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Category: Jannah (Paradise)

Descriptions of Paradise from the Qur’aan and Hadeeth – Dr. Abdullah AbdurRahman Al-Shimemeri

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Source: Descriptions of Paradise from the Qur’aan and Hadeeth
Author: Dr. Abdullah AbdurRahman Al-Shimemeri.
Abul Qasim Publishing House & Al-Saheeh International

Purchase this book @ http://www.salafibookstore.com

“Gardens of perpetual bliss – they shall enter them, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their offspring. And angels shall enter upon them every gate.” [ar-Ra`d, 13:23 ]

“This is a reminder. Verily, for the righteous is a beautiful place of [final] return – gardens of eternity, whose doors will [always] be open to them.” [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, do enter it, abiding [in it] eternally.” [Az-Zumar, 39:73]

Sahl bin Sa`d reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ” Paradise has eight gates, and one of them is called ar-Rayyaan, through which none will enter but those who observe fasting.” [al-Bukhaari]

Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever spends two things in the way of Allah will be called from the gates of Paradise and will be addressed, ‘Oh 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 gate of jihad; and whoever was among those who used to observer fasts will be called from the gate of ar-Rayyaan;
and whoever was among those who used to give 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 be anyone who will be called from all these gates?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, “Yes, and I hope you will be one of them.” [al-Bukhaari]

`Uqba ibn `Aamir 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 (peace be upon him) 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]

Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

“The gates of Paradise will be opened on Monday and on Thursdays, and every servant [of Allah] who associates nothing 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, Maalik, Abu Dawood]

Everlasting Life in Paradise

Dr. `Abdullah al-Shimemeri

Descriptions of Paradise from the Qur’aan and Hadeeth
© Abul Qasim Publishing House & Al-Saheeh International

“But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the Garden, abiding in it eternally.” [2:82]

“There, no sense of fatigue shall touch them, nor shay they [ever] be evicted.” [15:48]

“They will not taste death therein, except the first death, and He will preserve them from the penalty of the Blazing Fire. [It will be] a bounty from your Lord. That will be the supreme achievement!” [44:56-57]

“As for those who believe and work righteous deeds, they will have the gardens of Paradise as hospitality. Eternally therein, they will not desire any other [place].” [18:107-108]

“Their Lord gives them glad tidings of a mercy from Himself and good pleasure and of gardens for them wherein is lasting enjoyment.” [9:21]

Abu Hurayrah reported that Allah’s Apostle (peace be upon him) said:

“He who gets into Paradise [will be made to enjoy such an everlasting] bliss that he will neither become destitute nor will his clothes wear out nor will his youthfulness decline.” [Muslim]

Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree and Abu Hurayrah both narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

“There will be an announcer [in Paradise] who will make this announcement, ‘Verily, there is in store for you [everlasting] health. You will never fall ill, and you will live [forever] and never die. You will remain young and never grow old. You will always live in affluent circumstances and never become destitute.’ [This is explained in] the words of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, ‘And it will be announced to them, ‘This is the Paradise you have been made to inherit for what you used to do.’’[7:43]” [Muslim]

Abu Sa`eed reported that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

“Death will be brought on the Day of Resurrection in the form of a white-colored ram.” [Abu Kuraib made the addition, “Then it will be made to stand between Paradise and Hell.” So far as the rest of the hadeeth is concerned, there is perfect agreement between 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, ‘O people of Paradise, there is everlasting life for you and no death.’ Then [addressing] the people of Hellfire, it will be said, ‘O people of Hellfire, there is everlasting life for you and no death.’” Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) then recited the following verse pointing wit 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.” [19:39] [Muslim]

Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“It will be said to the people of Paradise, ‘O people of Paradise, eternity [for you] and no death!’ To the people of the Fire [it will be said], ‘O people of the Fire, eternity [for you] and no death!’” [Al-Bukhaari]

The Road to Paradise
Dr. `Abdullah al-Shimemeri

Descriptions of Paradise from the Qur’aan and Hadeeth

Certainly the ultimate goal of every Muslim is Paradise. As with all aspects of the Unseen, it can be only imagined through analogy, yet its realities are far beyond description in any human language. Allah (subhaanahu wa ta`aala) has prepared for His servants, “what no eye has seen and no ear has heard and has never occurred to a human heart.” [al-Bukhaari, Muslim and others] This eternal home is not limited to what is described here of material and spiritual enjoyments, for it includes “all the soul has longed for” and finally, the greatest and most complete pleasure beyond all imagination – the presence and nearness of the Creator Himself.

Who are the inheritors of such blessing? Who are the souls worthy of such reward?

It is common belief among Muslims today that anyone who professes “La Ilaha ill-Allah” and “Muhammadun Rasoolullah” will enter Paradise. Yet this testimony is more than a statement of the tongue. It is an oath, a commitment that must be fulfilled. It has conditions and requirements which affect all aspects of life. It concerns authority – what actually governs our behavior and deeds. The Arabs of Quraish who refused to pronounce this kalimah did so because they fully understood its implications. Yet Muslims repeat it today without a second thought, their actions and lifestyles bearing witness to something totally different. And they expect Paradise!

In the Qur’aan, Allah (swt) has warned against complacency in religion like that of the Jews and Christians who mistakenly claim that God has favored them over others and that Paradise is theirs alone: “It is not by your wishes, nor the wishes of the People of the Scriptures. Whoever does a wrong shall be punished for it, and he will not find other than Allah as a protector or helper.”

Yet many of today’s Muslims consider themselves a chosen people, while neglecting the commands of their Lord, turning their backs on the sunnah of their Prophet (peace be upon him) and insisting on a secular life far from the blessings of divine law… perhaps even going so far as to deny certain aspects of that law. Customs and traditions, materialism, man-made social systems, national leaders and even their own inclinations are now sharing the authority which rightfully belongs exclusively to our Creator, Owner of the Day of Judgment.

The reward of Paradise is too great not to have a price. That price is true faith which is proven by obedience to Allah and His Messenger. The Qur’aan states, “And whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effor due to it while being a believer – those are the ones whose effort is appreciated [by Allah].” [17:19]

We must return to the Qur’aan, not simply in an emotional or academic manner, but with a sense of instruction for obedience and action. We must find out what kind of people Allah has asked us to be and then become as such. This is the road to Paradise.

 

Who shall inherit Firdaws? Tafsir Ibn Kathir

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1-10 Verses of Al-Momin Surah
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

What is Jannat ul Firdaus?

It was recorded in the Two Sahihs that the Messenger of Allah said: (If you ask Allah for Paradise, then ask him for Al-Firdaws, for it is the highest part of Paradise, in the middle of Paradise, and from it spring the rivers of Paradise, and above it is the (Mighty) Throne of the Most Merciful.)

Who shall inherit Firdaws? (1-10 Verses of Al-Monin Surah)

  1. Successful indeed are the believers.
  2. Those who with their Salah are Khashi`un (with fear and with tranquillity).
  3. And those who turn away from Al-Laghw.
  4. And those who pay the Zakah.
  5. And those who guard their private parts.
  6. Except from their wives or their right hand possessions, for then, they are free from blame.
  7. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.
  8. Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat and to their covenants are Ra`un.
  9. And those who strictly guard their Salawat.
  10. These are indeed the heirs.
  11. Who shall inherit Firdaws. They shall dwell therein forever.

