Eternal Friendship, Heavenly Conversation, Visiting and the Company of the Righteous
Paradise will not be an existence of isolated individuals. The Qur’an describes its inhabitants entering together, sitting face-to-face, speaking with one another, remembering their worldly lives, receiving angels through their gates and living without jealousy, resentment, lies or hurtful speech. The narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt further describe the people of Paradise recognising one another, visiting one another, meeting friends even when their heavenly ranks differ, receiving angels as honoured visitors and enjoying the companionship of the prophets.
Part One: Qur’anic Description of Social Life in Paradise
Category One: Righteous Friendship and Companionship
1. The Finest Companions
Qur’an — Surah al-Nisā’ 4:69–70
Arabic
وَمَنْ يُطِعِ اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ وَالشُّهَدَاءِ وَالصَّالِحِينَ وَحَسُنَ أُولَٰئِكَ رَفِيقًا ذَٰلِكَ الْفَضْلُ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَكَفَىٰ بِاللَّهِ عَلِيمًا.
English Translation
“Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be with those whom Allah has blessed: the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the righteous. How excellent they are as companions! That is the favour of Allah, and Allah is sufficient as the All-Knowing.”
Reference: Qur’an 4:69–70.
Short Comment
The believer will live among the noblest servants of Allah.
2. Righteous Friendship Will Survive the Hereafter
Qur’an — Surah al-Zukhruf 43:67
Arabic
الْأَخِلَّاءُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقِينَ.
English Translation
“Close friends on that Day will become enemies to one another, except the God-conscious.”
Reference: Qur’an 43:67.
Short Comment
Friendship built upon taqwā will survive eternally.
Category Two: Brotherhood Without Jealousy or Resentment
3. All Rancour Will Be Removed
Qur’an — Surah al-A‘rāf 7:43
Arabic
وَنَزَعْنَا مَا فِي صُدُورِهِمْ مِنْ غِلٍّ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهِمُ الْأَنْهَارُ وَقَالُوا الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي هَدَانَا لِهَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لِنَهْتَدِيَ لَوْلَا أَنْ هَدَانَا اللَّهُ لَقَدْ جَاءَتْ رُسُلُ رَبِّنَا بِالْحَقِّ وَنُودُوا أَنْ تِلْكُمُ الْجَنَّةُ أُورِثْتُمُوهَا بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ.
English Translation
“We will remove whatever rancour remains within their hearts. Rivers will flow beneath them, and they will say: ‘All praise belongs to Allah, who guided us to this. We could never have been guided had Allah not guided us. The messengers of our Lord certainly came with the truth.’ And it will be proclaimed to them: ‘This is Paradise, which you have inherited because of what you used to do.’”
Reference: Qur’an 7:43.
Short Comment
Jealousy, hatred and hidden resentment will disappear.
4. Brothers Sitting Face-to-Face
Qur’an — Surah al-Ḥijr 15:45–48
Arabic
إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَعُيُونٍ ادْخُلُوهَا بِسَلَامٍ آمِنِينَ وَنَزَعْنَا مَا فِي صُدُورِهِمْ مِنْ غِلٍّ إِخْوَانًا عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍ مُتَقَابِلِينَ لَا يَمَسُّهُمْ فِيهَا نَصَبٌ وَمَا هُمْ مِنْهَا بِمُخْرَجِينَ.
English Translation
“The God-conscious will be within Gardens and springs. ‘Enter them in peace and security.’ We will remove whatever rancour remains within their hearts; they will be brothers, seated upon couches facing one another. No fatigue will touch them therein, nor will they ever be removed from it.”
Reference: Qur’an 15:45–48.
Short Comment
Their gatherings will contain brotherhood without rivalry.
5. The Foremost Will Recline Facing One Another
Qur’an — Surah al-Wāqi‘ah 56:10–16
Arabic
وَالسَّابِقُونَ السَّابِقُونَ أُولَٰئِكَ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ فِي جَنَّاتِ النَّعِيمِ ثُلَّةٌ مِنَ الْأَوَّلِينَ وَقَلِيلٌ مِنَ الْآخِرِينَ عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍ مَوْضُونَةٍ مُتَّكِئِينَ عَلَيْهَا مُتَقَابِلِينَ.
