Description of Paradise?

Question

Our final destination is the life of the Hereafter. Where we end up, Jannah (Paradise) or Jahannam (Hell-fire) depends on what we worked towards in this life. Paradise is the aim and the hope of every Muslim. But like trying to attain any goal, in order to achieve success, one must have a well-defined plan, and it must be implemented to be successful. Allah says, "O you who believe! Be careful of (your duty to) Allah and seek means of nearness to Him and strive hard in His way that you may be successful." [5:35] To prepare for our journey, we need to find out what our destination is like; who are its people, and most importantly, how to get there.

The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, told us that within Paradise are things that no eyes have ever seen, nor ears have ever heard, and that things in it are beyond our imagination and comprehension, but we all have our own personal ideas of what eternal bliss would probably be like. I remember a few years ago, I overheard my niece and my nephew discussing the landscape, and the privileges of living in Jannah. My nephew was telling my niece that in Jannah, they would be able to eat all the candy that they wanted and that there would be streams of chocolate and trees of ice cream. I always tell people, that Paradise for me, would be being able to eat all the cheesecake and chocolate that I wanted, without gaining a pound. But what Allah has in store for the believers is so much more than this. He, in His Book, and through His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, has given us a clear picture of our goal, so that we can keep it in front of us at all times. By keeping our eyes on the prize, no matter our hardships in this worldly life, we can strive that much harder to attain it.

Allah says, "And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as he ought to strive and he is a believer; (as for) these, their striving shall surely be accepted." [17:19] Allah has also described Paradise in many places in the Qur'an, so let us now take a look at what He has in store for the believers.

Description in the Qur'an of Paradise

“The description of Paradise which the Muttaqoon have been promised is that in it are rivers of water, the taste and smell of which are never changed. Rivers of milk the taste of which will remain unchanged. Rivers of wine that will be delicious to those who drink from it and rivers of clear, pure honey. For them will be every kind of fruit and forgiveness form their Lord." [47:15]

"And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient. Reclining on raised thrones, they will see there neither the excessive heat of the sun, nor the excessive bitter cold, (as in Paradise there is no sun and no moon). The shade will be close upon them, and bunches of fruit will hang low within their reach. Vessels of silver and cups of crystal will be passed around amongst them, crystal-clear, made of silver. They will determine the measure of them according to their wishes. They will be given a cup (of wine) mixed with Zanjabeel, and a fountain called Salsabeel. Around them will (serve) boys of perpetual youth. If you see them, you would think they are scattered pearls. When you look there (in Paradise) you will see a delight (that can not be imagined), and a Great Dominion. Their garments will be of fine green silk and gold embroidery. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink." [76:12-21]

"And those foremost (In Tawheed and obedience to Allah and His Messenger in this life) will be foremost (in Paradise). They will be those nearest to Allah in the Gardens of Delight. A multitude of those (the foremost) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islam) and a few of those (the foremost) will be from the later (generations). They will be reclining, face to face, on thrones woven with gold and precious stones. They will be served by immortal boys, with cups and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine, from which they will have neither any headache, nor any intoxication. They will have fruit from which they may choose, and the flesh of fowls that they desire. There will be Houris with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious), like preserved pearls, a reward for deeds that they used to do. They will hear no vain or sinful speech (like backbiting, etc.) but only the saying of: Salam, Salam, (greetings of peace). And those on the Right Hand, who will be those on the Right Hand? They will be among thorn-less lote-trees among Talh (banana trees) with fruits piled one above another, in long-extended shade, by constantly flowing water, and fruit in plenty, whose season is not limited, and their supply will not be cut off. They will be on couches or thrones raised high. Verily, We have created for them (maidens) of equal age, loving (their husbands only). For those on the Right Hand." [56:10-38]

"Verily, the dwellers of Paradise that Day, will be busy in joyful things. They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, reclining on thrones. They will have therein fruits (of all kinds), and all that they will ask for. (It will be said to them): "Salamun" (Peace be on you), a Word from the Lord, Most Merciful." [36:55-58]

Can you imagine? Wearing the finest silk clothing and sitting on chairs made of gold and precious stones? Those who disbelieve in the words of Allah, say that this is all a fairy-tale, made up by a would-be prophet. But we know, that Allah is the Truthful and that His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, spoke only what was revealed to from the Most Truthful. And even though Allah describes Paradise for us in the Qur'an, He still says, "So no soul knows the delights of the eyes which is hidden for them; a reward for what they did." [32:17]

