Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened and the gates of Hell are closed.” [Al-Bukhaari]
The gates of Paradise will be opened a true opening, because Jannah exists now and has eight gates. They will be opened in Ramadan.
Al-Baaji said: “Opening the gates of Paradise means abundant forgiveness, elevation in ranks, and the giving of abundant reward. However, explaining the opening as it is mentioned in the Hadeeth, is that they truly will be opened.” [Tuhfat Al-Ahwadhi]
As-Suyooti said in his explanation of Sunan an-Nasaa’i: “The gates of mercy are opened. This most probably refers to what Allaah opens for His servants, of acts of obedience which are a means of entering Paradise. The closing of the gates of Hell means the diverting of intentions from committing sins which lead people to Hell.” [End quote]
The gates of Paradise are opened to encourage the good-doers to increase in the performance of acts of obedience, such as Salaat, giving charity, remembering Allaah, recitation of the Qur’an, and so forth. The gates of Hell are closed due to the fewer number of sins that are committed by the believers.
So, who among the Muslims will be occupied with performing good deeds during Ramadan? The believers among the Muslims who believe in Paradise and Hell with certainty will be motivated to take action.
Bear in mind:
a) Knowledge about Paradise and Hell is a part of belief in the Hereafter (Last Day).
b) Knowledge about Paradise and Hell is a means of softening the hearts. Hearts are easily affected by the facts of Imaan (Faith) and it causes Imaan to increase.
In His Book (the noble Qur’an), Allaah (Ta’ala) has informed us that on the Day of Resurrection, the people will end up in one of two categories. Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Ash-Shura [42:7]:
وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لِّتُنذِرَ أُمَّ الْقُرَىٰ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهَا وَتُنذِرَ يَوْمَ الْجَمْعِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ ۚ فَرِيقٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ وَفَرِيقٌ فِي السَّعِيرِ
“And thus We have inspired unto you [O Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)] a Qur’an (in Arabic) that you may warn the Mother of the Towns (Makkah) and all around it. And warn of the Day of Assembling, of which there is no doubt, when a party will be in Paradise (those who believed in Allaah and followed what Allaah’s Messenger brought them) and a party in the blazing Fire (Hell) (those who disbelieved in Allaah and did not follow what Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) brought them).”
There is no third category. Allaah (Ta’ala) sent the Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to warn the people about this Day of Assembly. So this is our belief in the Day of Resurrection, which there is no doubt about. The people will end up in two groups: a group in Paradise, and a group in Hell.
If we really desire to be from the party of the people of Paradise, we should know about Jannah (Paradise); what it comprises of delights and the deeds that lead to it. We should also know about Hellfire and what it consists of, in order to be cautious of it.
The knowledge about Paradise and Hell is acquired from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to a man: “What do you say during your Salaat?” He said: “The Tashahhud, then I ask Allaah for Paradise, and I seek refuge with Him from Hell, but I know neither your Dandanah[1] nor the Dandanah of Mu’adh!” He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Our Dandanah revolves around the same things.” [Authenticated by Al-Albaani in Saheeh Abu Dawoud]
The first thing one should know is that this Paradise is a very great Jannah (garden).
Al-Jannah is the abode of the people of belief. The believers will enter it when Allaah deals with them with His Pardon, when they cross the Siraat (bridge), and when they are saved from falling in Hell. Then Allaah deals with them by His Mercy and admits them into Paradise by His Mercy. Allaah then deals with them with His Grace and bounty when they take their homes in Paradise.
So, Allaah’s Attributes will be shown clearly on the Day of Resurrection when He (Ta’ala) deals with His believing slaves. He will look at their deeds and forgive their shortcomings by His Name Al-Ghafoor and He appreciates the little good deeds they do, by dealing with them by His Name Ash-Shakoor.
Allaah spoke of Paradise with many names in the Qur’an, each name having a meaning. Its general name is Jannah.
The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also said: “When you ask Allaah (for something), ask for Al-Firdaus which is the middle (best) and the highest part of Paradise.” [Al-Bukhaari, no. 2790]
This command from the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to ask Allaah for Al-Firdaus is so that hearts will be occupied with the highest matter.
And the noblest goal is to ask Allaah for Al-Jannah, which is the final abode of the pious.