English Translation
“The foremost are indeed the foremost. They are those brought near, within Gardens of Bliss: a multitude from the earlier generations and a smaller number from the later generations, upon richly woven couches, reclining upon them facing one another.”
Reference: Qur’an 56:10–16.
Short Comment
Heavenly life includes relaxed face-to-face gatherings.
Category Three: Conversation, Memory and Shared Experiences
6. The People of Paradise Will Converse About Former Companions
Qur’an — Surah al-Ṣāffāt 37:40–57
Arabic
إِلَّا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ الْمُخْلَصِينَ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ رِزْقٌ مَعْلُومٌ فَوَاكِهُ وَهُمْ مُكْرَمُونَ فِي جَنَّاتِ النَّعِيمِ عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍ مُتَقَابِلِينَ يُطَافُ عَلَيْهِمْ بِكَأْسٍ مِنْ مَعِينٍ بَيْضَاءَ لَذَّةٍ لِلشَّارِبِينَ لَا فِيهَا غَوْلٌ وَلَا هُمْ عَنْهَا يُنْزَفُونَ وَعِنْدَهُمْ قَاصِرَاتُ الطَّرْفِ عِينٌ كَأَنَّهُنَّ بَيْضٌ مَكْنُونٌ فَأَقْبَلَ بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ قَالَ قَائِلٌ مِنْهُمْ إِنِّي كَانَ لِي قَرِينٌ يَقُولُ أَإِنَّكَ لَمِنَ الْمُصَدِّقِينَ أَإِذَا مِتْنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَابًا وَعِظَامًا أَإِنَّا لَمَدِينُونَ قَالَ هَلْ أَنْتُمْ مُطَّلِعُونَ فَاطَّلَعَ فَرَآهُ فِي سَوَاءِ الْجَحِيمِ قَالَ تَاللَّهِ إِنْ كِدْتَ لَتُرْدِينِ وَلَوْلَا نِعْمَةُ رَبِّي لَكُنْتُ مِنَ الْمُحْضَرِينَ.
English Translation
“Except the purified servants of Allah. They will have a known provision—fruits—and they will be honoured within Gardens of Bliss, upon couches facing one another. A cup from a flowing spring will be passed among them, clear and delightful to those who drink, containing no harm and causing no loss of reason. With them will be wide-eyed companions who restrain their gaze, as though they were carefully protected pearls. Then they will turn toward one another, asking and conversing. One of them will say: ‘I once had a companion who used to say: Are you really one of those who believe? When we die and become dust and bones, will we really be brought to judgment?’ He will say: ‘Would you like to look?’ Then he will look and see him in the midst of Hell. He will say: ‘By Allah, you almost ruined me. Had it not been for the favour of my Lord, I too would have been among those brought there.’”
Reference: Qur’an 37:40–57.
Short Comment
Personal memory remains, and the inhabitants will converse about their earthly lives.
7. They Will Remember Their Former Struggles Together
Qur’an — Surah al-Ṭūr 52:25–28
Arabic
وَأَقْبَلَ بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ قَالُوا إِنَّا كُنَّا قَبْلُ فِي أَهْلِنَا مُشْفِقِينَ فَمَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا وَوَقَانَا عَذَابَ السَّمُومِ إِنَّا كُنَّا مِنْ قَبْلُ نَدْعُوهُ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْبَرُّ الرَّحِيمُ.
English Translation
“They will turn toward one another, asking and conversing. They will say: ‘Previously, while among our families, we lived in fear and concern. Then Allah favoured us and protected us from the torment of the scorching wind. We used to call upon Him before. Indeed, He alone is the Most Kind, the Most Merciful.’”
Reference: Qur’an 52:25–28.
Short Comment
Friends will remember their trials and thank Allah together.
Category Four: Pure and Peaceful Conversation
8. Their Greeting Will Be Peace and Their Words Praise
Qur’an — Surah Yūnus 10:9–10
Arabic
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ يَهْدِيهِمْ رَبُّهُمْ بِإِيمَانِهِمْ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهِمُ الْأَنْهَارُ فِي جَنَّاتِ النَّعِيمِ دَعْوَاهُمْ فِيهَا سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَتَحِيَّتُهُمْ فِيهَا سَلَامٌ وَآخِرُ دَعْوَاهُمْ أَنِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ.