The Success is for the believers whose qualities are described here

(Successful indeed are the believers) means, they have attained victory and are blessed, for they have succeeded.

***These are the believers who have the following characteristics ***

(Those who with their Salah are Khashi`un.)

`Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas said: “(Khashi`un) means those with fear and with tranquillity.” This was also narrated from Mujahid, Al-Hasan, Qatadah and Az-Zuhri.

It was reported from `Ali bin Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, that Khushu` means the Khushu` of the heart. This was also the view of Ibrahim An-Nakha`i.

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said, “Their Khushu` was in their hearts.” So they lowered their gaze and were humble towards others.

Khushu` in prayer is only attained by the one who has emptied his heart totally, who does not pay attention to anything else besides it, and who prefers it above all else. At that point it becomes a delight and a joy for eyes, as in the Hadith recorded by Imam Ahmad and An-Nasai from Anas, who said that the Messenger of Allah said:(Fragrance and women have been made dear to me, and Salah was made the joy of my eye.)

(And those who turn away from Al-Laghw.)

It refers to falsehood, which includes Shirk and sin, and any words or deeds that are of no benefit.

As Allah says: (And if they pass by Al-Laghw, they pass by it with dignity)[25:72].

Qatadah said: “By Allah, there came to them from Allah that which kept them away from that (evil).”

(And those who pay the Zakah.)

Most commentators say that the meaning here is the Zakah that is paid on wealth, even though this Ayah was revealed in Makkah, and Zakah was ordained in Al-Madinah in the year 2 H. The apparent meaning is that the Zakah that was instituted in Al-Madinah is the one based upon the Nusub and the specific amounts, apart from which it seems that the basic principle of Zakah was enjoined in Makkah. As Allah says in Surat Al-An`am, which was also revealed in Makkah: (but pay the due thereof on the day of their harvest, ) [6:141]

It could be that what is meant here by Zakah is purification of the soul from Shirk and filth, as in the Ayah:(Indeed he succeeds who purifies himself (Zakkaha). And indeed he fails who corrupts himself.) [91:9-10]

It could be that both meanings are intended, purification of the soul and of one’s wealth, because that is part of the purification of the soul, and the true believer is one who pays attention to both matters. And Allah knows best.

(And those who guard their private parts. Except from their wives and their right hand possessions, for then, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.)

It means, those who protect their private parts from unlawful actions and do not do that which Allah has forbidden; fornication and homosexuality, and do not approach anyone except the wives whom Allah has made permissible for them or their right hand possessions from the captives.

One who seeks what Allah has made permissible for him is not to be blamed and there is no sin on him.

Allah says: (they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that) meaning, other than a wife or slave girl, (then those are the transgressors.) meaning , aggressors.

(Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat and to their covenants)

When they are entrusted with something, they do not betray that trust, but they fulfill it, and when they make a promise or make a pledge, they are true to their word.

This is not like the hypocrites about whom the Messenger of Allah said: (The signs of the hypocrite are three: when he speaks he lies, when he makes a promise he breaks it, and when he is entrusted with something he betrays that trust.)

(And those who strictly guard their Salawat.)

It means, they persistently offer their prayers at their appointed times, as Ibn Mas`ud said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah , `O Messenger of Allah, which deed is most beloved to Allah’ He said, (Prayer at the appointed time.) I said, `Then what’ He said,(Kindness to one’s parents. ) I said, `Then what’ He said,(Jihad in the way of Allah.)

It was recorded in the Two Sahihs. Qatadah said: “At the fixed times, with the proper bowing and prostration.”

Allah begins and ends this list of praiseworthy qualities with Salah, which is indicative of its virtue, as the Prophet said: (Adhere to righteousness, you will never be able encompass it all. Know that the best of your deeds is Salah. None will preserve his Wuddu’ except the believer.)

Having described them with these praiseworthy characteristics and righteous deeds, Allah then says:

(These are indeed the heirs. Who shall inherit Firdaws. They shall dwell therein forever.)

It was recorded in the Two Sahihs that the Messenger of Allah said: (If you ask Allah for Paradise, then ask him for Al-Firdaws, for it is the highest part of Paradise, in the middle of Paradise, and from it spring the rivers of Paradise, and above it is the (Mighty) Throne of the Most Merciful.)

Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Abu Hurayrah said, “The Messenger of Allah said:(There is not one among you who does not have two homes, a home in Paradise and a home in Hell. If he dies and enters Hell, the people of Paradise will inherit his home, and this is what Allah said: (These are indeed the heirs.)

Ibn Jurayj narrated from Layth from Mujahid:(These are indeed the heirs.) “The believers will inherit the homes of the disbelievers because they were created to worship Allah Alone with no partner or associate. So when these believers did what was enjoined on them of worship, and the disbelievers neglected to do that which they were commanded to do and for which they had been created, the believers gained the share that they would have been given if they had obeyed their Lord. Indeed, they will be given more than that as well.”

This is what was reported in Sahih Muslim from Abu Burdah, from his father, from the Prophet who said: (Some of the Muslims will come on the Day of Resurrection with sins like mountains, but Allah will forgive them and put (their burden of sin) on the Jews and Christians.)

According to another version: the Messenger of Allah said: (When the Day of Resurrection comes, Allah will appoint for every Muslim a Jew or Christian, and it will be said, “This is your ransom from the Fire.”) `

Umar bin `Abd Al-`Aziz asked Abu Burdah to swear by Allah besides Whom there is no other God, three times, that his father told him that from the Prophet , and he swore that oath. I say: this Ayah is like Allah’s saying: (Such is the Paradise which We shall give as an inheritance to those of Our servants who have had Taqwa.) [19:63] (This is the Paradise which you have been made to inherit because of your deeds which you used to do.) [43:72]

The Yearning of the Pious for Paradise

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Al-Istiqaamah News Letter
Safar 1417H / July 1996 , Issue No.2

Describing Paradise, Allaah – the Most High – said:

“Indeed Allaah will enter those who believe and do righteous and correct actions into Paradise, beneath which rivers flow. Wherein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments will be made of silk.” [Soorah al-Hajj 24:23].

“Indeed the pious and obedient ones will be in Paradise, amongst gardens and water-springs. It will be said to them: Enter! In peace and safety. And We shall remove from their hearts any ill-feeling, so they will be like brothers, facing each other on thrones. No sense of hardship shall touch them, and they will be of those who never leave.” [Soorah al-Hijr 15:45-46].

“Paradise, that precious sanctity to which, throughout the ages, the Believers run towards.

Paradise, a burning flame that was in the hearts of our Salafus-Saalih (Pious Predecessors), a flame that spurred them to aim for the highest examples of velour in jihaad and sacrifice.

Paradise, that noble goal which aspiring eyes are fixed towards and which yearning souls long for, in all times and in all places. They find worldly afflictions agreeable to them for the sake of achieving Paradise. Indeed, to enter into it and remain in it is considered the greatest goal for the Believers, and it is a hope which is kept in view throughout life’s journey. How often has Paradise been the incentive and a motivation for goodness and truth, despite the dangers, afflictions and thorns that lie along the path – even if it involves certain death.