The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also said: “Whoever asks Allaah for Paradise three times, Paradise says, ‘O Allaah! Admit him into Paradise’ and whoever seeks refuge from the Fire three times, the Fire says, ‘O Allaah! Save him from the Fire.’” [Authenticated by Al-Albaani in Saheeh At-Tirmidhi, no. 2572]
The heart should be attached to this request. Not asking, or having a heedless heart while asking Allaah for Paradise is due to ignorance of what it comprises of delights, even if one believes in it generally. Studying about Paradise in detail inspires one to long for it, which Allaah has mentioned in His Book and created for His believing slaves.
Definition of Jannah from the Arabic dictionary: Its root is from Jeem and Noon which is related to concealment. Jannah is the final abode of the Muslims in the Hereafter and it is a reward which is hidden from us now.
Jannah is a garden of trees whose branches are twisted and intertwined, and serve as a shade. Jannah is a garden whose trees hide other trees with its leaves.
Jinn or Jann (demons) are hidden from our eyes.
A mad man is called Majnoon because his mind is hidden.
Janeen is an embryo hidden in his mother’s womb.
Janan is another word which refers to the heart which is hidden inside us.
Junnah is protection; something that hides the protected.
So the basis of this word is derived from ‘hidden from the eyes’.
So whoever enters Paradise will be hidden from eyes by its abundant trees. It is a name for the abode of dignity, prepared for the monotheists and forbidden for the disbelievers and polytheists. In this world, people call gardens ‘Jannaat’.
Jannah is not only one Paradise; there are many gardens and abundant kingdoms and it is not restricted to one garden. Paradise is of degrees, which people will attain according to their degree of faith.
The Names of Paradise in the Qur’an
1 – دار السلام (Dar As-Salaam) – Abode of Peace
This is mentioned in two verses in the Noble Qur’an – in Surat Yunus and Surat Al-An’aam.
a) Surat Yunus [10:24-26]:
إِنَّمَا مَثَلُ الْحَيَوةِ الدُّنْيَا كَمَاءٍ أَنزَلْنَاهُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ فَاخْتَلَطَ بِهِ نَبَاتُ الْأَرْضِ مِمَّا يَأْكُلُ النَّاسُ وَالْأَنْعَامُ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا أَخَذَتِ الْأَرْضُ زُخْرُفَهَا وَازَّيَّنَتْ وَظَنَّ أَهْلُهَا أَنَّهُمْ قَادِرُونَ عَلَيْهَا أَتَاهَا أَمْرُنَا لَيْلًا أَوْ نَهَارًا فَجَعَلْنَاهَا حَصِيدًا كَأَن لَّمْ تَغْنَ بِالْأَمْسِ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ الْآيَاتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
“Verily the likeness of (this) worldly life is as the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, so by it arises the intermingled produce of the earth of which men and cattle eat until when the earth is clad with its adornments and is beautified, and its people think that they have all the powers of disposal over it. Our Command reaches it by night or by day and We make it like a clean-mown harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday! Thus do We explain the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, laws, etc.) in detail for the people who reflect.”
This is one of the best examples, which completely relates to the state of this world. The pleasures, indulgences, and grandeurs of this world are very attractive to an individual, although they are temporal and their duration is small. When this world has been attained, it either runs away from its owner, or its owner leaves this world. Thus, everyone will leave this world empty handed, with all their wishes and desires turning into sorrows and grief.
Therefore, “The life of this world is like the rain that We send down from the sky, which is mingled with the plants of the earth” referring to all kinds of flora and fauna, and beautiful pairs that grow on this earth that people eat, for example: food, grains, fruits, etc. and that which animals eat, such as various types of grass and fodder, etc. “Then when the earth is clad with its fine adornments and is beautified” that is, when scenery becomes spectacular and the earth wears an attire of beauty “and its people think that they have power over it” that is, they begin to think that this world will remain with them forever, since their desires are attached to it and all their intentions are focused on it. They are in this state of mind when “Our command comes to it by night or by day and We make it like a mowed field, as if nothing flourished there yesterday” meaning, as if the beauty of this world never existed. This is truly what the world is like. “Thus, do We explain Our signs” that is, We elaborate these verses and signs by making their meanings easy to understand, and by giving examples “for those who reflect” referring to those who use their powers of reflection in that which is beneficial for them. As for the person who is immersed deep in negligence and is a denier, these signs or verses will neither offer him any benefit, nor can a narration remove his suspicion about them.