English Translation
“Those who believe and perform righteous deeds—their Lord will guide them through their faith. Rivers will flow beneath them within Gardens of Bliss. Their call therein will be: ‘Glory be to You, O Allah’; their greeting therein will be ‘Peace’; and the conclusion of their call will be: ‘All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds.’”
Reference: Qur’an 10:9–10.
Short Comment
Praise and peace will dominate heavenly conversation.
9. No Meaningless Speech
Qur’an — Surah Maryam 19:61–63
Arabic
جَنَّاتِ عَدْنٍ الَّتِي وَعَدَ الرَّحْمَنُ عِبَادَهُ بِالْغَيْبِ إِنَّهُ كَانَ وَعْدُهُ مَأْتِيًّا لَا يَسْمَعُونَ فِيهَا لَغْوًا إِلَّا سَلَامًا وَلَهُمْ رِزْقُهُمْ فِيهَا بُكْرَةً وَعَشِيًّا تِلْكَ الْجَنَّةُ الَّتِي نُورِثُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا مَنْ كَانَ تَقِيًّا.
English Translation
“The Gardens of Eden which the Most Merciful promised His servants in the unseen—His promise will certainly be fulfilled. They will hear no meaningless speech therein, but only peace, and their provision will come to them morning and evening. That is the Paradise We grant as an inheritance to those of Our servants who were God-conscious.”
Reference: Qur’an 19:61–63.
Short Comment
Empty and irritating conversation will disappear.
10. No Sinful or Hurtful Speech
Qur’an — Surah al-Wāqi‘ah 56:25–26
Arabic
لَا يَسْمَعُونَ فِيهَا لَغْوًا وَلَا تَأْثِيمًا إِلَّا قِيلًا سَلَامًا سَلَامًا.
English Translation
“They will hear therein neither meaningless speech nor sinful speech, but only the saying: ‘Peace, peace.’”
Reference: Qur’an 56:25–26.
Short Comment
No speech will hurt, insult or corrupt another person.
11. No Lies
Qur’an — Surah al-Naba’ 78:31–36
Arabic
إِنَّ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ مَفَازًا حَدَائِقَ وَأَعْنَابًا وَكَوَاعِبَ أَتْرَابًا وَكَأْسًا دِهَاقًا لَا يَسْمَعُونَ فِيهَا لَغْوًا وَلَا كِذَّابًا جَزَاءً مِنْ رَبِّكَ عَطَاءً حِسَابًا.
English Translation
“The God-conscious will certainly have triumph: gardens and grapes, youthful companions of equal age and overflowing cups. They will hear therein neither meaningless speech nor lies—a reward from your Lord, a generous gift fully sufficient.”
Reference: Qur’an 78:31–36.
Short Comment
Dishonesty will disappear from heavenly society.
12. A Peaceful Social Environment
Qur’an — Surah al-Ghāshiyah 88:8–16
Arabic
وُجُوهٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ نَاعِمَةٌ لِسَعْيِهَا رَاضِيَةٌ فِي جَنَّةٍ عَالِيَةٍ لَا تَسْمَعُ فِيهَا لَاغِيَةً فِيهَا عَيْنٌ جَارِيَةٌ فِيهَا سُرُرٌ مَرْفُوعَةٌ وَأَكْوَابٌ مَوْضُوعَةٌ وَنَمَارِقُ مَصْفُوفَةٌ وَزَرَابِيُّ مَبْثُوثَةٌ.
English Translation
“Faces on that Day will be joyful, satisfied with their efforts, within a lofty Garden. You will hear no meaningless speech therein. Within it is a flowing spring, elevated couches, cups placed ready, cushions arranged in rows and carpets spread throughout.”
Reference: Qur’an 88:8–16.
Short Comment
Their gatherings will be beautiful, comfortable and peaceful.
