The Ranks Of Paradise

Banu Salleh

“Those who believe emigrate and strive with might and main in Allah’s cause with their wealth and their persons have the highest rank in the sigh of Allah. They are the ones who will achieve (salvation). Their Lord gives them glad tidings of a mercy from Himself and good pleasure and of gardens for them wherein is lasting enjoyment. They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with Allah is a great reward.” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:20-22)

“Look how We have bestowed more on some than on others. But verily in the hereafter is greater difference in rank and preference.” (Surah Al-Isra’, 17:21)

“O you who believe! When you are told to make room in assemblies, (spread out and) make room. (Ample) room will Allah provide for you. And when you are told to rise up, rise up. Allah will raise those of you who believe and who have been granted knowledge in rank. Allah is well – acquainted with all you do.” (Surah Al-Mujadalah, 58:11)

“Verily, he who comes to his Lord as a criminal (at judgment), for him is Hell, wherein he shall neither die nor live. But he who comes to Him as a believer who has worked righteous deeds, for them are ranks exalted gardens of eternity, beneath which flow rivers, dwelling therein forever. Such is the reward of those who purify themselves (from evil).” (Surah Ta Ha, 20:74-76)

It is narrated that the Prophet SAW said: “Whoever believes in Allah and His Apostle , offers prayer perfectly and fasts the month of Ramadhan will rightfully be granted Paradise by Allah, no matter whether he fights in Allah’s cause or remains in the land where he is born.” The people said, “Oh Allah’s Apostle! Shall we acquaint the people with this good news?” He said, “Paradise has one hundred grades which Allah has reserved for the mujahidin who fight in His cause, and the distance between each of two grades is like the distance between the Heaven and the earth. So when you ask Allah (for something), ask for Al-Firdaus which is the best and highest part of Paradise.” (The sub narrator added, “I think the Prophet SAW also said ‘Above it (Al-Firdaus) is the throne of the beneficent (Allah), and from its originating the rivers of Paradise.” (Al Bukhari)

Sahl bin Sa’ad RA reported that the Messenger SAW said: “The people of Paradise will look to the upper apartment of Paradise in the same way as you see the planets in the sky.” (Muslim).

Abu Sa’id al Khudri RA narrated that the Prophet SAW said: “The people of Paradise will look at the dwellers of the lofty mansions (a superior place in Paradise) in the same way as one looks at a brilliant star far away in the East or in the West on the horizon. That is because of their superiority over one another (in rewards).” Because of that, the people said, “Oh Allah’s Apostle! Are these lofty mansions the prophet’s which nobody else can reach?” The Prophet SAW replied, “By Allah, in whose hands my life is, some men who believe in Allah and trust His Apostles will be able to reach them.” (Al Bukhari and Muslim)

Anas bin Malik RA reported that Umm Ar-Rubaa’ binti Al Baraah RA the mother of Harithah bin Suraqah RA came to the Prophet SAW and said: “OH Allah’s Prophet! Will you tell me about Harithah?” Harithah had been martyred on the day of Badar with an arrow by an unidentified person. She added, “If he is in Paradise, I will weep bitterly for him.” He said, “Oh mother of Harithah! There are gardens in Paradise, and your son got the Firdaus at A’la (the best place in Paradise).” (Al-Bukhari)

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