Time well spent? Re:Plato I

Submitted by Nura (United States), Oct 25, 2008 at 01:17

The point, Nura, is that God, Allah, claims to have created everything in creation including humans. Why did He create people whom He would end up hating because they would refuse to believe in Him.?

One the greatest gifts to humanity is existence. Even Atheists admit this. Now that you exist, would you chose not exist? You cannot even imagine not existing. Do you ever wonder why the imagination cannot perceive not existing? There is a philosophy that greatest fear is that we do not exist at all. This proves that humanity loves its existence, although it may not understand the reason for it.

I will propose that the reason why you cannot imagine yourself away is that humans are destined to become immortal beings. A part of us never dies, in death.

Abu Sa'eed (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"Death will be brought on the Day of Resurrection in the form of a white – colored ram." Abu Juraib made the addition, "Then it will be made to stand between Paradise and Hell." (So far the rest of the hadeeth is concerned, there is perfect agreement between the two narrators.) "It will be said to the people of Paradise. ‘Do you recognize this? They will raise up their necks, look towards it and say, ‘Yes, it is death' Then a command will be given to slaughter it, and it will be said, "Oh people of Paradise, there is everlasting life for you and no death, Then (Addressing) the people of Hellfire, it is will be said, "Oh people of Hellfire! There is everlasting life for you and no death." Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) then recited the following verse pointing with his hand to this material world. "Warn them of the day of regret, when their affairs will be decided. They are unmindful, and they do not believe!"
[Muslim, Surah Maryam 19: 39]

Now imagine a very "tabgible" situation. Go to a third world country and visit a children's cancer ward. You see a 10-year-old girl in the last throes of a painful death. Her parents are so poor they cannot afford to pay for the expensive medicines that will at least relieve her of some pain…

You are bringing, "if there is a God, why is there suffering" argument?

You now explain to the girl writhing in pain that she has a loving father who created her out of His love for girls like her. You tell her that this loving Father is so powerful that He knows even before she was born that she would die a slow painful death brought on by a disease He created out of His unfathomable love for humans. You further tell her that this loving father can, if He wished, cure her and relieve her of her misery. He has only to say, ‘Cancer, Cancer go away' and away it goes.

When she asks you why this loving Father chooses to inflict so much pain on her despite never having done anyone any harm you tell her that He had sent her a letter via strange being called an angel and had it delivered to you from the mouth of an illiterate Arab, who styled himself as God's prophet.

I guess Hinduism would argue that this girl has bad Karma. My first answer would be that It is only through adversity that the righteousness can be distinguished from the disbelievers:

[QS 10:12] When trouble toucheth a man, He crieth unto Us (in all postures)- lying down on his side, or sitting, or standing. But when We have solved his trouble, he passeth on his way as if he had never cried to Us for a trouble that touched him! thus do the deeds of transgressors seem fair in their eyes!

[QS 11:10] But if We give him a taste of (Our) favours after adversity hath touched him, he is sure to say, "All evil has departed from me:" Behold! he falls into exultation and pride.

[QS 30:33] When trouble touches men, they cry to their Lord, turning back to Him in repentance: but when He gives them a taste of Mercy as from Himself, behold, some of them pay part-worship to other god's besides their Lord,-

[QS 30:36] When We give men a taste of Mercy, they exult thereat: and when some evil afflicts them because of what their (own) hands have sent forth, behold, they are in despair!

[QS 2:214] Or do ye think that ye shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? they encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Messenger and those of faith who were with him cried: "When (will come) the help of Allah?" Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!

[QS 2:153] O ye who believe! seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.

[QS 2:155] Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,

[QS 2:156] Who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return":-

[QS 16:122] And We gave him Good in this world, and he will be, in the Hereafter, in the ranks of the Righteous.

[QS 16:53-55] And ye have no good thing but is from Allah: and moreover, when ye are touched by distress, unto Him ye cry with groans;Yet, when He removes the distress from you, behold! some of you turn to other gods to join with their Lord-(As if) to show their ingratitude for the favours we have bestowed on them! then enjoy (your brief day): but soon will ye know (your folly)!