Category Five: Angelic Greetings and Communal Entry
13. Angels Will Enter Through Every Gate
Qur’an — Surah al-Ra‘d 13:23–24
Arabic
جَنَّاتُ عَدْنٍ يَدْخُلُونَهَا وَمَنْ صَلَحَ مِنْ آبَائِهِمْ وَأَزْوَاجِهِمْ وَذُرِّيَّاتِهِمْ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ يَدْخُلُونَ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ بَابٍ سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ بِمَا صَبَرْتُمْ فَنِعْمَ عُقْبَى الدَّارِ.
English Translation
“They will enter the Gardens of Eden, together with the righteous among their parents, spouses and descendants. The angels will enter upon them through every gate, saying: ‘Peace be upon you because of your patience. Excellent indeed is the final home.’”
Reference: Qur’an 13:23–24.
Short Comment
Angels will personally visit and greet the inhabitants.
14. They Will Be Received With Greetings and Peace
Qur’an — Surah al-Furqān 25:75–76
Arabic
أُولَٰئِكَ يُجْزَوْنَ الْغُرْفَةَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا وَيُلَقَّوْنَ فِيهَا تَحِيَّةً وَسَلَامًا خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا حَسُنَتْ مُسْتَقَرًّا وَمُقَامًا.
English Translation
“They will be rewarded with the elevated chamber because of their patience, and they will be received therein with greetings and peace. They will remain there forever—excellent as a settlement and residence.”
Reference: Qur’an 25:75–76.
Short Comment
Their heavenly reception will be warm and peaceful.
15. The Righteous Will Enter Paradise in Groups
Qur’an — Surah al-Zumar 39:73–74
Arabic
وَسِيقَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا رَبَّهُمْ إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ زُمَرًا حَتَّىٰ إِذَا جَاءُوهَا وَفُتِحَتْ أَبْوَابُهَا وَقَالَ لَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَا سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ طِبْتُمْ فَادْخُلُوهَا خَالِدِينَ وَقَالُوا الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي صَدَقَنَا وَعْدَهُ وَأَوْرَثَنَا الْأَرْضَ نَتَبَوَّأُ مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ حَيْثُ نَشَاءُ فَنِعْمَ أَجْرُ الْعَامِلِينَ.
English Translation
“Those who were mindful of their Lord will be led toward Paradise in groups. When they reach it, its gates will be opened, and its keepers will say to them: ‘Peace be upon you. You have become pure, so enter it to remain forever.’ They will say: ‘All praise belongs to Allah, who fulfilled His promise to us and made us inherit the land, so that we may settle wherever we wish within Paradise. Excellent is the reward of those who act.’”
Reference: Qur’an 39:73–74.
Short Comment
Paradise begins with communal entry rather than isolation.
16. Angels Will Remain Their Friends
Qur’an — Surah Fuṣṣilat 41:30–32
Arabic
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنْتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ نَحْنُ أَوْلِيَاؤُكُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَشْتَهِي أَنْفُسُكُمْ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَدَّعُونَ نُزُلًا مِنْ غَفُورٍ رَحِيمٍ.
English Translation
“Those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then remain steadfast—the angels descend upon them, saying: ‘Do not fear and do not grieve, but rejoice in the Paradise you were promised. We are your friends and guardians in worldly life and in the Hereafter. You will have therein whatever your souls desire and whatever you request, as hospitality from the All-Forgiving, the Merciful.’”
Reference: Qur’an 41:30–32.
Short Comment
Angelic friendship continues into the Hereafter.
Part Two: Shia Narrations on Social Life Inside Paradise
Category Six: Recognition and Visiting Between the People of Paradise
17. The People of Paradise Will Recognise One Another
Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, peace be upon him, narrated:
Arabic
إِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وآله صَلَّى بِالنَّاسِ الصُّبْحَ، فَنَظَرَ إِلَى شَابٍّ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ وَهُوَ يَخْفِقُ وَيَهْوِي بِرَأْسِهِ، مُصْفَرًّا لَوْنُهُ، قَدْ نَحِفَ جِسْمُهُ، وَغَارَتْ عَيْنَاهُ فِي رَأْسِهِ.