This was the case in the days of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, as Anas radiallaahu ‘anhu related: Once Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and his Companions proceeded towards Badr and arrived there before the disbelievers of Makkah. When the disbelievers arrived Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “None of you should proceed ahead of me in anything.” The disbelievers then advanced towards us and Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Rise-up to enter Paradise, whose width is equal to the heavens and the earth.”

Umayr ibn al-Humaam al-Ansaaree radiallaahu ‘anhu said: O Messenger of Allaah ! Is Paradise equal in width to the heavens and the earth? He said: “Yes!” Umayr then exclaimed words of astonishment and excitement, so Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked him: “What made you say these words of astonishment and excitement?” He replied: O Messenger of Allaah ! Nothing but the desire to be amongst its inhabitants. Allaah’s Messeneger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam then said, “Indeed, you are surely from amongst its inhabitants.” So ‘Umayr then took some dates from his bag and began to eat them. Then he said: If I were to live until I have eaten all the dates, then indeed this life would be too long. He threw away the remaining dates which were with him and he fought until he was killed. 1

This was also the stance taken in later times:

Abu Moosaa al-Ash’aree radiallaahu ‘anhu, whilst in the presence of his enemy, narrated: Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Indeed, the gates of Paradise are beneath the shade of swords.” A man who was in a shabby condition got up and said: Abu Moosaa! did you hear this from the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam? So he said: Yes! He returned to his friend and said: I bid you salaam (a farewell greeting of peace). Then he broke the sheath of his sword, threw it away, then rushed into the thick of the enemy and fought them until he was slain. 2

Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee (d.204H) – rahimahullaah -said:

“O my soul! It is not, except a few days of patience;
As if the extent were but a few dreams.
O my soul! Pass quickly on through this world;
And leave it, for indeed life lies ahead of it.” 4

1. Related by Muslim (no.1901).
2. Related by Muslim (no.1902) and at-Tirmidhee (no.1659).
4. Related by Ibn Rajab in Fadl ‘Ilmus-Salaf (p.63).

“Anyone who possesses a speck of Pride in his heart will not enter Paradise” : Ibn Taimiyyah

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Author:Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah
Source:Majmoo‘-ul Fataawaa (vol. 7, pg. 677-679)
Produced by:al-manhaj.com

Shaykh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) was asked:

Regarding the Prophet’s statement: “Anyone who possesses a speck of pride (kibr) in his heart will not enter Paradise” – Is this hadeeth specific only to the believers or (is it specific only to the) unbelievers? If we were to say that it is specific for the Believers then (is not) our statement trivial considering (the fact that) the believers shall enter Paradise due to their Eemaan. If, on the other hand, we were to say that the hadeeth is specific for the unbelievers then what is the relevance of the statement (since it is already known that the unbelievers shall not gain admission to Paradise?

He (rahimahullaah) answered:

(Another) authentically reported wording of (this particular version of the) hadeeth is, “Anyone who possesses half a mustard seed of Pride (kibr) in his heart will not be granted admission to Paradise. And anyone who possesses half a mustard seed of Eemaan will not enter the (Eternal) Fire.” [1]

Kibr that openly opposes and negates Eemaan results in the banishment of the one who holds it from entering al-Jannah as is found in Allaah’s statement:

“And your Lord said: “Invoke Me, I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn (yastakbiroon – Have kibr) My worship, they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!” [Surah Ghaafir: 60]

This is the Kibr of Iblees (the Devil), Pharaoh and all the others who possessed the Kibr, which invalidated Eemaan. This is also the Kibr that the Jews possess and those whom Allaah has described to us by saying:

“Is it that whenever there came to you a Messenger with what you yourselves desired not, you grew arrogant? Some, you disbelieved and some, you killed.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 87]

Al-Kibr, in its entirety, openly opposes the essentials of al-Eemaan. As such he who has an atom’s weight of Kibr in his heart will not act upon that which Allaah has prescribed, nor will he abstain from that which Allaah has prohibited. Instead his Kibr shall result in his disavowal and rejection of the truth and instill in him contempt of others. This, precisely, is the explanatory definition of al-Kibr provide by the Prophet as is found in the complete version of the initial Hadeeth [“The one who possesses an atom’s weight of Kibr in his heart shall not be granted admission to Paradise.”]

He (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was asked: “[But] O Messenger of Allaah! A man likes to have fine clothing and footwear. Is this included in Kibr?” He responded, “No. Allaah is Beauty and loves Beauty. Kibr is the rejection of truth (Batrul-Haqq) and condescension of others (waa ghaamtun-naas).” [2]

The statement “Batarul-Haqq” denotes distain and rejection of the Truth, while “ghaamtun-naas” implies contempt and condescension of others from amongst mankind.

Therefore the one who possesses half a mustard seed of it (Kibr) rejects the Truth that he was ordered to accept and act upon. At the same time, the Kibr instills in him a sense of condescension that inculcates in the individual an oppressive demeanor producing transgression over the rights of others.

The one who neglects his obligations (due to his rejection of them) and is oppressive to others from amongst the creation is not to be amongst the people of Jannah (while in this state), or deserving of it. On the contrary, such an individual is to be counted amongst the people who are threatened with punishment!

His (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) statement: “Anyone who possesses a speck of Kibr in his heart will not be granted admission to Paradise” implies that the individual is not from the people of Jannah and is not deserving of it. But if he repents, or he possesses Hasaanaat (righteous deeds) that expiate his sins, or Allaah has given him Ibtillaah (trials and tests) in the form of calamities that have expunged his sins, or similar things; then for that individual the recompense of Kibr – which originally was a barrier for him to enter Jannah – is eliminated and he gains admission (to it). Similarly Allaah, due to Divine Grace, may forgive the individual (the sin of) Kibr. [3] None shall gain admission (to Paradise) while possessing an atom’s weight of Kibr. As a result, those (scholars) discussing this Hadeeth, and other Hadeeth that have a similar theme, have stated:

“Unconditional admission (to Paradise) – that is not in conjunction with punishment (for the sin of Kibr) – is what is being negated in this Hadeeth; not the admission to Jannah that is granted to those who have entered the Fire (to be purified and cleansed) and then are allowed admission to Paradise thereafter. (On the other hand) if a hadeeth explicitly declares that a particular person is in Jannah or that a particular person is from the People of Jannah, it would then be understood that he would enter the Jannah and not enter the fire (beforehand).”

After this clarification we come to understand the true meaning of these narrations as being that the one who possesses an atom’s weight of Kibr in his heart is not from the people of Paradise (up to that point) and shall not gain admission into it without punishment (for his sin). Surely he deserves punishment – due to the enormity of the sin – similar to those who perform the Major (Kabaa’ir) sins. Allaah may punish him in the Fire as long as He wishes, but none from amongst the people of Tawheed shall remain in the Fire eternally.

This is to be the way we understand all the Hadeeth that have a similar meaning. This understanding is to be used when seeking the meaning of his (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) statement: “The one who severs the ties of the womb shall not enter Jannah”[4] or “You shall not enter Jannah until you believe. And you shall not believe until you love one another. Shall I inform you of something that if you do you shall (truly) love each other? Spread the greetings of Salaam amongst yourselves.”

