Al_Janah__Paradise__its_description___its_people

A l - Ja n a h ( P a r a d i se )
I ts
DE S CRIP T ION
&
I ts
PE OPL E
Compiled By: Marwan Alahiri


Published By:
The Muslim Students Organization (MSO) of the City College New York
Room 101 Baskerville

138 street and convent Avenue
New York, NY 10031
Tel: (212): 650-7000x23171
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Website: www.msoccny.org
This booklet is for da’wah only and permission is granted to reproduce
it in its entirety only, without changes, and with proper referencing to
the MSO-CCNY and the author.


INTRODUCTION
All praise is due to Allah, we praise Him, seek His help, and His forgiveness. We
seek refuge in Him from the evil of our own souls and our wrong doings.
Whomsoever Allah guides there is none to misguide, and whomsoever is
misguided there is none to guide him. I publicly testify that there is none worthy of
worship except Allah alone, no partner has He, and I testify that Muhammad is His
servant and Messenger.
To Proceed:

Allah has created us for a great purpose that is to worship him alone, and only him
alone. He has created Paradise and prepared it for his servants who act upon what
Allah has ordered. Paradise is the goal of every believer, for this reason, I have
compiled this book “Paradise: Its Description & Its People”.
I have selected verses about Paradise from the Quraan; each verse is followed by
the interpretation (Tafseer) of Ibn Katheer (May Allah shower him with his
mercy). I ask Allah to make this small effort for his sake. O Allah we ask you by
your names and attributes to grant us Paradise and to guide us to all that could lead
us to it. Ameen.


PART I: THE DESCRIPTION OF PARADISE

FIRST
Allah said:

ْ ُ َ ‫ت أَن‬
ِ َ ِ ‫َو َ ِ ا ِ َ ءَا َ ُ اْ َو َ ُِ اْ ا ـ‬
ُ ‫َ ـ ٍ َ ْ ِى ِ َ ْ ِ َ ا َ ْ َـ‬
“And give glad tidings to those who believe and do righteous good
deeds, that for them will be Gardens under which rivers flow
(Paradise)” (2:25)

IBN KATHEER SAID IN HIS TAFSEER:
“Consequently, Allah stated that Paradise has rivers that run beneath it, meaning,
underneath its trees and rooms. From Hadiths it is learned that the rivers of
Paradise do not run in valleys, and that the banks of Al-Kawthar (the Prophet's
lake in Paradise) are made of domes of hollow pearls, the sand of Paradise is made
of scented musk while its stones are made from pearls and jewels. We ask Allah to
grant Paradise to us, for verily, He is the Most Beneficent, Most Gracious”

SECOND
Allah said:

َ ِ ْ َ ِ ‫ن َ ْ ِى‬
َ ُ ُ ْ ‫َ ُ ا ْ َ ِ ا ِ ُو ِ َ ا‬
ْ‫ا َ ْ َـ ُ ُأ ُآُ َ َد ِ ٌ ِو ِ َ ِ ْ َ ُ ْ َ ا ِ َ ا َ ا‬
ُ‫و ُ ْ َ ا ْ َـ ِ ِ َ ا ر‬


“The description of the Paradise which those who have Taqwa (fear of
Allah) have been promised: Underneath it rivers flow, its provision is
eternal and so is its shade; this is the end (final destination) of those who
have Taqwa, and the end (final destination) of the disbelievers is Fire.”
(13:35)

IBN KATHEER SAID:

“(The description of the Paradise which
those who have Taqwa have been promised) meaning its description and
qualities. (Underneath it rivers flow,) these rivers flow in the various parts and
grades of Paradise and wherever its people wish they flow and gush forth for
them. (Its provision is eternal and so is its shade) for Paradise has foods, fruits
and drinks that never end or finish.
It is recorded in the Two Sahihs (Bukaree & Muslim) that Ibn `Abbas narrated in
the Hadith about the Eclipse prayer that the Companions said, "O Allah's
Messenger! While you were standing (in prayer), we saw you reach for something
with your hand and then you brought it back.'' The Messenger said, (I saw
Paradise - or was shown Paradise - and reached for a cluster (of grapes or other
fruit), and had I kept it, you would have eaten from it as long as this life

remains.) Imam Muslim recorded that Jabir bin `Abdullah said that the Messenger
of Allah said, (The people of Paradise eat and drink, and they do not need to
blow their noses, or answer the call of nature, or urinate, for they pass the food
excrements in belches, which smell like musk. They will be inspired to praise
and glorify (Allah) as spontaneously as they breathe.)

THIRD
Allah said:

ِ ‫إِن ا َ ُ ْ ِ ُ ا ِ َ ءَا َ ُ اْ َو َ ُِ اْ ا ـ ِ َـ‬
ِْ َ ِ‫ن‬
َ ْ َ ُ ُ ‫َ ـ ٍ َ ْ ِى ِ َ ْ ِ َ ا ْ َـ‬
ٌ ِ َ َ ِ ْ ُ ُ َ ِ ‫َأ َ ِو َر ِ َذ َه ٍ َوُ ُْ ًا َو‬
“Truly, Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous good deeds,
to Gardens underneath which rivers flow (in Paradise), wherein they
will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments
therein will be of silk” (22:23)


IBN KATHEER SAID:

“(Truly, Allah will admit those who believe
and do righteous good deeds, to Gardens underneath which rivers flow,)
means, these rivers flow throughout its regions, beneath its trees and palaces, and
its inhabitants direct them to go wherever they want. (Wherein they will be
adorned) -- with jewelry -(with bracelets of gold and pearls) means, on their
arms, as the Prophet said in the agreed-upon Hadith: (The jewelry of the believer
in Paradise will reach as far as his Wudu’ (ablution) reached.) (And their
garments therein will be of silk.) In contrast to the garments of fire worn by the
inhabitants of Hell, the people of Paradise will have garments of silk, Sundus and

Istabraq (fine green silk and gold embroidery). Please look at this verse (76:21-22)

F OURTH
Allah Said:

ُ ‫إِن ا ِ َ ءَا َ ُ اْ َو َ ُِ اْ ا ـ ِ َـ ِ َ ُ ْ َ ـ‬
ُ ِ َ ْ ‫ َـ ِ ِ َ ِ َ َو ْ َ ا ِ َ ّ ً َو ُه َ ا‬- ِ ِ ‫ا‬
ُ
ِ َ ْ‫ا‬
“Verily, those who believe and do righteous good deeds, for them are
Gardens of Delight. To abide therein. It is a promise of Allah in truth.
And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” (31:8-9)

IBN KATHEER SAID:

“Here Allah mentions the destiny of the
righteous in the Hereafter, those who believe in Allah and His Messenger and do
righteous deeds in accordance with the Laws of Allah. (For them are Gardens of
Delight.) Means, there they will enjoy all kinds of delights and pleasures, food,
drink, clothing, dwelling-places, means of transportation, women, a light of beauty
and delightful sounds, which have never crossed the mind of any human being.
They will stay there forever, never leaving and never desiring change
(It is a promise of Allah in truth.) Meaning, this will undoubtedly come to pass,
for it is a promise from Allah, and Allah never breaks His promise, because He is
the Most Generous Bestower Who does what He wills and is able to do all things.


FIFTH
Allah said:

ِ ‫ ِإ ِ َ َد ا‬- ‫ن‬
َ َُ ْ َ ْ ُ ‫ن ِإ َ ُآ‬
َ ْ‫َو َ ُ ْ َو‬
ُ ‫ َ َ ِآ‬- ٌ‫ ُأوْ َـ ِ َ َ ُ ْ ِرزْقٌ ُْ م‬- َ ِ َ ْ ُ ْ ‫ا‬
‫ َ َ ُ ُ ٍر‬- ِ ِ ‫ ِ َ ـ ِ ا‬- ‫ن‬
َ ُ َ ْ ‫َو ُه‬
- ٍ ِ
‫س‬
ٍ ْ َ ِ ْ ِ ْ ََ ‫ف‬
ُ َ ُ - َ ِ ِ ‫َ َـ‬
ْ ‫ َ ِ َ َ ْلٌ َو َ ُه‬- َ ِ ِ ‫َ ْ َ َء َ ٍة ـ‬
ٌ ِ ‫ف‬
ِ ْ ‫تا‬
ُ َ ِ ‫ َو ِ َ ُه ْ َـ‬- ‫ن‬
َ َُ ُ َ َْ
‫ َآ َ ُ َ ْ ٌ ْ ُ ن‬(39. And you will be requited nothing except for what you used to do.)

(40. Save the chosen servants of Allah.) (41. For them there will be a
known provision,) (42. Fruits; and they shall be honored,) (43. In the
Gardens of Delight,) (44. Facing one another on thrones.) (45. Round
them will be passed a cup of pure wine) (46. White, delicious to the
drinkers.) (47. Neither will they have Ghawl from that nor will they
suffer intoxication therefrom.) (48. And beside them will be Qasirat-AtTarf with (wide and beautiful) eyes.) (49. as if they were Bayd Maknun.)
(37:39-49)

IBN KATHEER SAID:

“(Save the chosen servants of Allah.)
Meaning, they will not taste the painful torment nor will they be brought to
account. Their evil acts, if there are any, will be overlooked, and each good deed

will be rewarded in multiples of between ten and seven hundred, or as much as
Allah wills.
(For them there will be a known provision,) Qatadah and As-Suddi said, "This
means Paradise.' (Fruits) meaning, of different kinds. (And they shall be
honored,) means, they will be served and will live a life of luxury. (In the
Gardens of Delight, facing one another on thrones.) Mujahid said, "One of


them will not look at one another's backs.'' (Round them will be passed a cup of
pure wine -- white, delicious to the drinkers. Neither will they have Ghawl
from that nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom.)
This is like the other verse: (Immortal boys will go around them (serving), with
cups, and jugs, and a glass of flowing wine, from which they will get neither
any aching of the head nor any intoxication.)(56:17-19). Allah refined the wine
of Paradise from the bad effects of the wine of this world, which causes headaches
and stomach aches -- which is the meaning of Ghawl -- causing people to lose
their minds completely. So He says here: (Round them will be passed a cup of
pure wine) meaning, wine from a flowing stream, which they do not fear, will
ever be cut off or cease. (Delicious to the drinkers.) Means, its taste will be as
good as its color, and a good taste indicates that it has a good smell, unlike the
wine of this world.
(Neither will they have Ghawl from that) means, it will not have any effects on
them such as causing stomachaches. This was the view of Ibn `Abbas, may Allah
be pleased with him, (nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom.) Mujahid said,
"It will not cause them to lose their minds. (And beside them will be Qasirat AtTarf) means, chaste females, who will not look at anyone other than their
husbands, as Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, Zayd bin Aslam, Qatadah, As-Suddi and others
said. (With (wide and beautiful) eyes) means, with beautiful eyes. It was also
said that it means with wide eyes, which is connected to the first meaning. They
are wide-eyed and beautiful, and their eyes are described as being beautiful and
chaste. Allah says: And beside them will be Qasirat At-Tarf, with (wide and

beautiful) eyes.) (As if they were Bayd Maknun.) Their bodies are described as
having the most perfect color”.