[QS 29:2] Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, "We believe", and that they will not be tested?

[QS 29:3] We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false.

[QS 22:11] There are among men some who serve Allah, as it were, on the verge: if good befalls them, they are, therewith, well content; but if a trial comes to them, they turn on their faces: they lose both this world and the Hereafter: that is loss for all to see!

[QS 22:35] To those whose hearts when Allah is mentioned, are filled with fear, who show patient perseverance over their afflictions, keep up regular prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what We have bestowed upon them.

[Qs 3:186] Ye shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and ye shall certainly Hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship many gods. But if ye persevere patiently, and guard against evil,-then that will be a determining factor in all affairs.

[QS 64:14] O ye who believe! Truly, among your wives and your children are (some that are) enemies to yourselves: so beware of them! But if ye forgive and overlook, and cover up (their faults), verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

[QS 64:15] Your riches and your children may be but a trial: but in the Presence of Allah, is the highest, Reward.

[QS 70:19-27] Truly man was created very impatient;-Fretful when evil touches him;And #####rdly when good reaches him;-Not so those devoted to Prayer;-Those who remain steadfast to their prayer;And those in whose wealth is a recognised right.For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking);And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment;And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,-

[QS 17:83] Yet when We bestow Our favours on man, he turns away and becomes remote on his side (instead of coming to Us), and when evil seizes him he gives himself up to despair!

Aisha, the Prophet's wife (Pbuh), quotes him as saying: "For any adversity a Muslim suffers, Allah erases some of his sins, even though it may be no more than a thorn pricking him". (Related by Al-Bukhari).

"Whatever befalls a Muslim of exhaustion, illness, worry, grief, nuisance or trouble, even though it may be no more than a prick of a thorn, earns him forgiveness by Allah of some of his sins."

Abu Saeed asked: "Messenger of Allah, which people have the greatest affliction?" He replied: "The Prophets (Pbuh), and then the most pious and righteous. Any one of them may be tested with poverty until he could find nothing more than a robe to cover himself with and he would wear that. Another could be tested with fleas until they almost killed him. They were more pleased with their affliction than any of you may be pleased with gifts." (Related by Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al Mufrad).

Narrated 'Ata bin Abi Rabah: Ibn 'Abbas said to me, 'Shall I show you a woman of the people of Paradise?' I said, 'Yes.' He said, 'This black woman came to the Prophet and said, 'I get attacks of epilepsy and my body becomes uncovered; please invoke Allaah for me.' The Prophet said (to her), 'If you wish, be patient and you will have (enter) Paradise; and if you wish, I will invoke Allaah to cure you.' She said, 'I will remain patient,' and added, 'but I become uncovered, so please invoke Allaah for me that I may not become uncovered.' So he invoked Allaah for her.' [al-Bukhari]

Adversity is necessary in this life for many reasons. One, being that it is through adversity that the righteous become the best of creation, Allah's Masterpiece of which Satan disagreed.

"He said, "Seest Thou? This is the one whom Thou hast honoured above me! If Thou wilt but respite me to the Day of Judgement, I will surely bring his descendants under my sway – All but a few!" (God) said: "Go thy way; if any of them follow thee, verily Hell will be the recompense of you (all) – an ample recompense. And arouse those whom thou canst among them, with thy (seductive) voice; make assaults on them with thy cavalry and thy infantry; mutually share with them wealth and children; and make promises to them. But Satan promises them nothing but deceit. As for My servants, no authority shalt thou have over them: Enough is thy Lord for a Disposer of affairs." (17: 62–65)

This is a very important story. Shaytan has vowed to lead man astray in his attempt to prove that he is better than man. Allah tells him, that although he will assault his creation, he will never be able to take his servants! This teaches us that the superiority of the creation of man relies on his belief and obedience to god regardless of adversity. It is not easy to believe when everything is perfect? The bravest soldiers are those who remain steadfast during a furious battle, not the ones who never enter the battle field!

There are a few problems with your example; one it is assumed that poverty is the result of an un-giving God. This is a gross misrepresentation of the truth. Would you deny that this world contains enough wealth, food, and provisions so that everyone in it would be well taken care? Allah has provided this. Why then does poverty and hunger exists. Who created it? It is man who hoards the provisions of Allah that creates these social problems. This is why in Islam it is a great sin to hoard wealth, and it is an obligation to give charity.