This is the understanding that we are to have when pondering over the ahaadeeth that contain threats of Punishment. In this way we understand that the hadeeth is general and can be attributed to both the unbelievers and the Muslims.

If one was to say: “All the Muslims enter Jannah due to their Islaam.” The response is that not all Muslims enter Jannah without punishment. Surely the people who have been threatened (with punishment in the Hereafter due to their sins) shall enter into the Fire to remain in it for the period that Allaah so wills even though they are not unbelievers. The individual who has some Eemaan coinciding with major sins may enter into the Fire and exit from it as a result of the Shafaa‘ah (Intercession) of the Prophet or by other reported means as articulated by the Prophet when he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“My Shafaa‘ah is for the people who commit Majors Sins from amongst my Ummah.” [5]

And he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said as is reported in the Saheeh: “I shall bring out of the Fire the one who possesses half a mustard seed of Eemaan.” [6]

In this way we understand what is in store for those whom Allaah has threatened with punishment – the murderer, fornicator/adulterer, the one who consumes intoxicants, and the one who misappropriates the wealth of the orphans, the one who witnesses falsehood and others who perform the deeds of the people of major sins. They – even if they are not unbelievers – are not deserving of the Jannah that they are promised (as Muslims) without first being (cleansed and purged through) punishment.

The madh-hab (way and belief) of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa‘ah is that the Foosaaq (deviant sinners) from amongst the general body of Muslims are not going to be eternally punished in the Fire as held by the Khawaarij[7] and the Mu‘tazilah.[8] They are not complete in their religion (Deen), Eemaan and obedience to Allaah.[9] They have good and bad deeds that necessitate a measure of punishment and reward. This is a concise dissertation regarding the issue.


Footnotes:

[1] Translator’s Note: Reported by Imaam Muslim, Abu Dawood and At-Tirmidhee on the authority of Ibn Mas‘ood. See Islaah al-Masaajid, checked by Shaykh Al-Albaanee rahimahullaah.

[2] Translator’s Note: Reported by Imam Muslim (54), Ibn Khuzaymah, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhee and Ibn Sa‘d on the authority of Ibn Mas‘ood. At-Tabaraanee reports it on the authority of ‘Abdullah bin Salaam

[3] Translator’s Note: Allaah the Most High says in Surah an-Nisaa’ (4:48): “Verily, Allaah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives what is besides that to whom He pleases, and whoever sets up partners with Allaah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.”

[4] Translator’s Note: Reported by Imaam Muslim (1765 – Abridged) al-Haakim, al-Bayhaqee, Abu Dawood, and at-Tirmidhee on the authority of Jubayr bin Mut‘aam.

[5] Translator’s Note: Turn to the Chapter “Shafaa‘ah for the People of Major Sins” (Pg. 61-108) in the highly beneficial book of the world-renowned Muhaddith, Shaykh Muqbil bin Haadee al-Waadi‘ee (rahimahullaah) titled: “Ash-Shafaa‘ah.” In the chapter the Shaykh reports seventy-six (76) ahaadeeth showing that those who perform Major sins are not excluded from the Shafaa‘ah of Allaah’s Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). This particular hadeeth can be found in the book on page 85, hadeeth number 56. Shaikh Abu ‘Abdir-Rahmaan Muqbil bin Haadee reports that the Hadeeth is collected by at-Tirmidhee (v. 4, pg. 45) on the authority of Anas and Jaabir. He then states: “And this hadeeth is Hasan Saheeh Ghareeb (good and authentic yet scarce in this mode). The Hadeeth is reported by Ibn Khuzaymah (pg. 270), Ibn Hibbaan as is stated in the Mawrid (pg. 640), and al-Haakim (vol. 1, pg. 69) said: ‘This hadeeth is authentic and meets the requirements set by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim even though they did not narrate it.’” Later on Shaykh Muqbil wrote: “Al-Haafidh Ibn Katheer said in his Tafseer (vol. 1, pg. 487) that its chain of narration is Saheeh and meets the requirements set by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim.” The Shaykh then takes us step by step through the chain of narration and proves convincingly that the hadeeth does not meet the requirements of Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim due to the presence of Mu‘aamar reporting from Thaabit. For further detailed analysis turn to pg. 85-88. In Shaykh al-Albaani’s Saheeh al-Jaami‘, he declares the hadeeth Saheeh on the authority of Jaabir, Ibn ‘Abbas, Ibn ‘Umar, Ka‘b bin ‘Ajrah and Anas.

[6] Translator’s Note: This is a segment of the famous Hadeeth of Shafaa‘ah collected by Al-Bukhaaree (vol. 13, pg. 472)

[7] Translator’s Note: Khawaarij is the plural of Kharijee – They are those who declared that a Muslim becomes a disbeliever due to committing a major sin alone.

[8] Translator’s Note: The Mu‘tazilah deem the one who does not agree with their understanding of Tawheed (7 false principles) is deemed a Mushrik. They believe that the sinners who are Muslim shall be in a place between Jannah and the Fire. Their beliefs are built on false logical deductions that led them to negate many of the Names and Attributes of Allaah. They were the deviant group who opposed the Imaam of Ahlus-Sunnah, Ahmad Ibn Hanbal by falsely claiming that the Qur’aan is created and not the Speech of Allaah.

[9] Translator’s Note: The Murji’ah believe that sins, major or minor, do not affect faith and that Eemaan neither increases nor decreases. They claim that actions are not part of faith and that people do not vary in faith.

The 70,000 That Will Enter Jannah Without Reckoning – Shaykh Usamah al-Utaybi [Audio|Ar-En]

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Kitaab at-Tawheed of Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘AbdulWahhab

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 1:17:40)

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Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas:

Allah’s Apostle said, ‘Nations were displayed before me; one or two prophets would pass by along with a few followers. A prophet would pass by accompanied by nobody. Then a big crowd of people passed in front of me and I asked, Who are they Are they my followers?” It was said, ‘No. It is Moses and his followers It was said to me, ‘Look at the horizon.” Behold! There was a multitude of people filling the horizon. Then it was said to me, ‘Look there and there about the stretching sky! Behold! There was a multitude filling the horizon,’ It was said to me, ‘This is your nation out of whom seventy thousand shall enter Paradise without reckoning.’ “Then the Prophet entered his house without telling his companions who they (the 70,000) were. So the people started talking about the issue and said, “It is we who have believed in Allah and followed His Apostle; therefore those people are either ourselves or our children who are born m the Islamic era, for we were born in the Pre-lslamic Period of Ignorance.” When the Prophet heard of that, he came out and said.

“Those people are those who do not treat themselves with Ruqya, nor do they believe in bad or good omen (from birds etc.) nor do they get themselves branded (Cauterized). but they put their trust (only) in their Lord “

On that ‘Ukasha bin Muhsin said. “Am I one of them, O Allah’s Apostle?’ The Prophet said, “Yes.” Then another person got up and said, “Am I one of them?” The Prophet said, ‘Ukasha has anticipated you.”