Apart from the Qur'anic descriptions of Paradise, the Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, would often describe Paradise to his companions. His descriptions were oftentimes so vivid and moving, that many-a-companion would hurriedly rush towards it. This was the case, as Anas narrated that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, and his companions proceeded towards Badr and arrived there before the disbelievers (of Makkah). When the disbelievers arrived, the Messenger of Allah said, "None of you should step forward ahead of me to do anything." Then the disbelievers advanced (towards us), and the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhi wasallam, said, "Rise to enter Paradise whose width is equal to the Heavens and the Earth." Umayr Ibnul Humam al-Ansari asked, "O Messenger of Allah, is Paradise equal in width to the heavens and the earth?" He, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, said, "Yes." Umayr said, "Bak'hin! Bak'hin!" (An Arabic word denoting excitement and astonishment) The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, asked him, "What made you say these words: Bak'hin, Bak'hin?" He said, "Messenger of Allah, nothing but the desire to be amongst its residents." He, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, said, "You are surely among its residents." He then took some dates form his bag and began to eat them. Then he said, "If I were to live until I had eaten all of the dates, indeed this life would be too long." Anas then said, "He threw away the remaining dates he had with him. He then fought (the disbelievers) until he was killed." (Muslim)

What words could have inspired Umair and others like him to long for, and to pay the ultimate price for a place in Paradise? Let's now take a look at what the Messenger of Allah, had to say about Paradise.


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Answer 1

Well written.
Also, I noticed 1 thing. Why is it that when Muslims leave their opinions on here, whether it's questions or plain articles, we have nobody else BUT CHRISTIANS who start throwing in their Jesus is this, Jesus is that crap at us? If we wanted to know, we'll just ask. Otherwise sthu and let us Muslims express our selves as we wish. If you don't like what we have to say, then buzz off and read something else. Why waste everybody's time, especially you're own if you think that this is nothing but rants?

Answer 2

I believe that mankind tries desperately to frame our ideas of the afterlife within the constructs of our daily lives, or what we think that we would like to have. Virgins, pearly gates, and streets paved of gold, absurd. But it basically goes like this: paradise (reward) and damnation (punishment). I believe in basic Kharma. But I do not wish to follow any religion that tells me that I am going to burn for eternity if I do not think of behave a certain way. Nor do I want to follow any religion that tells me that there are ways to accomplish something in any way other than through peace and love.

I believe that if you simply do unto others as you would have them do unto you, is a very simple way to live life, happy and humble.

I believe that paradise or heaven, is something that I nor any human can ever truly comprehend. I can have an idea of what it must be like, but I am bound by my human flesh and blood. But in this life, I can seek the truth as my spiritual guide.

I have tried to imagine what true paradise would be like. And for me, it would be as if my spirit is set free and becomes a part of something greater. It would be as though my spirit has delved into a pool of flowing warmth and energy. And I am no longer just me, but a part of the pool of great energy, and enlightenment, which is fluid and free. There would be no more riddles. And suddenly nothing matters because "we" know that we have become a part of something much greater than any one man can be. Paradise is when "I" no longer exist. We become a part of that very good energy that governs the entire universe, and all of our good energy is needed there, just as it is needed on Earth.

Peace

Answer 3

Perform good deeds, serve mankind, purify the soul and by repeated good actions in every subsequent birth, one day your soul will attain freedom from this cycle of birth and rebirth.

That is the aim of life.

By the way, what's the question? This is a rant and qualifies to be reported! Dude, get real!

Answer 4

You seem to think that we must strive and work to attain paradise. Jesus offers it to us freely and we cannot earn it. It is much easier for a Christian to get to Heaven than anyone else. We only have to accept what payment Jesus made on the cross for us, not what we do ourselves. God bless.

Answer 5

All I know, from my personal experience, being in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ is as close as paradise one can get and describe on this side of eternity. Words cannot describe the joy, the peace, and pleasure of loving on Father God through Jesus Christ, His beloved Son...simply priceless!!!!!

Answer 6

Just one point out of all that diatribe,it was Jesus Who said,` No eye has seen no ear has heard,nor has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love Him.

Answer 7

You will find it in Qur'an in many many places.

Answer 8

Well that was quite a rant

Answer 9

wow this was wayyy to long!

Answer 10

What?