We have free will, and the choice to accept Allah's Guidance.

It is the responsibility of man, through God's guidance to act justly. Unfortunately, man is greedy. This is why there are poor and oppressed people. It is the result of the evil that man's hand creates. I guess you would absolve humanity of all wrong doing?

Furthermore, your question only reiterates the understanding of Allah's Final judgment of man.

Draws near for mankind their reckoning, while they turn away in heedlessness." ( Surat Al-'Anbia', Verse 1)

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "The first thing adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be murder." (Agreed upon)

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "'whoever kills a sparrow without fulfilling its due rights will be questioned by Allah regarding such killing.' The companions asked, ‘Oh Messenger of Allah, what are its due rights?' The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘That you slaughter it properly and eat it, not that you cut its head off and discard it (as a whole).'" (Nasa'i, Ahmad, Darimi)

Abi Sa`id narrates that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "Indeed Allah will question the slave on the Day of Judgment and He will say, ‘What did you do when you saw evil (munkar) and did not stop it?' The Prophet then said, ‘He (the slave) will say in his defense, ‘My Lord, I was hidden from the people and returned to you!'" (Shu`ab al Iman)

The prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said: "The son of Adam will not pass away from Allah until he is asked about five things: how he lived his life, and how he utilized his youth, with what means did he earn his wealth, how did he spend his wealth, and what did he do with his knowledge." {Good hadith reported by Imam At-Tirmithi}

The Messenger described the questioning in a speech reported by Imam Muslim that the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said: "Allah (S.W.T.) will meet a person and ask him: "O person, Wasn't I generous with you, and made you with a spouse, and made the horses and camels at your disposal? The servant will reply "yes"! Allah (S.W.T.) will then ask "Did you think that you will meet me?" He will reply: "No!" Allah (S.W.T.) will say: "I will forget you like you forgot me"! Then Allah (S.W.T.) will meet another person and his reply will be the same as the first person. Then Allah (S.W.T.) will meet a third person and will ask similar questions, and the person's reply will be: "O Lord I believed in you, in your books, and in your messengers. I prayed, I fasted, and I gave charity. And he will praise Allah as much as he can. Allah (S.W.T.) will say: "Hold on to your words, Now we will bring the witnesses. The person will ask himself "Who will testify against me?" Then that persons mouth will be sealed, and his thighs, flesh and bones will be asked to speak. They will speak about his bad deeds. He will know that he has no excuse. That is the hypocrite Allah (S.W.T.) will be furious with!"

Allah (S.W.T.) describes that situation in what could be translated as, "On the day when their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to their actions". surat An-Nur, (verse 24). Also Allah (S.W.T.) says what could be translated as, "And they will say to their skin:" Why did you bear witness against us? "They will say "Allah has caused us to speak, as He cause all things to speak." ( Surat Al-Fussillat, Verse 21)

Also Allah (S.W.T.) will ask us in the Day of Judgment about all of our convenants and promises that have made in our lives. Those promises may be made to Allah (S.W.T.) or made to people. And so Allah (S.W.T) says in what could be translated as, "And fulfil (every) covenant. Verily! The covenant, will be questioned about. " ( Surat Al-Israa, Verse 34)

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) will say on the Day of Resurrection:

"O son of Adam, I fell ill and you visited Me not. He will say: O Lord, and how should I visit You when You are the Lord of the worlds? He will say: Did you not know that My servant So-and-so had fallen ill and you visited him not? Did you not know that had you visited him you would have found Me with him? O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not. He will say: O Lord, and how should I feed You when You are the Lord of the worlds? He will say: Did you not know that My servant So-and-so asked you for food and you fed him not? Did you notknow that had you fed him you would surely have found that (the reward for doing so) with Me? O son of Adam, I asked you to give Me to drink and you gave Me not to drink. He will say: O Lord, how should I give You to drink when You are the Lord of the worlds? He will say: My servant So-and-so asked you to give him to drink and you gave him not to drink. Had you given him to drink you would have surely found that with Me.