[Sahih bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 606]

Source:Posted from http://www.mpubs.org with permission. Visit Unity Upon Tawheed Bahamas Seminar 2012 with Shaykh Abu ‘Umar Usamah al-‘Utaybi

Belief in the Paradise and Hellfire – Abu Muhammad al-Maghribee [Mp3|En]

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Audio Courtesy : http://followthesalaf.com
[Mp3|English]

Sharh Thalathat al-Usool (Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles) – by Sheikh Muhammad ibn al-Uthaymeen, rahimahullah.

Listen / Download Mp3 Here  (Time 45:28)

The Path that Leads to Jannah – Abu Muhammad al-Maghribee [Mp3|En]

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Given in North Palm Beach, FL
http://followthesalaf.com/
[Mp3|English]

Listen / Download Part 01 Here (Time 55:45)

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Listen / Download Part 02 Here (Time 31:57)

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Listen / Download Part 03 Here (Time 01:04:38)

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Listen / Download Part 04 Here (Time 44:46)

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Listen / Download Part 05 Here(Time 54:07 )

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Listen / Download Part 06 Here (Time 32:20)

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Listen / Download Part 07 Here (Time 25:09)

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Listen / Download Part 08 Here (Time 49:11 )

Seeing Allaah (ar-Ru’yah) in The Hereafter – Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

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[Download mp3]

Listen :

[16] Seeing Allaah In The Hereafter : To have Faith in seeing Allaah on the Day of Resurrection. They will see Allaah with the eyes of their heads [1].

Notes :
1. Allaah says:
“Some faces that Day shall be shining and radiant. Looking at their Lord”. (Soorah al-Qiyaamah 75:22-23) Shuaib reports that Allaah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) said, “When the people of Paradise enter Paradise, Allaah, the Blessed and Most High, will say ‘Do you wish for anything extra that I may give you?’ They will say ‘Have You not brightened our faces? Have You not entered us into Paradise and saved us from the Fire?’ So He will remove the screen and they will not have been given anything more beloved to them as looking at their Lord, the Mighty and Majestic.” Reported by Muslim (Eng. trans. 1/114/no. 347) and others.

Hanbal said: I spoke to Abu ‘Abdullaah, meaning Ahmad (ibn Hanbal) about seeing Allaah (ar-Ru’yah). He said, “They are authentic ahaadeeth. We have Faith (Eemaan) in them and affirm it. We have Faith in and affirm everything reported from the Prophet (Peace be upon him) with good chains of narration.” Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee in Sharh Usool I’tiqaad Ahl is-Sunnah (no.889).

2. ‘Adiyy ibn Haatim reports that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “There is not one of you except that Allaah will speak to him on the Day of Resurrection, there being no interpreter between Him and him.” Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. trans. 8/358/no.547), Ahmad and at-Tirmidhee.

Source :
Sharh-us-Sunnah – Explanation of the Creed
by Abu Muhammad al-Hasan ibn ‘Alee ibn Khalf al Barbahaaree [d.329 H]
Explanation by Shaikh Saalih ibn Saalih al-Fawzaan
Translated by Abu Talhah Dawud ibn Ronald Burbank

Anyone who memorizes the Names of Allah will enter Jannah?

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Merit of memorizing the Magnificent Names of Allah

Q: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Allah has ninety-nine names; anyone who memorizes them will enter Jannah (Paradise). Does this mean that anyone who memorizes the Names of Allah will enter Jannah?

A: This is one of the Hadiths that promise Jannah and speaks of virtues and good deeds. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred less one. Anyone who learns them will enter Jannah. According to another narration: Anyone who memorizes them will enter Jannah. (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This Hadith urges us to consider carefully, ponder over, memorize and learn the Names of Allah, so that we can benefit from their great meanings, gain Khushu` (the heart being submissively attuned to the act of worship), obey Allah and fulfill our duty towards Him(Glorified and Exalted be He).

Anyone who memorizes the Names of Allah, fulfills their duties towards Him, and shuns the major sins will be admitted to Jannah while those who commit major sins subject themselves to Allah’s Wrath and their fate is left to His Will: He may punish them or admit them to Jannah. Memorizing and learning the Names of Allah is one means to enter Jannah if a person does not commit major sins. Attaining Jannah has certain conditions that must be fulfilled and certain obstacles that must be avoided. Committing sins is one of the obstacles which prevent one from entering Jannah with those who will enter first. A Muslim who commits sins and does not repent before death will eventually enter Jannah after being punished and purified.

Also, Allah may forgive and admit them to Jannah without punishment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The Fve (Obligatory Daily) Prayers, from one Jumu’ah (Friday Prayer) to the next and from one Ramadan to the next are expiation for (sins committed) in between, as long as major sins have been avoided. Major sins include those prohibited acts for which a warning of severe punishment is given. These include all those which incur Allah’s Wrath, and are cursed by our Prophet (peace be upon him) such as Zina (sexual intercourse outside marriage), consuming Khamr (intoxicant), undutifulness to parents, involvement in Riba (usury/interest), Ghibah (backbiting), Namimah (tale-bearing), etc.

These are some major sins whose committers will be left to Allah’s Will: He may forgive and admit them to Jannah due to their belief in His Oneness and their Islam or punish them in a manner commensurate with their sins and eventually bring them out of the Fire and into Jannah after purifying them of their sins. There are various Hadiths Mutawatir (Hadiths reported by a significant number of narrators throughout the chain of narration, whose agreement upon a lie is impossible) reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that indicate that many disobedient Muslimswill enter the Fire because of their sins and will be punished in a manner commensurate with these sins.

Afterwards, the disobedient will be taken out of the Fire due to the Shafa`ah (intercession) of the Prophet (peace be upon him), angels, other prophets, and the children who died before they reached the age of puberty while others will be granted forgiveness due to Allah’s Mercy. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: Verily, Allâh forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He wills .

Those disobedient Muslims are subject to Allah’s Will: He may forgive them and admit them to Jannah, or punish them in a manner commensurate with their sins and then take them out of the Fire as they will not stay therein forever. None will abide eternally in the Fire except the Kafir (disbeliever) and Mushrik (one who associates others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) who will not be forgiven.

Therefore, disobedient Muslims will not remain eternally in the Fire, according to Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah (adherents to the Sunnah and the Muslim mainstream) unlike the Khawarij (separatist group that believes committing a major sin amounts to disbelief) and Mu`tazilah (a deviant Islamic sect claiming that those who commit major sins are in a state between belief and disbelief) who believe that the disobedient will stay eternally in the Fire. However, Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah hold the view that the disobedient who have died as Muslims believing in the Oneness of Allah, but have not repented of their sins shall be subject to Allah’s Will. May Allah grant us all success!

Q: Will the one who memorize the Magnificent Names of Allah be admitted to Jannah (Paradise)?

A: It is reported in a Hadith Sahih (authentic Hadith) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred less one. Anyone who learns them will enter Jannah. According to another narration: Anyone who memorizes them will enter Jannah. These ninety-nine Names were not reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) in any Hadith Sahih. However, the Muslim who is guided to learning them, by heart and put into action – and they are ninety-nine Names, is promised that goodness.