فَقَالَ لَهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وآله: كَيْفَ أَصْبَحْتَ يَا فُلَانُ؟
قَالَ: أَصْبَحْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ مُوقِنًا.
فَعَجِبَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وآله مِنْ قَوْلِهِ، وَقَالَ: إِنَّ لِكُلِّ يَقِينٍ حَقِيقَةً، فَمَا حَقِيقَةُ يَقِينِكَ؟
فَقَالَ: إِنَّ يَقِينِي يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ هُوَ الَّذِي أَحْزَنَنِي، وَأَسْهَرَ لَيْلِي، وَأَظْمَأَ هَوَاجِرِي، فَعَزَفَتْ نَفْسِي عَنِ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا فِيهَا، حَتَّى كَأَنِّي أَنْظُرُ إِلَى عَرْشِ رَبِّي وَقَدْ نُصِبَ لِلْحِسَابِ، وَحُشِرَ الْخَلَائِقُ لِذَلِكَ وَأَنَا فِيهِمْ، وَكَأَنِّي أَنْظُرُ إِلَى أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ يَتَنَعَّمُونَ فِي الْجَنَّةِ وَيَتَعَارَفُونَ وَعَلَى الْأَرَائِكِ مُتَّكِئُونَ، وَكَأَنِّي أَنْظُرُ إِلَى أَهْلِ النَّارِ وَهُمْ فِيهَا مُعَذَّبُونَ مُصْطَرِخُونَ، وَكَأَنِّي الْآنَ أَسْمَعُ زَفِيرَ النَّارِ يَدُورُ فِي مَسَامِعِي.
فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وآله لِأَصْحَابِهِ: هَذَا عَبْدٌ نَوَّرَ اللَّهُ قَلْبَهُ بِالْإِيمَانِ.
ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ: الْزَمْ مَا أَنْتَ عَلَيْهِ.
فَقَالَ الشَّابُّ: ادْعُ اللَّهَ لِي يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَنْ أُرْزَقَ الشَّهَادَةَ مَعَكَ.
فَدَعَا لَهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وآله، فَلَمْ يَلْبَثْ أَنْ خَرَجَ فِي بَعْضِ غَزَوَاتِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وآله فَاسْتُشْهِدَ بَعْدَ تِسْعَةِ نَفَرٍ، وَكَانَ هُوَ الْعَاشِرَ.
English Translation
“The Messenger of Allah prayed the dawn prayer with the people and saw a young man in the mosque whose head was drooping from wakefulness. His complexion had become pale, his body thin and his eyes sunken.
The Messenger of Allah asked him: ‘How have you entered this morning?’
He replied: ‘O Messenger of Allah, I have entered it with certainty.’
The Messenger of Allah was impressed by his answer and said: ‘Every certainty possesses a reality. What is the reality of your certainty?’
He replied: ‘O Messenger of Allah, my certainty is what has saddened me, kept me awake during my nights and made me thirsty during my days. My soul has turned away from this world and what it contains, until it is as though I see the Throne of my Lord established for judgment and creation gathered for the reckoning while I stand among them. It is as though I see the people of Paradise enjoying Paradise, recognising one another and reclining upon couches. It is as though I see the people of Hell being punished and crying out, and it is as though even now I hear the roaring breath of the Fire within my ears.’
The Messenger of Allah said to his companions: ‘This is a servant whose heart Allah has illuminated with faith.’
He then told him: ‘Remain firm upon what you possess.’
The young man said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, pray that Allah grants me martyrdom with you.’
The Messenger of Allah prayed for him. It was not long before he went out in one of the Prophet’s campaigns and was martyred after nine men, becoming the tenth.”
Reference: Al-Kāfī, vol. 2, Book of Faith and Disbelief, chapter on the Reality of Faith and Certainty, hadith 2.
Short Comment
Personal identity remains: the inhabitants will know and recognise one another.
18. The People of Paradise Will Visit One Another
Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, peace be upon him, narrated:
Arabic
اسْتَقْبَلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وآله حَارِثَةَ بْنَ مَالِكِ بْنِ النُّعْمَانِ الْأَنْصَارِيَّ فَقَالَ لَهُ: كَيْفَ أَنْتَ يَا حَارِثَةَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ؟
فَقَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، مُؤْمِنٌ حَقًّا.