These sources prove that Allah did not leave anything unanswered. He has promised those who have been wronged will receive justice.

Imam Bukhari reported that the prophet (S.A.W.) said: "If any Muslims has oppressed his brother concerning his honor or anything else, let him obtain his pardon today (in this world) before the time comes when he will have neither Dinars nor Dirhams (i.e. he will be penniless). If the aggressor may have some good deeds (in his account) the same would be deducted in equal proportion to his wrongs, if the aggressor will have no good deeds in his account, the wrongs of the aggrieved would be added to the account of the aggressor in equal proportion!"

In another hadith narrated by Imam Muslim that the prophet (S.A.W.) once asked his companions: " Do you know who is a pauper. The companions replied that a pauper is a person who had no money or property. The Prophet (S.A.W.) elucidated the point said: 'a pauper from among my followers (ummah) is one who will come on the day of judgment with a good record of salah (prayers) and seiam (fasting) and zakat (Obligatory charity) but also he had abused somebody: Slandered against someone: Stole the wealth of another person, had killed someone or beaten yet another person. Then all the oppressed persons will receive a part of the aggressors' good deeds. Should they fall short of his aggression, then the aggrieved person's sins and defaults, will be transferred from them to him, and he will be thrown into the Fire (Hell)!"

What is interesting is that Man expects justice for injustices, but what about the injustices that the law of society does not fulfill? What about the dead bodies in mass graves that are nameless? What about the corruption of governments that has oppressed people bust are never held to account? Do people get away with evil? It seems that way, but Allah has promised that all issue/claims will be weighed in TRUE justice. Everyone will have their day in court.

That letter told you in no uncertain words that whatever horrible things that this loving Allah chooses to inflict on her she must continue to love, respect and fear this Almighty being. Otherwise He will visit even more horrible pain and torture on her for all eternity when the soul this prophet says she has reaches Him when she dies. If she even dares to question this voice mail of Allah's the punishment gets worse. Having known the nature of this Father's love the little girl looks at you with horror and expires immediately at the prospect that such a Being could even begin to exist.

Is this a response to people who suffer? I don't think that your response to the letter represents everyone. Allot of people as God for help in their suffering. I guess you would deny his existence in your suffering, but how will this ease it. Regardless of what you believe, you will suffer, so why not do it with humility? With the hope that Allah will give you a great reward for your patience. This is the hope of martyrs. Why do you only focus on the punishment?

"This is a reminder. Verily, for the righteous is a beautiful place of final return – garden of eternity, whose doors will always be open to them."
[Surah Saad, 38: 49-50]

"And those who feared their Lord will be led to the Garden in crowds until behold, they arrive there. Its gates will be opened, and its keepers will say, ‘Peace be upon you! Well have you done, so enter it, abiding in it eternally.'"
[Surah Al Zumar, 39: 73]

Sahl bin Sa'd (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"Paradise has eight gates, and one of them is called ar-Rayyaan, through which none will enter but those who observe fasting."
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"Whoever spends two things in the way of Allah will be called from the agates of Paradise and will be addressed, ‘O slave of Allah, here is prosperity!' So whoever was among the people who used to offer their prayers will be called from the gate of the prayer; and whoever was among the people who used to participate in jihad will be called from the gates of jihad; and whoever was among those who used to observe fasts will be called from the gate of ar-Rayyaan; and whoever was among those who used to give in charity will be called from the gate of charity." Abu Bakr said, ‘Let my parents be sacrificed for you, Oh Allah's Apostle! No distress or need will befall him who will be called from those gates Will there by anyone who will be called from these gates?" The Prophet (SAW) replied, "Yes. And I hope you will be one of them."
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

Uqba bin Amir (radiAllahu anhu) said: "We were entrusted with the task of tending the camels – On my turn, when I came back in the evening after grazing them in the pastures, I found Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) stand and address the people. I heard these words of his,
‘If any Muslim performs ablution well, then stands and prays two rak'ahs, setting about them with his heart as well as his face, Paradise will be guaranteed to him.' I said, ‘What a fine thing this is!' A narrator who was before me said, ‘The first was even better than this.' When I cast a glance, I saw that it was Umar who said, ‘I see that you have just come and observed. If anyone among you performs the ablution, completes the ablution well and says, "I testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the servant of Allah and His Messenger," then the eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him and he may enter by whichever of them he wishes.'"
[Muslim]