The above is one of the Hadiths which speak of the virtues of memorizing the ninety-nine Names of Allah, provided that one does not die while insisting on committing major sins because they are one of the causes that deprive a person from entering Jannah and cause him to be thrown into the Fire, unless one attains Allah’s Forgiveness.

The basic principle is that unrestricted Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) and Hadiths should be interpreted in light of restricted ones, because neither the Ayah nor the Hadith contradicts each other. They rather confirm one another.

Allah (Glorified be He) says: If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall expiate from you your (small) sins, and admit you to a Noble Entrance (i.e. Paradise). Therefore, Allah indicates that avoiding major sins is a condition for expiating sins and entering Jannah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, The Five (Obligatory Daily) Prayers, from one Jumu’ah (Friday Prayer) to the next and from one Ramadan to the next are expiation for (sins committed) in between, as long as major sins have been avoided.

Those who memorize the ninety-nine Magnificent Names of Allah but commit Zina or consume Khamr are subject to Allah’s punishment and will be thrown into the Fire unless they repent and Allah forgives them.Contrary to the belief of Khawarij and Mu`tazilah, Muslims who believe in the Oneness of Allah will not abide eternally in the Fire for committing major sins. Those sinful people will be punished in a manner commensurate with their sins and then Allah will take them out of the Fire due to His Grace and Kindness. None will abide forever in the Fire except those whom the Qur’an and the Hadith rule as Kafir.

A disobedient person such as a fornicator, a thief, and those who are undutiful to their parents etc., will not abide eternally in the Fire. The disobedient, who did not repent of their sins before death, will not abide in the Fire forever. They are threatened to suffer the torment of the Fire. If Allah forgives them, He (Glorified and Exalted be He) is the Source of Generosity and Benevolence; otherwise He will punish them to a degree commensurate with their sins and will eventually take them out of the Fire after being purified.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) informed us in many concurrent Hadiths that the disobedient will be taken out of the Fire and he (peace be upon him) will intercede several times for them as will the angels, the believers, and the children who died before reaching the age of puberty. This is the truth which Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah follow and which differs from the view of Khawarij and Mu`tazilah. The view of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah is supported by Allah’s statement in His Noble Book: Verily, Allâh forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He wills Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) states that if one commits sins, the matter is subject to His Will but He will not forgive whoever dies as a Mushrik.

Anyone who dies as Mushrik will not be forgiven and will reside eternally in the Fire. A Mushrik is not considered to be one of Ahl-ul-Fatrah (people having no access to Divine Messages) or those who come under the same ruling as them, we seek refuge with Allah!

Whoever dies before repenting of their sins shall be subject to Allah’s Will; if He wills, He can pardon themout of His Grace, and if He wills He can punish them in a manner commensurate with their sins and then take them out of the Fire by His immense Bounty and Mercy after they have been purified. Khawarij and Mu`tazilah hold a different view, as they believe that the disobedient will remain eternally in the Fire but according to the followers of the Truth, this is false.

Q: Your Eminence, it was reported on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: Allah has ninety-nine Names, one hundred less one. Anyone who ‘ahsaha’ will enter Jannah. Does the word ‘ahsaha’ mentioned in the Hadith mean memorizing or just reading them? Please advise me, may Allah reward you with the best!

A: This Hadith was related in the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim) from the Prophet (peace be upon him). It was reported in two different wordings: first, “ahsaha” and second, anyone who memorizes them, will enter Jannah. The word ‘ahsaha’ means to memorize by heart and to act according to them. Thus, whoever learns the Names of Allah by heart and acts accordingly will be admitted to Jannah.

However, if one memorizes the Names of Allah by heart, but does not act or believe in them, they will be of no avail. The word ‘ahsaha’ means to memorize and act upon them. Therefore, it is Wajib upon whoever memorizes Allah’s Names to act accordingly. For example, a person should be ‘Rahim’, i.e. show mercy to others and should also believe that Allah is Al-`Aziz (the Ever-Mighty), Al-Hakim (the Most Wise), Al-Ra’uf (the Most Compassionate), Al-Rahim (the Most Beneficent), Al-Qadir (the All Powerful) Who has unlimited knowledge of all things.

Such a person should fear Allah and remember that He is watching them and should not persist in committing sins of which HisLord knows. They should avoid sins and all forms of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship).

One should exert all his efforts to memorize and act upon the Names of Allah, believe in Him and His Messenger, affirm the Names and the Attributes which Allah has affirmed for Himself in a manner befitting His majesty without Tahrif (distortion of the meaning), Ta`til (negation of the meaning or function of Allah’s Attributes), Takyif (descriptive designation of Allah’s Attributes), or Tamthil (likening Allah’s Attributes to those of His Creation) and believe that Allah is Perfect in His Essence, His Names, His Attributes and His Deeds, with no peer, equal or rival. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says in His Noble Book: Say (O Muhammad sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam): “He is Allâh, (the) One. “Allâh-us-Samad  [Allâh the Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (He neither eats nor drinks)]. “He begets not, nor was He begotten. “And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.” .

One must believe that Allah is the Self-Sufficient, Who is similar to nothing and nothing is comparable to Him; Whom all creatures need, Who is Perfect in His Essence, Who neither begets nor was He begotten, and Whom none is co-equal or is similar to Him. Allah (Exalted be He) says: There is nothing like Him; and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. And: Do you know of any who is similar to Him? And: So put not forward similitudes for Allâh (as there is nothing similar to Him, nor He resembles anything).

There is nothing equal, comparable, or that can rival Allah (Exalted be He). He is Perfect in all things; His Knowledge, His Essence, His Wisdom, His Mercy, His Honor, His Power, and in all His Names which if one memorizes and acts accordingly, will allow them admission to Jannah.

However, if the disobedient memorize and enumerate the Names of Allah, they will be subject to Allah’s Will; if He wills, He may forgive them, and if He wills He may punish them and eventually admit them to Jannah after they are taken out of the Fire and are purified provided that they have died as Muslims believing in the Oneness of Allah. Allah (Glorified be He) says: If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall expiate from you your (small) sins

Major sins include all forms of Shirk, Kufr (disbelief), and the sins that were forbidden by Allah and their doers cursed, and warned of a severe punishment and Allah’s Wrath. The servant to Allah, male and female, must shun them for Allah (Glorified be He) says: If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall expiate from you your (small) sins i.e., the minor sins and admit you to a Noble Entrance (i.e. Paradise).

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The Five (Obligatory Daily) Prayers, from one Jumu’ah (Friday Prayer) to the next and from one Ramadan to the next are expiation for (sins committed) in between, as long as major sins have been avoided. According to another narration: …so long as major sins are not committed. Major sins include Zina, theft, undutifulness to parents, severing the ties of kinship, consuming Riba, Ghibah, Namimah, fleeing during battle, and magic, in addition to other sins which Allah forbids.

Therefore, memorizing the Magnificent Names of Allah is one means of true happiness and being admitted into Jannah provided that one acts according to them, remains steadfast in obeying Allah and His Messenger, and does not persist in committing major sins.