SIXTH
Allah said:

ِ ‫ َـ‬- ‫ب‬
ٍ ‫هَـ َا ِذ ْآ ٌ َوإِن ِ ْ ُ ِ َ َ ُ ْ َ ََـ‬
‫ن‬
َ ُ ْ َ َ ِ َ ِِ ُ - ‫ب‬
ُ ‫ن َ َ ً ُ ُ ا ْ َا‬
ٍ َْ
‫ت‬
ُ َ ِ ‫ َو ِ َ ُه ْ َـ‬- ‫ب‬
ٍ ‫ِ َ ِ َـ ِ َ ٍ َآ ِ َ ٍة َو َ َا‬


‫ب‬
ِ َ ِ ْ ‫ن ِ َ ْ ِم ا‬
َ ‫ هَـ َا َ ُ َ ُو‬- ٌ‫ف َأ ْ َاب‬
ِ ْ ‫ا‬
‫ إِن هَـ َا َ ِزْ ُ َ َ َ ُ ِ َ ٍد‬(49. And verily, for those who have Taqwa (fear of Allah) is a good final
return.) (50. `Adn Paradise, whose doors will be opened for them.) (51.
Therein they will recline; therein they will call for fruits in abundance
and drinks;) (52. And beside them will be Qasirat-at-Tarf, (and) of
equal ages.) (53. This it is what you are promised for the Day of
Reckoning!) (54. (It will be said to them)! Verily, this is Our provision
which will never finish.) (38:49-55)

IBN KATHEER SAID:

“Allah tells us that His blessed, believing
servants will have a good final return in the Hereafter, which means their ultimate
destination. Then He explains it further, as He says: (`Adn Gardens) meaning,
eternal gardens (of Paradise), (whose doors will be opened for them.) means,
when they come to them (these gardens), their gates will open for them. (Therein
they will recline;) It was said that this means that they will sit cross-legged on
chairs beneath canopies. (Therein they will call for fruits in abundance) means,
whatever they ask for, they will find it, and it will be prepared just as they wanted
it”.
(And drinks;) means, whatever kind of drink they want, the servants will bring it
to them, (And beside them will be Qasirat-at-Tarf (chaste females)) means,
they restrain their glances from anyone except their husbands, and do not turn to
anyone else. ((and) of equal ages.) Means, they will all be of the same age. This is
the understanding of Ibn `Abbas, May Allah be pleased with him.
(This it is what you are promised for the Day of Reckoning!) Means, `this that
We have mentioned of the features of Paradise is what He has prepared for His
pious servants who will reach it after they have been resurrected from their graves
and been saved from the Fire.' Then Allah tells us that Paradise will never come to
an end or disappear or cease to be.


SEVENTH
Allah said:

َ ِْ َ
ٌ‫َـ ِ ِ ا ِ َ ا َ اْ َر ُ ْ َ ُ ْ ُ َف‬
ِ ‫ُ َفٌ ْ ِ ٌ َ ْ ِى ِ َ ْ ِ َ ا ْ َـ ُ َو ْ َ ا‬
‫َ ُ ِْ ُ ا ُ ا ْ ِ َ د‬
“But those who have Taqwa (fear of Allah) of their Lord, for them are

built lofty rooms, one above another under which rivers flow. (This is)
the promise of Allah, and Allah does not fail in (His) promise.” (39:20)

IBN KATHEER SAID: “Allah says, `if He has decreed that someone is

to be doomed, can you save him from his misguidance and doom' Which means,
no one can guide him apart from Allah, because whomever Allah leaves astray
cannot be guided, and whomever He guides cannot be led astray. Then Allah tells
us that His blessed servants will have lofty rooms in Paradise.
(Are built lofty rooms, one above another), story upon story, solidly
constructed, adorned and high. `Abdullah bin Al-Imam Ahmad recorded that `Ali,
May Allah be pleased with him, said, "The Messenger of Allah said: (In Paradise
there are rooms whose inside can be seen from the outside, and the outside can
be seen from the inside.) A bedouin asked, `Who are they for, O Messenger of
Allah' He said, (For those who speak kindly, feed the hungry and stand in prayer
at night whilst the people are sleeping.)'' This was also recorded by At-Tirmidhi,
who said, "Hasan Gharib''. Imam Ahmad recorded from Sahl bin Sa`d, may Allah
be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah said: (The people of Paradise
will look towards each other in raised places of Paradise as you look towards the
stars on the horizons of the sky.) He said, "I told An-Nu`man bin Abi `Ayyash
about that, and he said, `I heard Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with
him, narrate it: (As you see the stars on the horizon of the east or the west.)'''
It was also recorded in the Two Sahihs (Bukaree & Muslim). Imam Ahmad said,
"Fazarah narrated to us; Fulayh narrated to us; from Hilal bin `Ali, from `Ata' bin
Yasar, from Abu Hurayrah, May Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of
Allah said: (The people of Paradise will look towards each other in the raised
places of Paradise as you look at the high, bright stars, which remain on the
horizon. Such will be the difference in superiority which some of them have over

others.) They said, "O Messenger of Allah, are those the abodes of the Prophets''
He said: (No, by the One in Whose Hand is my soul, they are the abodes of
people who believed in Allah and in the Messengers.)
(Under which rivers flow.) Means, the rivers flow wherever the people want
them to flow. ((This is) the promise of Allah,) means, `all that We have
mentioned here is what Allah has promised to His believing servants.' (And Allah
does not fail in (His) promise.)

EIGHTH
Allah said:

‫ن‬
ٍ ُ ُ ‫َو‬
َ ِ َ ‫َ َآ‬
ٍ َ ِ ‫َـ‬
َ َْ َ ْ‫ا‬
َ ‫ر‬
َ ِ ‫ِ ِ َـ‬

ٍ ‫إِن ا ْ ُ ِ َ ِ َ َ ٍم َأ ِ ٍ ِ َ ـ‬
ِ ِ ‫ق َ َـ‬
ٍ َ ْ َ ْ ‫س َوِإ‬
ٍ ُ ُ ِ ‫ن‬
َ ُ ََْ
ِ َ ِ ‫ن‬
َ ُ ْ َ ٍ ِ ‫َوزَو ْ َـ ُ ِ ُ ٍر‬
‫ت ِإ‬
َ ْ َ ْ‫ن ِ َ ا‬
َ ُ ‫ءَا ِ ِ َ َ َ ُو‬
ً ْ َ ِ ِ َ ْ‫ب ا‬

َ ‫ا و َ َو َو َـ ُ ْ َ َا‬
ُ ‫َذ ِ َ ُه َ ا ْ َ ْ ُز ا ْ َ ِ ُ َ ِ َ َ ْ َـ‬
‫ن‬
َ ُ ِ َ ْ ْ ُ ‫ن َ رْ َ ِ ْ ِإ‬
َ ‫َ َ ُ ْ َ َ َآ ُو‬