"The gates of Paradise will be opened on Mondays and on Thursdays, and every servant of Allah who associates noting with Allah will be forgiven, except for the man who has a grudge against his brother. About them it will be said, ‘Delay these two until they are reconciled. Delay these two until they are reconciled. Delay these two until they are reconciled.'"
[Muslim, Malik and abu Dawud]

Paradise - Never imagined by a Human-being

"Be foremost (in seeking) forgiveness from your Lord. And a garden of bliss, the width of the heavens and the earth prepared for those who believe in Allah and His messengers - that is the grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He pleases, and Allah is the Lord of abounding grace."
[Al Hadid, 57:21]

Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said that Allah (subhanahu wa Ta'ala) said:
"I have prepared for My righteous servants what no eye has seen and no ear has heard, nor has it occurred to the human heart. Thus, recite if you wish, ‘And no soul knows what joy has been kept hidden for them."'
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim, at-Tirmidhi, and ibn Majah, Surah Al Sajdah, 32: 17]

Sahl bin Sa'd (radiAllahu anhu) narrated Allah's Apostle (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "A place in Paradise equal to the size of a lash is better than the whole world and whatever is in it."
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

The Rivers of Paradise

"(Here is)A parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised. In it are rivers of water, incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine, delicious to those who drink; and rivers of honey, pure and clear. In it there are for them all kinds of fruits and forgiveness from their Lord. Can those in such bliss be compared to such as shall dwell forever in the Fire? Those whom shall be given boiling water to drink, it will be so hot that it cuts up their bowels to pieces."
[Surah Muhammad, 47:15]

"As for the righteous, they will be in the midst of gardens and rivers, in and assembly of truth, in the presence of a Sovereign Omnipotent."
[Surah al-Qamar, 54: 54-55]

"Verily, Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds to gardens beneath which rivers flow. While those who reject Allah will enjoy (this world) and eat as cattle eat. The Fire will be their abode."
[Surah Muhammad, 47: 12]

Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "The Saihaan, Jaihaan, Euphrates and Nile are all among the rivers of Paradise."
[Muslim]

The Fountains of Paradise

"The righteous will be amid gardens and springs. (They will be greeted), ‘Enter here in peace and security.' And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury. (They will be) brothers facing each other on thrones."
[Surah al-Hijr, 15: 45-47]

"Their thirst will be slaked with pure wine, sealed. The seal will be of musk. For This, let the competitors compete. With it (will be given) a mixture of Tasneem, (highest spring in Paradise), a spring from which those nearest to Allah drink."
[Surah al-Mutaffifeen, 83: 25-28]

"A fountain there, called Salsabeel."
[Surah al-Insan, 76: 18]

"Therein will be a flowing spring."
[Surah al-Ghashiyah, 88: 12]

"In them (each garden) will be two springs, flowing freely."
[Surah al-Rahman, 55: 50]

"As for the righteous, they shall drink from a cup in which is a mixture of kaafoor (cool and refreshing drink), a fountain from which the righteous servants of Allah drink, causing it to burst forth simply by their will."
[Surah al-Insan, 76: 5-6]

The Gardens and Trees of Paradise

"Verily, for the righteous there will be attainment of security – gardens enclosed and grapevines."
[Naba, 78: 31-32]

"In them will be two pairs of every fruit."
[Rahman, 55: 52]

"They will recline on carpets whose linings will be rich brocade. The fruit of the gardens will be hanging near. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?"
[Rahman, 55: 54-55]

"In them will be fruits and dates and pomegrantes."
[Rahman, 55: 68]

"The companions of the right hand – what are the companions of the right hand? (They will be) among lot trees without thorns, among talh (bananas) trees with flowers (or fruits) piled one above another, and in shade long –extend by water flowing (constantly) and fruit abundance whose season is not limited not (supply) forbidden."
[Waqiah, 56: 27-33]