Source : alifta.net – Fatwas of Nur `Ala Al-Darb

The inheritance of Paradise – Shaykh al-Albaani (rahimahullaah)

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source: alkhawf wa rrajaa – fear and hope (of Allaah) – tape no. 1

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Abu Huraira (radi Allaahu ‘anhu) said that the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever fears (Allaah) sets out at nightfall,[1] and whoever sets out at nightfall will reach the goal. Indeed, the goods of Allaah are expensive; indeed, the goods of Allaah is Paradise.”[2]

Shaykh al-Albaani (rahimahullaah) comments:

“The meaning of this is that there is a price for entering Paradise and that entering it does not happen by feeling safe (from the plan of Allaah) and at-tawaakul (not taking any means and saying ‘Allaah will provide for me’), but rather it happens by (doing) righteous deeds and at-tawakkul (taking the means and putting one’s trust) in Allaah, the Blessed and Most High; as Allaah, the Might and Majestic, said: ‘And say (O Muhammad (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)) ‘Do deeds! Allaah will see your deeds, and (so will) His Messenger [sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam].’’[3]

And in this hadeeth, there is an indication of the noble aayah that says: ‘This is the Paradise which you have been made to inherit because of your deeds which you used to do (in the life of the world),’[4] and in the other aayah: ‘Enter you Paradise because of that (the good) which you used to do (in the world).’[5] And here, it occurs to many students who have some participation in studying theSunnah, as they read or at least hear the statement of the Messenger (of Allaah) (‘alayhi ssalaat wa ssalaam) which is established in the saheehayn[6] that he [sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said:  “‘None of you will enter Paradise by his (good) deeds, but rather by the Favor of Allaah and His Mercy.’ They said, ‘Not even you O Messenger of Allaah?’ He [sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said, ‘Not even myself, unless Allaah encompasses me with His Favor and His Mercy.’”[7] So it seems that there is a contradiction between this hadeeth and the previousaayah along with our hadeeth in this book of ours where (the Prophet) (‘alayhi ssalaam) said: ‘Indeed, the goods of Allaah are expensive; indeed, the goods of Allaah is Paradise.’ Hence, there is a price (that one must pay) for Paradise and the two previous aayaat indicate that the price of Paradise is righteous deeds, and there is no doubt that good deeds do not benefit the one who does them at all except if he is truly a believer in Allaah and His Messenger [sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam]. So therefore, the price of Paradise is eemaan (faith) and righteous deeds. Then how does one reconcile between these three texts – this reality that we learned from our hadeeth tonight, ‘Indeed, the goods of Allaah are expensive’ and from the two previous aayaat – and between this hadeeth: ‘None of you will enter Paradise by his (good) deeds, but rather by the Favor of Allaah and His Mercy’?

The reconciliation between (these two) is that… that which is negated in the lasthadeeth ‘None of you will enter Paradise by his (good) deeds’ is one thing and that which is confirmed in the aayah ‘Enter you Paradise because of that (the good) which you used to do (in the world)’ is something else. That which is established in the aayah and the like is merely the entrance (into Paradise), i.e., the key to Paradise, as mentioned in some narrations from Wahb bin Munabbih in Saheeh al-Bukhaari: ‘…the key to Paradise is laa ilaaha illAllaah (none has the right to be worshiped but Allaah).’[8] So the key to Paradise is this eemaan (faith) and righteous deeds. But, if this Muslim enters Paradise and he enjoys in it, as mentioned in some authentic narrations, that which ‘no eye has seen, no ear has heard and (that which) has not come to the mind of a human being,’[9] then this type of enjoyment is not by means of a price that this enjoyer presented, but rather (it is) by the Favor of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and His Mercy.

So the price of merely entering (into Paradise) is eemaan (faith) and righteous deeds. As for, part of the specific nature of enjoyment in Paradise which we pointed to previously – there is in it what ‘no eye has seen, no ear has heard and (what) has not come to the mind of a human being’ – then there is no price for this; it is impossible for a price to be determined for it. Why?

It has been mentioned in Saheeh Muslim from the hadeeth of ‘Abdullaah bin Mas’ood (radi Allaahu ‘anhu) that the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:[10] ‘Indeed, I know the last man to come out from the Fire and the last man to enter Paradise. A man will come out of the Fire crawling.’ The meaning of this is that he comes out of the Fire being the most punished in it from the Muslims,and he comes out destroyed, exhausted (and) fatigued. Therefore, he is not able to walk straight as Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, created him. But rather, he crawls until his life returns to him and his limbs are energetic and active. So he walks in this manner until Allaah, the Blessed and Most High, shows him a very great tree from far such that he is captivated by its beauty and splendor. And he wished for the Favor of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and His Mercy after He saved him from the His severe punishment. Thus, he says: ‘O my Lord! Bring me to this tree so that I may be shaded by its shade, eat from its fruit[11] and drink from its water.’ Then Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, says, while having more knowledge of His slave: ‘Would you ask me for other than it?’ (The man) says: ‘No O Lord, I will not ask you for other than it.’ So Allaah, the Blessed and Most High, brings him to that tree such that he is shaded by its shade, eats from its fruit and drinks from its water. Then, he continues on his way toward Paradise. Meanwhile, another tree appears to him which is more radiant, more beautiful and greater than the first one. So he hopes again and wishes more and more for the Favor of Allaah, so he asks Him and says: ‘O my Lord! Bring me to this tree’- and repeats the previous saying, then he is shaded by its shade and so on. Then Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, says: ‘Would you ask me for other than it?’ (The man) says: ‘I will not ask you for other than it,’ while (Allaah) is more knowledgeable of him; our Lord knows that he will wish and wish until he enters Paradise. So He brings him to that tree such that he is shaded by its shade, eats from its fruit[12] and drinks from its water. Then, he continues on his way until he comes near the door of Paradise such that part of its refreshment, scent and joy come to him and he hears the voices of the people of Paradise. Thus, he says: ‘O my Lord! Let me enter Paradise,’ and maybe he says ‘Let me enter past the door of Paradise.’ So Allaah, the Blessed and Most High, says: ‘Enter Paradise, and there is for you the like of the world and ten times as much.’ So, the slave – almost not believing in the like of this divine favor when (Allaah) says to him ‘there is for you in Paradise the like of the world and ten times as much’ – says: ‘Are you mocking me while you are the Lord?’ And here, the narrator of the hadeeth laughed, who was ‘Abdullaah bin Mas’ood as we mentioned. So he was asked by the one to whom he was narrating this hadeeth: ‘Why did you laugh?’ He said: ‘Because when the Messenger (of Allaah) (‘alayhi ssalaam) narrated the statement of the slave to His Lord ‘Are you mocking me while you are the Lord,’ he (‘alayhi ssalaat was salaam) had also laughed.’ They had asked the Messenger (of Allaah) (‘alayhi ssalaam) himself (about his reason for laughing), so he [sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said: ‘Because Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, laughed at His slave when he said ‘Are you mocking me while you are the Lord.’