(51. Verily, those who have Taqwa (fear of Allah) will be in place of
security.) (52. Among Gardens and Springs,) (53. Dressed in Sundus
and Istabraq, facing each other,) (54. So (it will be). And We shall
marry them to Hur (fair females) with wide lovely eyes,) (55. They will
call therein for every kind of fruit in peace and security;) (56. They will
never taste death therein except the first death, and He will save them
from the torment of the blazing Fire,) (57. As a bounty from your Lord!
That will be the supreme success!) (44,51-57)

IBN KATHEER SAID:

“They will enjoy in Paradise When Allah
describes the state of the doomed, He follows that with a description of the life of


the blessed. For this reason the Qur'an is called Al-Mathani (i.e., oft-repeated).
(Verily, those who have Taqwa,) i.e., those who fear Allah and are dutiful
towards Him in this world, (will be in place of security.) means, in the Hereafter,
i.e., in Paradise, where they will be safe from death and the fear of leaving it, and
from every kind of worry, grief, terror and exhaustion, and from the Shaytan
(Satan) and his wiles, and from all other troubles and disasters. (Among Gardens
and Springs). This is in direct contrast to the state of the doomed, who will have
the tree of Zaqqum and boiling water. (Dressed in Sundus) means, the finest of
silk, such as shirts and the like. (and Istabraq) means, silk which is woven with

shiny threads, like a splendid garment which is worn over regular clothes. (facing
each other,) means, sitting on thrones where none of them will sit with his back to
anyone else.
(So (it will be). And We shall marry them to Hur (fair females) with wide
lovely eyes,) this will be a gift in addition to the beautiful wives given to them.
(They will call therein for every kind of fruit in peace and security;) means,
whatever kinds of fruit they ask for will be brought to them, and they will have the
security of knowing that this supply will never come to an end or be withheld;
these fruits will be brought to them whenever they want. (They will never taste
death therein except the first death,) This is an exception which reinforces the
negation. The meaning is that they will never taste death there. It was reported in
the Two Sahihs (Bukaree & Muslim) that the Messenger of Allah said: (Death will
be brought forth in the image of a fine ram. It will be made to stand between
Paradise and Hell, then it will be slaughtered. It will be said, "O people of
Paradise, it is eternal, no more death; and O people of Hell, it is eternal, no
more death.'')
Abdur-Razzaq recorded that Abu Sa`id and Abu Hurayrah said, "The Messenger
of Allah said: (It will be said to the people of Paradise, "It is granted to you that
you will be healthy and will never fall ill, you will live and never die, you will
enjoy a life of luxury and will never be miserable, you will be youthful and will
never grow old.'')'' This was recorded by Muslim.
(And He will save them from the torment of the blazing Fire,) means, along
with this great and eternal blessing, He will also have saved them from the
agonizing torment in the depths of Hell, so they will have achieved their desired
aim and avoided the thing they feared. Allah says, (As a bounty from your
Lord! That will be the supreme success!) Meaning, that will be from His bounty
and kindness towards them.


NINTH

Allah said:

ٌ‫ن ِ َ َأ ْ َ ر‬
َ ُ ُ ْ ‫َ ُ ا ْ َ ِ ا ِ ُو ِ َ ا‬
ُ ُ ْ َ ْ َ ََ ْ ٍ َ
ٌ‫ٍء َ ْ ِ ءَا ِ ٍ َوَأ ْ َ ر‬
ٍ َ َ ْ ٌ ‫َوَأ ْ َـ ٌ ْ َ ْ ٍ ٍة ـ ِ ِ َ َوَأ ْ َـ‬
ٌ‫ت َو َ ْ ِ َة‬
ِ َ َ ‫َ َو َ ُ ْ ِ َ ِ ُآ ا‬
ً ِ َ ‫ر ِ ْ َآ َ ْ ُه َ َـ ِ ٌ ِ ا ِر َو ُ ُ اْ َ ًء‬
ْ ‫َ َ َ َأ ْ َ َء ُه‬
(15. The description of Paradise which is promised to those who have
Taqwa (fear of Allah), (is that) in it are rivers of water that are not Asin,
rivers of milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious
to those who drink it, and rivers of refined honey; and therein for them
are all kinds of fruits, and forgiveness from their Lord. Can this be
likened to those who abide eternally in the Fire and are given to drink
boiling water that severs their intestines) (37:15)

IBN KATHEER SAID:

“(The description of Paradise which is
promised for those who have Taqwa...) `Ikrimah said, (The description of
Paradise) "This means its description.'' (In it are rivers of water that are not
Asin,) Ibn `Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, Al-Hasan, and Qatadah all
said, "It does not change.'' Qatadah, Ad-Dahhak, and `Ata' Al-Khurasani all said,
"It is not foul-smelling.'' The Arabs say Asin if its (water) scent changes.
(Rivers of milk, the taste of which never changes,) which means that the milk is
of utmost whiteness, sweetness, and richness. It has been mentioned in a Hadith
attributed to the Prophet "Their milk did not come out of the udders cattle.''

(rivers of wine delightful to those who drink it,) which means that the wine
does not have a bad taste or foul smell like that of the worldly life. Rather, it is
good in its appearance, taste, smell, and effect, as Allah says (it (the wine) has no


bad effects, nor does it cause intoxication.) (37:47) and, (From which (the
wine) they will have no headache, nor will they be intoxicated.) (56:19)
(and rivers of refined honey;) which means that the honey is of utmost purity and
pleasant color, taste, and smell. It has been mentioned in a Hadith attributed to the
Prophet, "Their honey did not come out of the bellies of bees.
In the Sahih, it is recorded that Allah's Messenger said, (When you ask Allah, ask
Him for Al-Firdaws, because it is the central and highest part of the Paradise,
and from it gush the rivers of the Paradise and above it is the Throne of the
Most Merciful.)
Allah says, (...and therein for them are all kinds of fruits, ...) This similar to His
saying, (They will call in it for every kind of fruit in peace and security.)
(44:55) (. ..and forgiveness from their Lord.) Meaning, in addition to all of the
above.