فَقَالَ لَهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وآله: لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَقِيقَةٌ، فَمَا حَقِيقَةُ قَوْلِكَ؟
فَقَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، عَزَفَتْ نَفْسِي عَنِ الدُّنْيَا، فَأَسْهَرَتْ لَيْلِي، وَأَظْمَأَتْ هَوَاجِرِي، وَكَأَنِّي أَنْظُرُ إِلَى عَرْشِ رَبِّي وَقَدْ وُضِعَ لِلْحِسَابِ، وَكَأَنِّي أَنْظُرُ إِلَى أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ يَتَزَاوَرُونَ فِي الْجَنَّةِ، وَكَأَنِّي أَسْمَعُ عُوَاءَ أَهْلِ النَّارِ فِي النَّارِ.
فَقَالَ لَهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وآله: عَبْدٌ نَوَّرَ اللَّهُ قَلْبَهُ، أَبْصَرْتَ فَاثْبُتْ.
فَقَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، ادْعُ اللَّهَ لِي أَنْ يَرْزُقَنِي الشَّهَادَةَ مَعَكَ.
فَقَالَ: اللَّهُمَّ ارْزُقْ حَارِثَةَ الشَّهَادَةَ.
فَلَمْ يَلْبَثْ إِلَّا أَيَّامًا حَتَّى بَعَثَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وآله سَرِيَّةً فَبَعَثَهُ فِيهَا، فَقَاتَلَ فَقُتِلَ تِسْعَةٌ أَوْ ثَمَانِيَةٌ ثُمَّ قُتِلَ.
English Translation
“The Messenger of Allah met Harithah ibn Malik ibn al-Nu‘man al-Ansari and asked him: ‘How are you, O Harithah ibn Malik?’
He replied: ‘O Messenger of Allah, I am truly a believer.’
The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Everything has a reality. What is the reality of what you say?’
He replied: ‘O Messenger of Allah, my soul has turned away from the world, so my nights have become wakeful and my days thirsty. It is as though I see the Throne of my Lord established for judgment, and it is as though I see the people of Paradise visiting one another within Paradise, and it is as though I hear the cries of the people of the Fire.’
The Messenger of Allah told him: ‘You are a servant whose heart Allah has illuminated. You have seen clearly, so remain firm.’
He said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, pray that Allah grants me martyrdom with you.’
The Prophet prayed: ‘O Allah, grant Harithah martyrdom.’
Only a few days passed before the Messenger of Allah sent an expedition and included him within it. He fought; eight or nine men were killed before him, and then he too was killed.”
Reference: Al-Kāfī, vol. 2, Book of Faith and Disbelief, chapter on the Reality of Faith and Certainty, hadith 3.
Short Comment
Visiting friends will be an actual activity of Paradise.
Category Seven: Friendship Across Different Heavenly Ranks
19. Friends of Different Ranks Will Still Meet
Abu Basir reported from Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, peace be upon him:
Arabic
قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عليه السلام: لَا تَقُولَنَّ الْجَنَّةَ وَاحِدَةً، إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَقُولُ: وَمِنْ دُونِهِمَا جَنَّتَانِ، وَلَا تَقُولَنَّ دَرَجَةً وَاحِدَةً، إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى يَقُولُ: دَرَجَاتٌ بَعْضُهَا فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ، إِنَّمَا تَفَاضُلُ الْقَوْمِ بِالْأَعْمَالِ.
قَالَ: وَقُلْتُ لَهُ: إِنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَيْنِ يَدْخُلَانِ الْجَنَّةَ، فَيَكُونُ أَحَدُهُمَا أَرْفَعَ مَكَانًا مِنَ الْآخَرِ، فَيَشْتَهِي أَنْ يَلْقَى صَاحِبَهُ؟
قَالَ: مَنْ كَانَ فَوْقَهُ فَلَهُ أَنْ يَهْبِطَ، وَمَنْ كَانَ تَحْتَهُ لَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ أَنْ يَصْعَدَ، لِأَنَّهُ لَمْ يَبْلُغْ ذَلِكَ الْمَكَانَ، وَلَكِنَّهُمْ إِذَا أَحَبُّوا ذَلِكَ وَاشْتَهَوْهُ الْتَقَوْا عَلَى الْأَسِرَّةِ.