"And its shades will come low over them, and the bunches (of fruit will hang low in compliance)." [al-Insan, 76: 14]

Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"In Paradise there is a tree under the shadow of which a rider can travel for a hundred years." (Through another chain of transmitters the following words were added), "He will not be able to cover this distance."
[Muslim]

Sahl bin Sa'd (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"In Paradise there is a tree under the shadow of which a rider can travel for a hundred years. Without covering the distance completely."
[Muslim]

Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah's Apostle (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"In Paradise there is a tree under the shadow of which a rider of a fine and swift – footed horse can travel for a hundred years without covering the distance completely. There will be the pleasure of Allah for the inhabitants of Paradise, and he will never be annoyed with them."
[Muslim]

Anas bin Malik (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"There is a tree in Paradise (which is so large that) if a rider traveled in its shade for one hundred years, he would not be able to cross it."
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"There is a tree in Paradise (which is so large that) a rider could travel in its shade for a hundred years. And if you wish, you can recite: "In shade long – extended [Waqi'ah, 56: 30]. A place in Paradise equal to an arrow bow of one of you is better than (the whole earth) on which the sun rises and sets."
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

The Shade of Paradise

"The parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised – beneath it flow rivers. Perpetual is the enjoyment thereof and shade therein. Such is the end of the righteous. The end of the disbelievers is the Fire."
[Ra'd, 13: 35]

"As for the righteous, they shall be amid shades and springs of water and fruits, all they desire. ‘Eat and drink to your heart's content because of what you used to do'. Thus do We certainly reward the doers of good."
[Mursalat, 77: 41-44]

"And its shades will come low over them, and the bunches of fruit will hang low in compliance."
[Insan, 76: 14]

"They will be among lot trees with thorns talh (bananas) trees with flowers or fruits piled one above another, and in shade long and extended, by water flowing (constantly) and fruit in abundance whose season is not limited nor (supply) forbidden." (
[Waqi'ah, 56: 28-33]

"They and their spouses will be in (cool) shade, reclining on thrones. (Every) fruit (i.e. enjoyment) will be there for them and they shall have whatever they call for. ‘Peace!' – a word (of salutation) from a Lord most merciful.'
[Ya-Sin, 36: 56-58]

"But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We shall soon admit to gardens with rivers flowing beneath – abiding there forever. Therein they shall have pure companions. We shall admit them to shades, cool and ever deep."
[Nisa, 4: 57]

The Atmosphere of Paradise

"Reclining on raised thrones, they will see therein neither (burning) sun nor (freezing) cold."
[Al Insan, 76: 13]

"Faces that day will be joyful – pleased with their striving – in a garden on high, where they shall hear no bad speech."
[al-Ghashiyah 88: 8-11] (bad speech equals insult falsehood, harm, immorality, pointless talk, etc.)

"They will say, ‘Praise be to Allah who has removed from us (all) sorrow, for our Lord is indeed oft – forgiving, appreciative, who has settled us in the house of lasting residence out of His bounty. No toil nor sense of weariness shall touch us therein.'"
[Fatir, 35: 34-35]

The Market of Paradise

Anas bin Malik (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"In Paradise there is a street to which they (the inhabitants of Paradise) will come every Friday. The north wind will blow and will scatter fragrance on their faces and on their clothes. This will add to their beauty and loveliness. Then they will go back to their family after having an added luster to their beauty and loveliness, and their family will say to them, ‘By Allah, you have been increased in beauty and loveliness after leaving us.' They (the ones who have been scattered with fragrance) will say, ‘By Allah, you have also increased in beauty and loveliness after us."
[Muslim]

The Bounty of the People of Paradise

"But after them (i.e. prophets and righteous believers) there followed a posterity who neglected prayer and followed after lusts. Soon, then, will they face destruction, except those who repent, believe and work righteousness. These will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in the least - gardens of eternity, those which (Allah), Most Merciful, has promised to His servants in the Unseen. His promise must come to pass. They will not hear therein any vain discourse, but only salutation of peace. They will have therein their sustenance, morning and evening. Such is the Garden which We give as an inheritance for those of Our servants who are God fearing."
[Maryam, 19: 59-63]