TENTH
Allah said:

ٍ َ ِ ٌ َ ِ ‫ َ ْ ِ َ رَا‬- ٌ َ ِ ٍ ِ َ ْ َ ٌ ُ ‫ُو‬
ٌ َ ‫َ ِ َ ٍ َ ْ َ ُ ِ َ َـ ِ َ ً ِ َ َ ْ ٌ َ ِر‬
‫ق‬
ُ ‫ِ َ ُ ُرٌ ْ ُ َ ٌ َوَأ ْآ َابٌ ْ ُ َ ٌ َو َ َ ِر‬
ٌ َ ُ ْ َ ِ ‫َ ْ ُ َ ٌ َو َزرَا‬
(8. Faces that Day will be joyful,) (9. Glad with their endeavor.) (10. In a
lofty Paradise.) (11. Where they shall neither hear harmful speech nor
falsehood.) (12. Therein will be a running spring.) (13. Therein will be

thrones raised high.) (14. And cups set at hand.) (15. And Namariq, set
in rows.) (16. And Zarabi, spread out (Mabthuthah).) (88:8-16)

IBN KATHEER SAID: “After mentioning the situation of the wretched

people, Allah changes the discussion to mention those who will be happy. He says,
(Faces that Day.) meaning, on the Day of Judgment. (will be joyful,) meaning,
pleasure will be noticeable in them (those faces). This will only occur due to their


striving. Sufyan said, (Glad with their endeavor.) "They will be pleased with
their deeds.'' Then Allah says, (In a lofty Paradise.) meaning, elevated and
brilliant, secure in their dwellings.
(Where they shall neither hear harmful speech nor falsehood.) Meaning, they
will not hear in the Paradise that they will be in, any foolish word. This is as Allah
says, (They shall not hear therein any Laghw, but only Salam.) (19:62) Allah
also says, (Free from any Laghw, and free from sin.) (52:23)
(Therein will be a running spring.) Meaning, flowing freely. This is mentioned
with the intent of emphasizing affirmation. It is not intended to mean that there is
only one spring.
So here it refers to springs collectively. Thus, the meaning is that in it (Paradise)
are flowing springs.
(Therein will be thrones raised high.) Meaning, lofty, delightful, numerous
couches, with elevated ceilings. Upon which will be seated wide-eyed, beautiful
maidens. They have mentioned that whenever the friend of Allah wishes to sit on
these lofty thrones, they (the thrones) will lower themselves for him.
(And cups set at hand.) Meaning, drinking containers that are prepared and
presented for whoever among their masters (i.e., the people of Paradise) wants
them. (And Namariq set in rows.) Ibn `Abbas said, "An-Namariq are pillows.''
This was also said by `Ikrimah, Qatadah, Ad-Dahhak, As-Suddi, Ath-Thawri and

others. Concerning Allah's statement, (And Zarabi, spread out (Mabthuthah).)
Ibn `Abbas said, "Az-Zarabi are carpets.'' This was also said by Ad-Dahhak and
others. Here the word Mabthuthah means placed here and there for whoever would
like to sit upon them”.


PART II: THE PEOPLE OF PARADISE

FIRST
Allah said:

ْ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ‫َو َ ْ أَن َأ ْه َ ا ْ ِ َـ ِ ءَا َ ُ اْ وَا َ ْا‬
ِ ‫َ َـ ِ ِ ْ َو دْ َ ْ َـ ُ ْ َ ـ ِ ا‬
“And if only the People of the Scripture had believed and had Taqwa
(fear Allah), We would indeed have expiated for them their sins and
admitted them to Gardens of pleasure (in Paradise).” (5:65)

IBN KATHEER SAID:
“And if only the People of the Scripture had believed and had Taqwa (feared
Allah) Consequently, had the People of the Book believed in Allah and His
Messenger and avoided the sins and prohibitions that they committed; (We would
indeed have expiated for them their sins and admitted them to Gardens of
pleasure (in Paradise).) Meaning We would have removed the dangers from
them and granted them their objectives.”

SECOND
Allah said:

َ َ ‫َوِإذَا ُ ِ َ ْ َ َ ْ ِ ْ ءَا َـ ُ ُ زَا َد ْ ُ ْ ِإ َـ ً َو‬
ِ ‫ن ا َ َة َو‬

َ ُ ُِ َ ِ ‫ ا‬- ‫ن‬
َ ُ‫َر ِ ْ َ َ َآ‬
ًّ َ ‫ن‬
َ ُ ِ ْ ُ ْ ‫ ُأوْ ـ ِ َ ُه ُ ا‬- ‫ن‬
َ ُ ِ ُ ْ ُ ‫َر َز ْ َـ‬
ٌ ِ ‫ُ ْ َد َر َـ ٌ ِ َ َر ِ ْ َو َ ْ ِ َةٌ َو ِرزْقٌ َآ‬


(2. The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a
fear in their hearts and when His Ayat (verses) are recited unto them,
they increase their faith; and they put their trust in their Lord;) (3. Who
perform the Salah (prayer) (prayer) and spend out of what We have
provided them.) (4. It is they who are the believers in truth. For them
are grades of dignity with their Lord, and forgiveness and a generous
provision (Paradise).) (8:2-4)

IBN KATHEER SAID:

“Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas
said about the Ayah (verse), (The believers are only those who, when Allah is
mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts)

"None of Allah's remembrance enters the hearts of the hypocrites upon performing
what He has ordained. They neither believe in any of Allah's Ayat (signs) nor trust
(in Allah) nor pray if they are alone nor pay the Zakah (charity) due on their
wealth. Allah stated that they are not believers. He then described the believers by
saying,
(The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in
their hearts) and they perform what He has ordained, (and when His Ayat
(verses) are recited unto them, they increase their faith) and conviction, (and

they put their trust in their Lord), having hope in none except Him. ''
Sufyan Ath-Thawri narrated that As-Suddi commented, a man might be thinking
of committing injustice or a sin. But he abstains when he is told, `Have Taqwa
(fear Allah) of Allah', and his heart becomes fearful.'''
Allah's statement, (And when His Ayat (verses) are recited unto them, they
increase their faith;) is similar to His statement, (And whenever there comes
down a Surah (chapter), some of them (hypocrites) say: "Which of you has
had his faith increased by it'' As for those who believe, it has increased their
faith, and they rejoice (9:124)
Allah said, (And they put their trust in their Lord.) Therefore, the believers
hope in none except Allah, direct their dedication to Him alone, seek refuge with
Him alone, invoke Him alone for their various needs and supplicate to Him alone.
They know that whatever He wills, occurs and that whatever He does not will
never occurs, that He alone is the One Who has the decision in His kingdom,
without partners; none can avert the decision of Allah and He is swift in
reckoning. Hence the statement of Sa`id bin Jubayr, "Tawakkul of Allah is the
essence of faith.


