the perfection of the ultimate abode, which Allah has prepared for them.
Surah Tur (52:21):
Promises that those who believed and whose descendants followed them in faith will be reunited in Jannah. Allah will join them together with their descendants, ensuring that none of their righteous deeds are overlooked or deprived. Each individual will be held accountable for their own actions, and nothing will be lost or forgotten.
Surah Ya-Sin (36:56-58):
This describes the blessings that will be bestowed on the inmates of Jannah: shade, elaborated thrones of reclining on, and fruits in plenty. They shall have there all that they will desire, and they shall have a greeting of Salam (from their Rabb) from a Merciful Lord.
Surah Al-Imran (3:15):
Allah offers them something much better-gardens with their Lord, with rivers running under them, where they will stay eternally. They will have wives with the most beautiful eyes and Allah’s acceptance-for indeed the greatest reward and honor are with Allah.
These verses explain with all possible details the prizes and blessings that the righteous believers will inherit in Jannah. They, therefore, inspire and motivate Muslims to live a life of righteousness, patience, and perseverance in this world, knowing full well that their efforts in this life will come to a conclusion of eternal bliss and reunion with their loved ones in the Hereafter.
Absence of Pain or Suffering
These Quranic verses offer descriptions of the beauty and rewards of Jannah (paradise), as well as contrasts with the suffering of Hellfire. Let’s reflect on the messages conveyed in these verses:
Surah Fatir (35:34-35):
Speaks about the gratitude of the people of Jannah. They glorify Allah, Who has taken away their grief from them. They will live in an abode of eternal duration, without dullness of mind or fatigue of body; this is from Allah’s favors.
Surah Al-Waqiah (56:17-21):
Scoffs at the pleasures of Jannah, which will not have anything except young men, goblets of wine, fruits, and the flesh of fowl, without headache or intoxication. It further emphasizes abundance and diversity of blessings there.
Surah Al-Waqiah (56:25-26):
This denotes the purity of Jannah and peace therein; the inmate never hears evil speech, nor does he see an evil action. They are greeted with salutations of peace; that is to say that words of peace depict the peacefulness of the atmosphere.
Surah Ar-Rahman (55:62-68):
This describes the gardens of Jannah sprawling with green foliage wherein therewarding fountains flowed and trees of fruits date palms and pomegranates could be found. These verses indicate the abundance of blessings in Jannah, all of which are variegated in size, shape, and form.
Surah Muhammad (47:15):
This describes the rivers of water and milk and of wine and honey in Jannah whose taste and smell never changes. It mentions the forgiveness and abundant blessings bestowed upon the righteous.
Quran 5:37: Disbelievers in Hellfire with a longing to be outside it but doomed for torment forever
Quran 33:64: Hellfire described as an abode of eternal punishment made ready for the disbelievers
Quran 88:6-7:
It depicts the stark scarcity and bitterness of sustenance in Hellfire, as opposed to the abundance and richness of blessings in Jannah.
These verses inspire the believers to strive in the path of righteousness and piety, knowing full well that their efforts shall indeed be rewarded with eternal bliss and salvation from the sizzling fire of Hell in the Hereafter. They emphasize mercy and forgiveness from Allah and life according to the will and guidance of Allah.
LEVELS OF JANNAH
This Hadith which you referred to is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Number 2790, narrated by Abu Hurayrah. This hadith explains to us that Allah has prepared different levels or degrees of paradise for those striving in jihad for His sake.
The Hadith goes on to say:
The Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “In Paradise there are one hundred levels that Allah has prepared for those who strive in jihad for the sake of Allah. The distance between each two levels is like the distance between heaven and earth. So if you ask of Allah, then ask Him for al-Firdaws, for it is the middle of Paradise and the highest part of Paradise. I think above it is the Throne of the Most Gracious, and from it spring the rivers of Paradise.”
This Hadith is taken to point out that there are different levels in Paradise, and al-Firdaws is the name for the middle of the highest part of Paradise. The word “al-Firdaws” would mean the highest and most elevated part of Paradise which will contain the most dignified, righteous believers.
This Hadith is an encouragement for the believers in striving and struggling in acts of righteousness, in devotion to Allah; through jihad in His cause, for instance. It underlines very strongly the immense rewards and blessings awaiting anyone who strives sincerely and sacrifices his life for the sake of Allah, reassuring believers of ultimate fulfillment and bliss awaiting them in the Hereafter.
Who Will Enter:
It sounds like you have shared nice Quran verses and Ahadith regarding Jannah, also known as paradise, according to Islam. These verses shed light on the concept that Jannah is granted to those who believe and do righteous deeds as the ultimate reward.
The major points discussed in the lecture are highlighted below:
Jannah is a place of eternal bliss and pleasure; it has been said in 18:107 and 25:15.
It has been termed as gardens in which rivers flow and pleasant halting-places are there (10:9, 9:72).
Allah’s Pleasure is stated to be the highest bliss of Jannah (9:72).
Hierarchies in Jannah are present, Firdaus being the uppermost (23:11).
Good actions and beliefs are the ways to get into Jannah (18:107, 22:56).
The Hadith which you shared draws immense emphasis on the struggle toward getting Jannah through devotion and good deeds, mentioning a specific supplication which can be made concerning such struggle.
This generally shows how the promise of Jannah is a strong motivator for Muslims in leading a righteous life through these excerpts.
Excellent additions of Jannah! The additions give a better insight into the concept. Let me explain further:
The Hadith on looking after one’s mother shows the merit of respect and service to parents, especially mothers. The fact that Jannah is “beneath her feet” shows the great reward attached to such service.
Dua for entering Jannah and saving from Hellfire: This beautifully captures the Muslim’s yearning for Allah’s mercy and Paradise. It reminds him of the ultimate goal and how important it is to seek guidance from Allah in order to avoid Hellfire.
Hadith about the Special Friday in Jannah: It speaks volumes about beauty and blissful moments spent in Jannah; how very relieving it is to come across the fact that some in Jannah, along with their family, grow all the more beautiful.
Jannah is referred to as the fruit of good actions, showing how one’s life must be lived rightly on this earth. Just like planting yields its fruits, our actions in this very life determine the reward for us in the afterlife.
These excerpts are great lessons and bring alive the importance of faith, good deeds, and filial piety while treading along the path to Jannah.
AoA, my name is Abd al-Rahman, and my vision is to spread the knowledge of the Quran to everyone. I am proud and tall while standing as your trusted mentor on the journey of learning and memorizing the Holy Quran. I, along with a committed team of Islamic teachers, am bound to provide an easy online facility for Islamic studies and Hifz programs.