What is clear from the hadeeth is that this person is the last to come out from the Fire and the last to enter Paradise, and he will have the like of the world and ten times as much. So does this destroyed person, who was the last to come out of the Fire, deserve this vast dominion in Paradise for his (good) deeds? No, this is by the Favor of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and His Mercy…

Thus, if we regard this detailed explanation, the contradiction disappears between this hadeeth and the two aayaat. And this is one of the many examples in which some contradiction appears to some people, even the sincere ones amongst them, between some texts, whether from the Qur’aan and Sunnah or from each of them individually. So, the Muslim must not be hasty and he must reflect on both texts, and if the way for reconciling between the two is not possible for him, he (should) ask the one who is above him, as our Lord, the Blessed and Most High, said: ‘So ask the people of the Reminder if you do not know.’”[13]

[1] Shaykh al-Albaani explains: “i.e., he is headed for good and righteous deeds early, and he hastens to do them.”
[2] Saheeh at-Tirmidhee #2450
[3] Surat ut-Tawbah, 9:105
[4] Surat uz-Zukhruf, 43:72
[5] Surat un-Nahl, 16:32
[6] the two saheehs, i.e. Saheeh al-Bukhaari and Saheeh Muslim
[7] Saheeh al-Bukhaari #5673, Saheeh Muslim #2816
[8] Saheeh al-Bukhaari, Book 23, Chapter 1
[9] Saheeh al-Bukhaari #4779
[10] the following includes the narrations of Saheeh Muslim #186 and #187, in addition to the shaykh’s commentary
[11] the wording, “eats from its fruit,” is found in Saheeh aj-Jaami’ #1557 and attributed to the second tree
[12] the wording, “eats from its fruit,” is found in Saheeh aj-Jaami’ #1557
[13] Surat ul-Ambiyaa, 21:7

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asaheeha translations

A Way to Jannah – Sahih Bukhari

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Hadith – Sahih Bukhari 3:894, Narrated Abu Huraira

Allah’s Apostle Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam said,

“Allah has ninety-nine names, i.e. one-hundred minus one, and whoever knows them will go to Paradise.”

Hadith – Sahih Bukhari 8:419, Narrated Abu Huraira

“Allah has ninety-nine Names, i.e., one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Paradise; and Allah is Witr (one) and loves ‘the Witr’ (i.e., odd numbers)”

Three Categories of People on the Day of Resurrection – Tafseer Ibn Kathir

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Tafseer Ibn Kathir : 56. Al-Waqi’ah

(7. And you (all) will be in three groups. )
(8. So those on the right — how (fortunate) will be those on the right!)
(9. And those on the left — how (unfortunate) will be those on the left!)
(10. And those foremost will be foremost.)

Allah’s statement,

(And you (all) will be in three groups.) This means that people will be divided into three categories on the Day of Resurrection.

Some will on the right of Allah’s Throne, and they are those who were brought forth from `Adam’s right side. This category will be given their Books of Records in their right hand and will be taken to the right side. As-Suddi explained that they will comprise the majority of the residents of Paradise.

Another category is those who will be placed to the left of Allah’s Throne, and they are those who were brought forth from `Adam’s left side. This category will be given their Books of Records in their left hands and will be taken to the left side. They are the residents of the Fire, may Allah save us from their actions.

A third category is comprised of those who are the foremost and nearest before Allah. They are in a better grade and status and nearer to Allah than those on the right side. They are the chiefs of those on the right side, because they include the Messengers, Prophets, true believers and martyrs. They are fewer than those on the right side;

so Allah said,

(So those on the right — how will be those on the right! And those on the left — how will be those on the left! And those foremost will be foremost.) Allah divides people into these three groups upon their death, as indicated by the end of this Surah. Allah mentioned them in His statement as well,

(Then We gave the Book as inheritance to such of Our servants whom We chose. Then of them are some who wrong themselves, and of them are some who follow a middle course, and of them are some who are, by Allah’s leave, foremost in good deeds.)(35:32) Muhammad bin Ka`b, Abu Hazrah Ya`qub bin Mujahid said that,

(And those foremost will be foremost.) is about the Prophets, peace be upon them, while As-Suddi said that they are the residents of the utmost highs (Ahl Al-`Illiyyin, in Paradise). The meaning of foremost is that they were foremost in performing the acts of righteousness just as Allah commanded them,

(And march forth in the way to forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth.)(3:133) and,

(Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your Lord, and Paradise the width whereof is as the width of the heaven and the earth.)(57:21) Therefore, those who rush to obey Allah in this life and are foremost in performing acts of righteousness, will be among the foremost believers honored in the Hereafter. Verily, the reward is according to the kind of deed, and as one does, so he is judged. So Allah said:

(These will be the nearest (to Allah). In the Gardens of Delight.)

Source : Quran : Tafsir Ibn Kathir :  Surah No.56 : Three Categories of People on the Day of Resurrection

No poverty after Paradise, and no Riches after the Fire – Sayings of the Salaf

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It is reported that Jundub b. ‘Abdillâh Al-Bajalî – Allah be pleased with him – was once asked for advice and instruction. He said:

I advise you to fear Allâh and obey Him (taqwâ) and I advise you to adhere to the Quran, for it is a light in the datk night and a guidance during the day, so implement it no matter how much struggle and poverty you have to face. If a calamity befalls you, put your wealth forward to protect your religion, and if the calamity continues, put forward your wealth and your life to save your religion [but never risk your religion], for the ruined is he whose religion is ruined, and the looted is he whose religion is taken. And know that there is no poverty after Paradise, and no riches after the Fire.

Al-Dhahabî, Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ` 3:174.

http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/no-poverty-after-paradise-and-no-wealth-in-the-fire/

Story of a person of People of Paradise – Musnad of Ahmad

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It is reported in the Musnad of Ahmad from Anas, radi Allahu anhu, that he said:

“We were sitting in the presence of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam one day and he said, ‘A person is about to arrive from this mountain path who is from the people of Paradise.’

So a person from the Ansar arrived, his beard dripping with water from wudoo and holding his sandals in his left hand, and he gave us the salaam.

Then next day the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said words of similar import and the same person appeared in the same condition. On the third day Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam again said words of similar import and again this person appeared in the same condition, so when Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam left, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin al-Aas followed this person and said, ‘Indeed I have abused my father and I swear that I would not go to him for three days so if you would let me stay with you until those three days expire, I would do so.’ He replied, ‘Yes.'”

Anas continued saying, “So ‘Abdullah told us that he spent three nights with this person yet he did not see him stand for the night prayer at all. All he did was when he turned sides on his bed he would mention Allah and make takbeer and would do this until he stood for fajr prayer.’ Abdullah said, ‘Except that I never hear him speak except good‘. So when the three days were over I was eager to make little of his actions. I said, ‘O servant of Allah there was no hatred or disassociation between my father and me but I heard Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam saying on three occasions, “A person is about to arrive who is from the people of Paradise,” and you arrived on those three occasions, so I wished to stay with you so that I may look at your actions and emulate them. But I have not seen you perform a great deal of actions, so what is it that has reached you to make Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam say what he said?’ He replied, ‘It is nothing more than what you have seen, except that I do not find in myself any disloyalty to any of the Muslims, and neither do I find any jealousy for the wealth that Allah has bestowed upon them.’ Abdullah said, ‘This is that which has reached you and is something that we cannot endure.'”

This hadith is authentic and classified as hassan. It is narrated in Musnad Imam Ahmed, and Albazar as well as others in many different chains.

AbdurRahman.Org : Islamic Knowledge – Islam, Sunnah, Salafiyyah
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