Allah said next, (Who perform the Salah (prayer) and spend out of what We
have provided them.) Allah describes the actions of the believers after He
mentioned their faith. The acts mentioned here include all types of righteous acts,
such as establishing prayer, which is Allah's right. Qatadah said, "Establishing the
prayer requires preserving its times, making ablution for it, bowing down and
prostrating.'' Muqatil bin Hayyan said, "Establishing the prayer means to preserve
its times, perform perfect purity for it, perform perfect bowings and prostrations,
recite the Qur'an during it, sitting for Tashahhud (last supplication in prayer) and
reciting the Salah (invoking Allah's blessings) for the benefit of the Prophet.''
Spending from what Allah has granted includes giving the Zakah (charity) and the
rest of the what is due from the servant, either what is obligatory or recommended.

All of the servants are Allah's dependents, and the most beloved among them to
Him are the most beneficial to His creation.
Allah's statement, (It is they who are the believers in truth.) Means, those who
have these qualities are the believers with true faith. (For them are grades of
dignity with their Lord) meaning, they have different grades, ranks and status in
Paradise, (They are in varying grades with Allah, and Allah is All-Seer of
what they do.) (3:163) Next, Allah said, (and forgiveness), therefore, Allah will
forgive them their sins and reward them for their good deeds.
In the Two Sahihs (Bukaree & Muslim), it is recorded that the Messenger of Allah
said, (The residents of `Illiyyin (in Paradise) are seen from those below them,
just as you see the distant planet in the horizon of the sky.) They said, "O Allah's
Messenger! They are the grades of the Prophets that none except them would
attain.'' The Prophet said, (Rather, by He in Whose Hand is my soul! They are
for men who have faith in Allah and believed in the Messengers.)

THIRD
Allah said:

ُ ‫ِ َ َأ ْ َ ُ اْ ا ْ ُ ْ َ َو ِز َ َدةٌ َو َ َ ْ َه‬
ْ ‫ُو ُ َه ُ ْ َ َ ٌ َو َ ِذ ٌ ُأوْ َـ ِ َ َأ ْ َـ ُ ا ْ َ ِ ُه‬
‫ن‬
َ ‫ِ َ َـ ِ ُو‬


(26. For those who have done good is the best, and even more. Neither
darkness nor dust nor any humiliating disgrace shall cover their faces.
They are the dwellers of Paradise, they will abide therein forever.)
(10:26)

IBN KATHEER SAID:

“Allah states that those who do good in this
world -- by having faith and performing righteous deeds -- will be rewarded with a
good reward in the Hereafter. Allah said: (Is there any reward for good other
than good)(55:60) Then Allah said:

(And even more.) the reward on the good deeds multiplied ten times to seven
hundred times and even more on top of that. This reward includes what Allah will
give them in Paradise, such as the palaces, Al-Hur (virgins of Paradise), and His
pleasure upon them. He will give them what He has hidden for them of the delight
of the eye. He will grant them on top of all of that and even better, the honor of
looking at His Noble Face. This is the increase that is greater than anything that
had been given. They will not deserve that because of their deeds, but rather, they
will receive it by the grace of Allah and His mercy. The explanation that this refers
to looking at Allah's Noble Face was narrated from Abu Bakr, Hudhayfah bin AlYaman, `Abdullah bin `Abbas, Sa`id bin Al-Musayyib, `Abdur-Rahman bin Abu
Layla, `Abdur-Rahman bin Sabit, Mujahid, `Ikrimah, `Amir bin Sa`ad, `Ata', AdDahhak, Al-Hasan, Qatadah, As-Suddi, Muhammad bin Ishaq, and others from the
earlier and later scholars. There are many Hadiths that contain the same
interpretation. Among these Hadiths is what Imam Ahmad recorded from Suhayb
that Allah's Messenger recited this Ayah,
(For those who have done good is the best and even more.) And then he said:
(When the people of Paradise enter Paradise, a caller will say: `O people of
Paradise, Allah has promised you something that He wishes to fulfill.' They will
reply: `What is it Has He not made our Scale heavy Has He not made our faces
white and delivered us from Fire' Allah will then remove the veil and they will
see Him. By Allah, they have not been given anything dearer to them and more
delightful than looking at Him.) Muslim and a group of Imams also related this
Hadith. Allah then said:
(Neither darkness nor dust shall cover their faces. ..) Meaning, no blackness or
darkness will be on their faces during the different events of the Day of Judgment.
But the faces of the rebellious disbelievers will be stained with dust and darkness.

(Nor any humiliating disgrace) meaning, they will be covered with degradation
and disgrace. The believers however will not be humiliated internally or
externally, on the contrary, they will be protected and honored. For as Allah has


said: (So Allah saved them from the evil of that Day, and gave them Nadrah
(brightness) and joy.) 76:11﴾ meaning, light in their faces and delight in their
hearts. May Allah make us among those by His grace and mercy.