After describing the finite state of this world and the end result of its pleasures, Allaah places in us the liking and desire of the eternal abode that will remain forever:
وَاللَّهُ يَدْعُو إِلَىٰ دَارِ السَّلَامِ وَيَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
“Allaah calls to the Home of Peace (i.e. Paradise, by accepting Allaah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism and by doing righteous good deeds and abstaining from polytheism and evil deeds) and guides whom He wills to a Straight Path.”
Allaah offers a general invitation to His servants and encourages them to come towards the abode of peace and attain its blessings. Whomever Allaah exclusively picks for Himself, He makes His guidance exclusive for that person and He reserves this special benefaction and blessing for whomever He wills. This selection is done in accordance with His Justice and Wisdom. After sending His Prophets and Messengers and distinguishing truth from falsehood, there remains no argument or excuse with anyone against Allaah, and this is an indication of His unquestionable justice and wisdom. Allaah has termed Paradise ‘Dar as-Salam’ (the Abode of Peace) because it is protected from all kinds of disasters and shortcomings and is the most peaceful abode. Its bounties and pleasures are the most perfect, eternal, and beautiful in all its characteristics.
In the previous verse, Allaah (Ta’ala) called people towards the abode of peace and tranquility, while the following verse assumes that the liking and desire for those deeds, which will take a person to their abode, grows in their minds. Allaah (Ta’ala) says:
للذين أحسنوا الحسنى وزيادة ولا يرهق وجوههم قتر ولا ذلة أولئك أصحاب الجنة هم فيها خالدون
“For those who have done good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise) and even more (i.e. having the honor of glancing at the Countenance of Allaah). Neither darkness nor dust or any humiliating disgrace shall cover their faces. They are the dwellers of Paradise, they will abide therein forever.”
“Those who do good, theirs is the best reward and more” referring to the people who turn towards their Creator in worship with perfection, while they worship Him in all sincerity and submissiveness of their bodies and souls, and treat His creations with the utmost kindness with words and deeds, as much as is within their power. They perform deeds for peoples’ welfare, call them towards righteousness, stop them from evil, teach those who are ignorant, pardon the mistakes of the foolish, and practice all aspects and requirements of piety and righteousness.
These are the very people who have done their duties beautifully and perfectly and for them is ‘the best reward’ meaning, Paradise, which is the most perfect in its blessings and beauty. There are further rewards for them also, [which is evident from the word ‘more’] which here refers to the gazing at Allaah’s Glorious Face, listening to His sweet voice, attaining His complete pleasure, and gaining His comforting closeness. Through this they attain the supreme wish that wish-makers desperately desire and that seekers yearn to obtain.
b) Surat Al-An’aam [6:126-129]:
وَهَٰذَا صِرَاطُ رَبِّكَ مُسْتَقِيمًا ۗ قَدْ فَصَّلْنَا الْآيَاتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَذَّكَّرُونَ
“And this is the Path of your Lord (the Qur’an and Islam) leading Straight. We have detailed Our Revelations for a people who take heed.”
لَهُمْ دَارُ السَّلَامِ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ ۖ وَهُوَ وَلِيُّهُم بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
“For them will be the Home of Peace (Paradise) with their Lord. And He will be their Waliy (Helper and Protector) because of what they used to do.”
Jannah is also called Dar As-Salaam here, but there is a difference between it and in Surat Yunus. Allaah (Ta’ala) says: “For them will be the Home of Peace” – for those who take heed of Allaah’s Qur’an, Allaah’s laws and Shari’ah in which Allaah showed good from evil. These people, after knowing and learning, benefited from their knowledge. Accordingly Allaah prepared for them an abundant and beautiful reward, which is Dar As-Salaam. Therefore, Allaah (Ta’ala) says: “For them will be the Home of Peace with their Lord.” Since Paradise is free and clear of all detestable things such as faults, hardships, and sufferings, it has been named the home of peace. This also results in the bounties and blessings of Paradise being on the highest level of perfection, to the extent that no one is able to describe them perfectly. The bounties and blessings that await us in Paradise surpass all the wishes of the wish-makers. Paradise contains all kinds of pleasures for the ears, the hearts, and the bodies; things which will give solace to one’s eyes and comfort to their hearts, and where they will live eternally.
Allaah (Ta’ala) says in verse 127:
“وهو وليهم بما كانوا يعلمون”
“And He will be their Waliy because of what they used to do.”