"He that works evil will not be requited but by the like thereof. And he that works a righteous deed – whether male or female, and is a believer – such will enter the Garden. Therein they will have provision without measure."
[Ghafir, 40: 40]

"But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that they will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are provided with fruits there from, they say, ‘Why? This is what we were provided with before,' for they are given things in resemblance. They have therein pure companions, and they abide therein forever."
[al-Baqarah, 2: 25]

"But the sincere (and devoted) servants of Allah, for them is a sustenance determined fruits (delights) and, they shall be honored in gardens of felicity."
[Safat, 37: 40-43]

"That is what you are promised for the Day of Account! Truly, such will be Our bounty (to you). It will never cease."
[Saad, 38: 53-54]

The Food and Drink of Paradise

"Such will be the Garden which you have inherited because of what you used to do. You shall have therein abundance of fruit from which you shall eat."
[Zukhruf, 43: 72-73]

"And We shall provide them with fruit and meat, anything they shall desire. They shall exchange with one another a cup free of frivolity, free of sin."
[Tur, 52: 22-23]

"As for the righteous, (they will be) in a position of security among gardens and springs, dressed in fine silk and in rich brocade, facing each other. And We shall join them to companions with beautiful, big, lustrous eyes. There they can call for every kind of fruit, in peace and security."
[Dukhan, 44: 51-55]

"Every fruit (enjoyment) will be there for them, and they shall have whatever they call for."
[Ya-Sin, 36: 57]

"As for him who will be given his record in his right hand, he will say, ‘Ah here! Read my record! I certainly knew that I would be meeting my account!' so he will be in a life of bliss, in a garden on high, the fruits hanging in bunches (low and near). ‘Eat and drink with full satisfaction because of the good that you sent before you in the days past!"
[Haqqah, 69: 19-24]

"And among them will be circulated vessels of silver and glasses of crystal, - crystal- clear, made of silver which they will determine the measure thereof (according to their wishes). They will be given a cup in which a mixture of Zanjabeet (ginger) from a fountain called Salsabeel. Around them, youths of perpetual (freshness) will serve. If you see them, you will think they are scattered pearls. When you look there (Paradise), you will see bliss and a magnificent realm. Upon them (people of Paradise) will be green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink. ‘Verily this is a reward for you and your endeavor has been appreciated."
[Insan, 76: 15-22]

"The companions of the right hand – what are the companions of the right hand? (They shall be) among lot trees without thorns, among talh (bananas) trees with flowers (or fruits) piled one above another, and in shade long – extended, by water flowing (constantly) and fruit in abundance whose season is not limited nor (supply) forbidden. And (they will be) on thrones (of dignity) raised high."
[Waqi'ah, 56: 27-34]

"As for the righteous, they shall be amid (cool) shades and springs (of water) and fruits, all they desire. ‘Eat and drink to your heart's content because of what you used to do.' Thus do We certainly reward the doers of good."
[Mursalat, 77: 41-44]

"As for the righteous they shall drink from a scup in which is a mixture of kaafoor."
[Insaan, 76: 5]

"Therein will they recline (at ease). Therein they can call (at pleasure) for fruit in abundance and (delicious) drink."
[Saad, 38: 51]

"As for the righteous, they will be gardens and feel happiness, enjoying what their Lord has given them. And their Lord had (already) prevented them from the penalty of the Fire. (to them it will be said), ‘Eat and drink with satisfaction because of what you used to do."
[Tur, 52: 17-19]

Abu Sa'eed (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"The first meal which the people of Paradise will take will be the caudate (extra) lobe of the liver of a fish."
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

The Vessels and Plates of Paradise

"Around them will circulate eternal youths with goblets, beakers and cups (filled) from clear – flowing fountains –no one will ache will they receive nor will they suffer intoxication."
[Waqi'ah, 56: 17-19]

"To them will be passed dishes and goblets of gold. There will be all that the soul could desire and all that the eyes could delight in, and you shall abide therein eternally."
[al-Zukhruf, 43: 71]