F OUR
Allah said:

ْ‫ت َوَأ ْ َ ُ ا‬
ِ َ ِ ‫إِن ا ِ َ ءَا َ ُ اْ َو َ ُِ اْ ا ـ‬
َ ِ ْ ‫ِإ َ َر ِ ْ ُأوْ َـ ِ َ َأ ْ َـ ُ ا َ ِ ُه‬
َ
‫َـ ِ ُون‬
23. Verily, those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and humble
themselves before their Lord, they will be the dwellers of Paradise to
dwell therein forever.) (11:23)

IBN KATHEER SAID:

“When Allah, the Exalted, mentioned the
condition of the wretched, He also commended the people of delight (the
believers). They are those who believe and work righteous deeds. Thus, their
hearts believed and their limbs worked righteous deeds, both in statements and
actions. This includes their performance of deeds of obedience and their
abandonment of evils. In this way they are the inheritors of Gardens (of Paradise),
which contain lofty rooms and seats arranged in rows. Therein they will find

bunches of fruit near to them, elevated couches, fair and beautiful wives, various
types of fruit, desired kinds of food and delicious drinks. They also will be
allowed to see the Creator of the heavens and the earth and they will be in this
state of pleasure forever. They will not die, nor will they grow old. They will not
experience sickness, nor will they sleep. They will not have excrement, nor will
they spit or snot. Their sweat will be the perfume of musk”.


FIFTH
Allah Said:

- َ ‫ن ا ْ ِ َـ‬
َ ُ ُ ِ َ ‫ن ِ َ ْ ِ ا ِ َو‬
َ ُ َُ ِ‫ا‬
َ َ ُ ‫ن َ َأ َ َ ا ُ ِ ِ أَن‬
َ ُِ َ َ ِ ‫وَا‬
- ‫ب‬
ِ َ ِ ‫ن ُ َء ا‬
َ ُ َ َ ‫ن َر ُ ْ َو‬
َ ْ َ ْ َ ‫َو‬
ْ‫وَا ِ َ َ َ ُواْ ا ْ ِ َ َء َو ْ ِ َر ِ ْ َوَأ َ ُ ا‬
ً َ ِ َ َ ‫ا َ َة َوَأ ْ َ ُ اْ ِ َر َز ْ َ ُه ْ ِ ا َو‬
َ ْ ُ ْ ُ َ َ ِ ‫ن ِ ْ َ َ َ ِ ا َ َ ُأوْ َـ‬
َ ‫َو َ ْ َرءُو‬
ْ ِ َ َ َ ْ َ ‫ن َ ْ ُُ َ َ َو‬
ٍ ْ َ ُ ‫ َ ـ‬- ‫ا ا ِر‬
‫ن‬
َ ُُ ْ َ ُ َ ِ ‫ءَا َ ِ ِ ْ َوَأزْ َو ِ ِ ْ َوذُر ِ ِ ْ وَا َ َـ‬
ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ِ ُ ْ َ َ ٌ ‫ َ َـ‬- ‫ب‬
ٍ َ ‫ُآ‬

ْ ِ ْ ََ
‫َ ِ ْ َ ُ ْ َ ا ا ِر‬
(20. Those who fulfill, the covenant of Allah and break not the trust.)
(21. And those who join that which Allah has commanded to be joined
and fear their Lord, and dread the terrible reckoning. ) (22. And those
who remain patient, seeking their Lord's Face, perform the Salah
(prayer), and spend out of that which We have bestowed on them,
secretly and openly, and repel evil with good, for such there is a good
end.) (23. `Adn Gardens, which they shall enter and (also) those who
acted righteously from among their fathers, and their wives, and their
offspring. And angels shall enter unto them from every gate (saying):)
(24."Salamun `Alaykum (peace be upon you) for you persevered in
patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!'') (13:20-24)


IBN KATHEER SAID:

“Allah states that those who have these good
qualities will earn the good, final home: victory and triumph in this life and the
Hereafter, (Those who fulfill the covenant of Allah and break not the trust.)
They are nothing like the hypocrites who when one of them makes a covenant, he
breaks it; if he disputes, he is most quarrelsome; if he speaks, he lies; and if he is
entrusted, he betrays his trust. Allah said next, (And those who join that which
Allah has commanded to be joined) they are good to their relatives and do not
sever the bond of kinship. They are also kind to the poor and the needy and
generous in nature, (and fear their Lord), in what they do or do not do of actions
and statements. They remember that Allah is watching during all of this and are
afraid of His terrifying reckoning in the Hereafter. Therefore, all their affairs are
on the straight path and correct, whether they are active or idle, and in all of their
affairs, including those that affect others,

(And those who remain patient, seeking their Lord's Face,) They observe
patience while staying away from sins and evil deeds, doing so while dedicating
themselves to the service of their Lord the Exalted and Most Honored and seeking
His pleasure and generous reward, (and perform the prayer), preserving its
limits, times, bowing, prostration and humbleness, according to the established
limits and rulings of the religion, (and spend out of that which We have
bestowed on them,) They spend on those whom they are obliged to spend on
them, such as their spouses, relatives and the poor and needy in general, (Secretly
and openly,) They spend during all conditions and times, whether during the night
or the day, secretly and openly,
(And repel evil with good) they resist evil with good conduct. When the people
harm them they face their harm with good patience, forbearing, forgiveness and
pardon. Allah said in another Ayah (verse), (Repel (the evil) with one which is
better, then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become)
as though he was a close friend. But none is granted it except those who are
patient - and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion in this
world.)(41:34-35) This is why Allah states here that those who have these good
qualities, the blessed ones, will earn the final home, which He explained next,
(‘Adn Gardens), where, `Adn, indicates continuous residence; they will reside in
the gardens of everlasting life. Allah said next, (and (also) those who acted
righteously from among their fathers, and their wives, and their offspring.)
Allah will gather them with their loved ones, from among their fathers, family
members and offspring, those who are righteous and deserve to enter Paradise, so
that their eyes are comforted by seeing them. He will also elevate the grade of
those who are lower, to the grades of those who are higher, a favor from Him out
of His kindness, without decreasing the grade of those who are higher up (in
Paradise). Allah said next,


(And angels shall enter unto them from every gate (saying): "Salamun

`Alaykum (peace be upon you) for you persevered in patience! Excellent
indeed is the final home!'') The angels will enter on them from every direction
congratulating them for entering Paradise. The angels will welcome them with the
Islamic greeting and commend them for earning Allah's closeness and rewards, as
well as, being admitted into the Dwelling of Peace, neighbors to the honorable
Messengers, the Prophets and the truthful believers”.