This “Walayah” (allegiance) will be for them in this life and in the Hereafter. In this life: Allaah (Ta’ala) manages their affairs, it is He Who nurtures them, treats them with kindness and benevolence, aids them in their obedience to Him, and makes every path that leads to His affection and closeness easy for them.
Allaah is their Waliy because of what they used to do of good deeds, as well as the things they do to gain His pleasure. Contrary to them are those who turn away from Him and follow their whims and evil desires. Allaah assigns Shaytaan to become the leader of such a person. Therefore, Allaah (Ta’ala) says in verse 128:
وَيَوْمَ يَحْشُرُهُمْ جَمِيعًا يَا مَعْشَرَ الْجِنِّ قَدِ اسْتَكْثَرْتُم مِّنَ الْإِنسِ ۖ وَقَالَ أَوْلِيَاؤُهُم مِّنَ الْإِنسِ رَبَّنَا اسْتَمْتَعَ بَعْضُنَا بِبَعْضٍ وَبَلَغْنَا أَجَلَنَا الَّذِي أَجَّلْتَ لَنَا ۚ قَالَ النَّارُ مَثْوَاكُمْ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا إِلَّا مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ ۗ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ
“And on the Day when He will gather them (all) together (and say): ‘O you assembly of Jinns! Many did you mislead of men,’ and their Auliya’ (friends and helpers, etc.) amongst men will say: ‘Our Lord! We benefited one from the other, but now we have reached our appointed term which You did appoint for us.’ He will say: ‘The Fire be your dwelling-place, you will dwell therein forever, except as Allaah may will. Certainly your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing.’”
This verse refers to all those among the Jinn and humans who misguided themselves and others. Allaah will address the Jinn who misled the humans, adorned evil deeds to make them look pleasing to them, and encouraged them to commit sins and evil deeds. Their human allies will offer an excuse, which will not be accepted. They will say that the Jinn and humans derived huge benefit from one another, the Jinn obtained the benefit of causing the humans to obey, respect, worship, and seek help from them, while the humans derived benefit from the Jinn through the fulfillment of their evil wishes. The humans worship the Jinn and the Jinn in return serve the humans and fulfill their desires and worldly wishes.
What is their final abode?
النار مثواكم خالدين فيها أبدا إلا ما شاء الله
“The Fire be your dwelling-place, you will dwell therein forever, except as Allaah may will.”
In verse 129, Allaah (Ta’ala) says:
وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُوَلِّي بَعْضَ الظَّالِمِينَ بَعْضًا بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُون
“And thus We do make the Dhaalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.) Auliya’ (supporters and helpers) one to another (in committing crimes etc.), because of that which they used to earn.”
2 – جنة الخلد (Jannat Al-Khuld)
In Surat Al-Furqaan [25:15]:
قُلْ أَذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ أَمْ جَنَّةُ الْخُلْدِ الَّتِي وُعِدَ الْمُتَّقُونَ ۚ كَانَتْ لَهُمْ جَزَاءً وَمَصِيرًا
“Say: [O Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)]: ‘Is that (torment) better or the Paradise of Eternity promised to the Muttaqun (pious and righteous persons)?’ It will be theirs as a reward and as a final destination.”
Dar al-Khuld means, as Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat al-Hijr [15:48]:
لَا يَمَسُّهُمْ فِيهَا نَصَبٌ وَمَا هُم مِّنْهَا بِمُخْرَجِينَ
“No sense of fatigue shall touch them, nor shall they (ever) be asked to leave it.”
Hellfire is also called Dar al-Khuld in Surat Fussilat [41:28]:
ذَٰلِكَ جَزَاءُ أَعْدَاءِ اللَّهِ النَّارُ ۖ لَهُمْ فِيهَا دَارُ الْخُلْدِ ۖ جَزَاءً بِمَا كَانُوا بِآيَاتِنَا يَجْحَدُونَ
“That is the recompense of the enemies of Allaah: The Fire, therein will be for them the eternal home, a (deserving) recompense for that they used to deny Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.).”
—–
1 Dandanah is when someone speaks some words such that their intonation is audible but they cannot be understood; it is little more than murmuring.
Sources:
📚 Tayseer Al-Kareem by Shaikh As-Sa’dee (Rahimahullaah)
📚 Tafseer Ibn Katheer
📚 Explanation of Shaikha Anaaheed of the Book of Ar-Riqaaq
🌿
Always feel free to share the khair!