"And among them will be circulated vessels of silver and glasses of crystal – crystal, clear, and made of silver which they will determine the measure thereof (according to their wishes)."
[al-Insan, 76: 15-16]

"Verily for the righteous there will be attainment of security, gardens enclosed and grape vines, companions of equal age and a cup full to the brim."
[Naba, 78: 31-34]

The Dwellings of the People of Paradise

"Allah has promised to believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein eternally and good homes in gardens of everlasting bliss. But the pleasure of Allah is greatest. That is the supreme triumph."
[Tawbah, 9: 72]

"Companions restrained (as to their glances) in pavilions."
[Rahman, 55: 72]

Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"The believers, after being saved from the Hellfire, will be stopped at a bridge between Paradise and Hell, and mutual retaliation will be established among them regarding wrongs they have committed in the world against one another. After they are cleansed and purified (through the retaliation), they will be admitted into Paradise. By Him in whose hand Muhammad's soul is, everyone of them will know his dwelling in Paradise better than he knew his dwelling in this world."
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

Abdullah ibin Qais Al-Ash'ari (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"A tent (in Paradise) is like a hollow pearl which is thirty miles in height. On every corner of the tent the believers will have a family that cannot be seen by the others." (Narrated abu Imran in another narration," (The tent is) sixty miles (in height)."
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

It is reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"While I was asleep, I saw myself in Paradise, and there I beheld a woman making ablution beside a palace. I asked, ‘To whom does this palace belong?' somebody said, ‘To Umar bin AL-Khattab.' Then I remembered Umar's jealousy (concerning women), and so I quickly went away from that palace." (When Umar heard this from the Prophet (SAW), he wept and said, ‘Do you think it is likely that I feel jealousy because of you, Oh Allah's Apostle?"
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

On the authority of his father, Abu Bakr ibin abu Musa bin Qais (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah's Apostle (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"There will be a tent made of a pearl whose height towards the sky will be sixty miles. In each corner, there will be a family of the believer, out of sight of the others."
[Muslim]

Abu Bakr ibin Abdullah bin Qais (radiAllahu anhu) reported on the authority of his father that Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"In Paradise there will be a tent of a single hollowed pearl, the width of which will be sixty miles from all sides. There will live a family in each corner, and the other will not be able to see the believer who goes around to them."
[Muslim]

The Thrones of the People of Paradise

"Therein will be thrones raise don high, goblets placed ready, cushions set in rows and rich carpets spread out."
[Ghashiyah, 88: 31-36]

"Truly, the righteous will be in bliss. On thrones they will command a sight of things. You will recognize in their faces the beaming brightness of bliss."
[Mutaffifeen, 83: 22-24]

"They will recline with ease on thrones arranged in ranks. We shall join them with companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes."
[Tur, 52: 20]

"Reclining on raised thrones, they will see therein neither (burning) sun nor (freezing) cold."
[Insaan, 76: 13]

"They and their spouses will be in cool shade, reclining on thrones."
Ya-Sin, 36: 56]

"They will be on thrones encrusted with gold and precious stones, reclining on them, facing each other."
[Waqi'ah, 56: 15-16]

"They will recline on carpets whose linings will be of rich brocade. The fruit of the gardens will be hanging near (and in easy reach)."
[Rahman, 55: 54]

"But on this day the believers will laugh at the unbelievers. On thrones they will command a sight of all things. Are the unbelievers not rewarded finally for what they used to do?"
[Mutaffifeen, 83: 34-36]

The Reception of the People of Paradise

"And those who feared their Lord will be led to the Garden in crowds, until behold, they arrive there. Its gates will be opened, and its keepers will say, ‘Peace be upon you! Well have you done, so enter it, abiding in it eternally."
[Zumar, 39: 73]

"Gardens of perpetual bliss – they shall enter them as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring. Angels shall enter unto them from every gate (with the salutation), ‘Peace unto you for what you endured in patience! Now, how excellent is the final home!"
[Ra'd, 13: 23-24]

"But those who believed and worked righteousness will be admitted to gardens beneath which rivers flow to dwell therein forever by permission of their Lord. Their greeting therein wi

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