SIXTH
Allah said:

‫َ َ َ َ ِ َ ْ ِ ِه ْ َ ْ ٌ َأ َ ُ اْ ا َـ َة‬
َ ‫ ِإ‬- ً ّ َ ‫ن‬
َ ُ َْ ‫ف‬
َ َْ َ ‫ت‬
ِ َ َ ‫وَا َ ُ اْ ا‬
‫ن‬
َ ُُ ْ َ َ ِ ‫ب َوءَا َ َ َو َ ِ َ َـ ِ ً َُوْ َـ‬
َ َ
ً َْ ‫ن‬
َ ُ َ ْ ُ َ ‫ا ْ َ َ َو‬
(59. Then, there has succeeded them a posterity who have lost the Salah
(prayer) and have followed lusts. So they will meet Ghaiy.) (60. Except
those who repent and believe, and work righteousness. Such will enter
Paradise and they will not be wronged in aught.) (19:59-60)

IBN KATHEER SAID: (Then, there has succeeded them a posterity

who have lost the Salah (prayer)) "This means that they will not keep up with
the proper times of the prayer, because if it meant complete abandonment of the
prayer, this would be disbelief.''

It is also reported that it was said to Ibn Mas`ud, "Allah often mentions the prayer
in the Qur'an. He says, (Those who neglect their Salah (prayer).) (107:5) And
He says, (Those who remain constant in their Salah (prayer).) (70:23 And He
says, (Who guard their Salah(prayer).)'' (23:9) Then, Ibn Mas`ud said, "This
means at its designated times.'' The people said, "We thought that this was
referring to the abandonment of the prayer.'' He replied, "That would be disbelief.''
Masruq said, "No one who guards the five daily prayers will be written among the
heedless. In their neglect is destruction. Their neglect is delaying them past their


fixed times.'' Al-Awza`i reported from Ibrahim bin Zayd that Umar bin `Abdul`Aziz recited the Ayah,
(Then, there has succeeded them a posterity who have lost the Salah and have
followed lusts. So they will meet Ghayy.) Then, he said, "Their loss was not their
abandonment of the prayers, but it was by not offering them during their proper
and prescribed times.'' Allah said,
(So they will meet Ghayy. ) `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported from Ibn `Abbas that he
said, (So they will meet Ghayy.) "This means loss.'' Qatadah said, "This means
evil.'' Sufyan Ath-Thawri, Shu`bah and Muhammad bin Ishaq all reported from
Abu Ishaq As-Sabi`i, who reported from Abu `Ubaydah, who reported from
`Abdullah bin Mas`ud that he said, (So they will meet Ghayy.) "This is a valley in
the Hellfire which is very deep and its food is filthy.'' Al-A`mash reported from
Ziyad, who reported from Abu `Iyad, who commented Allah's statement,
(So they will meet Ghayy.) He said, "This is a valley in Hell made of puss and
blood.'' Allah said, (Except those who repent and believe and work
righteousness.) This means, "Except those who recant from giving up the prayers
and following the desires, for verily, Allah will accept their repentance, give them
a good end and make them of those who inherit the Garden of Delight (Paradise). ''
For this reason Allah says, (Such will enter Paradise and they will not be
wronged in aught.) This is because repentance wipes away that which was before
it. In another Hadith, the Prophet said,

(The one who repents from sin is like he who has no sin.) Because of this, those
who repent will not lose anything from the (good) deeds that they did. They will
not be held accountable for what they did before their repentance, thus causing a
decrease in their reward for deeds that they do after their repentance. That is
because whatever they did before repenting is lost, forgotten and not taken to
account. This is an honor from the Most Generous and a kindness from the Most
Gentle. This is an exception that is made for these people, similar to Allah's
statement in Surah Al-Furqan,
(And those who invoke not any other god along with Allah, nor kill such
person as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause...) until Allah's statement,
(and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.) (25:68-70)


SEVENTH
Allah said:

‫ن‬
َ ُ ُ ْ ‫ُ ْ َأ َذ ِ َ َ ْ ٌ َأمْ َ ُ ا ْ ُ ْ ِ ا ِ َو ِ َ ا‬
َ َ ِ ْ ُ - ‫َآ َ ْ َ ُ ْ َ َ ًء َو َ ِ ًا‬
ً ُ ْ ‫ن َ َ َر َ َو ْ ًا‬
َ ‫ن َـ ِ ِ َ َآ‬
َ ‫َ َ ءُو‬
Say: "Is that better or the Paradise of Eternity which is promised to
those who have Taqwa'' It will be theirs as a reward and final
destination.) (16. For them there will be therein all that they desire, and
they will abide (therein forever). It is upon your Lord a Wa`dan
Mas'ula.) (25:15)

IBN KATHEER SAID: “Here Allah says: `O Muhammad, this that We

have described to you about the state of those who are doomed, who will be
dragged on their faces to Hell, which will receive them with a scowling face, with
hatred and moans. There they will be thrown into their constricted spaces, tied up
to their shoulders, unable to move or call for help, and unable to escape their
plight --- is this better, or the eternal Paradise which Allah has promised to the
pious among His servants, which He has prepared for them as a reward and
ultimate destiny in return for their obedience to Him in this world'
(For them there will be therein all that they desire,) of delights such as food,
drink, clothing, dwellings, means of transportation and scenery, and other things
that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, nor the heart of anyone can comprehend.
They will abide therein forever; it will never cease or come to an end, and they
will never leave it. This is what Allah has promised to those whom He has blessed
and to whom He has shown His favor. He says: (It is a upon your Lord a
Wa`dan Mas'ula) meaning, it must inevitably come to pass. Abu Ja`far bin Jarir
reported from some of the scholars of the Arabic language that the words
(Wa`dan Mas'ula) mean: a binding pledge. In this Surah (chapter) Allah mentions
Hell, then refers to the situation of the people of Paradise. This is similar to the
passage in Surat As-Saffat where Allah mentions the status of the people of
Paradise, with its beauty and joy.”