English Translation
“Imam al-Sadiq said: ‘Do not say that Paradise is only one Garden, for Allah says: “Below those two are two further Gardens.” Do not say that there is only one rank, for Allah says that there are ranks, some above others. People differ in rank according to their deeds.’
I asked him: ‘Two believers enter Paradise, but one occupies a higher position than the other. What happens if he desires to meet his companion?’
He replied: ‘The one above may descend. The one below cannot ascend because he has not attained that rank. However, whenever they desire and wish to meet, they will meet together upon the couches.’”
References: Tafsīr al-‘Ayyāshī, from Abu Basir from Imam al-Sadiq; Majma‘ al-Bayān, commentary on Surah al-Raḥmān; Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 106.
Short Comment
Different ranks will not deprive believers of meeting those they love.
Category Eight: Prophets and Angels as Heavenly Companions
20. Prophets Will Be Companions and Angels Will Be Visitors
Imam Ali, peace be upon him, said:
Arabic
اعْلَمُوا أَنَّهُ مَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مَخْرَجًا مِنَ الْفِتَنِ، وَنُورًا مِنَ الظُّلَمِ، وَيُخَلِّدْهُ فِيمَا اشْتَهَتْ نَفْسُهُ، وَيُنْزِلْهُ مَنْزِلَ الْكَرَامَةِ عِنْدَهُ، فِي دَارٍ اصْطَنَعَهَا لِنَفْسِهِ؛ ظِلُّهَا عَرْشُهُ، وَنُورُهَا بَهْجَتُهُ، وَزُوَّارُهَا مَلَائِكَتُهُ، وَرُفَقَاؤُهَا رُسُلُهُ.
English Translation
“Know that whoever fears Allah, He will provide him an escape from trials and a light from darkness. He will keep him eternally among whatever his soul desires and settle him within the place of honour near Him, in an abode He specially prepared: its shade is His Throne, its light is His splendour, its visitors are His angels and its companions are His messengers.”
References: Nahj al-Balāghah, Sermon 183; Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 163, hadith 105.
Short Comment
The inhabitants will enjoy prophetic companionship and angelic visitors.
21. Allah Will Cause His Messengers to Accompany Them and His Angels to Visit Them
Imam Ali, peace be upon him, said:
Arabic
فَبَادِرُوا بِأَعْمَالِكُمْ تَكُونُوا مَعَ جِيرَانِ اللَّهِ فِي دَارِهِ، رَافَقَ بِهِمْ رُسُلَهُ، وَأَزَارَهُمْ مَلَائِكَتَهُ، وَأَكْرَمَ أَسْمَاعَهُمْ أَنْ تَسْمَعَ حَسِيسَ نَارٍ أَبَدًا، وَصَانَ أَجْسَادَهُمْ أَنْ تَلْقَى لُغُوبًا وَنَصَبًا.
English Translation
“Hasten toward your righteous deeds so that you may be among Allah’s neighbours in His abode. He has joined His messengers in companionship with them and caused His angels to visit them. He has honoured their hearing so that they will never hear the sound of the Fire and has protected their bodies from weariness and fatigue.”
Reference: Nahj al-Balāghah, Sermon 183; Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 163, hadith 105.
Short Comment
Prophetic companionship and angelic visitation are continuing honours.
22. One Thousand Angels Will Congratulate and Visit the Believer
From the long narration transmitted from Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him:
Arabic
ثُمَّ يَبْعَثُ اللَّهُ إِلَيْهِ أَلْفَ مَلَكٍ يُهَنِّئُونَهُ بِالْجَنَّةِ وَيُزَوِّجُونَهُ بِالْحَوْرَاءِ.
فَيَنْتَهُونَ إِلَى أَوَّلِ بَابٍ مِنْ جِنَانِهِ، فَيَسْتَأْذِنُونَ عَلَيْهِ، حَتَّى يَصِلَ الْخَبَرُ إِلَى وَلِيِّ اللَّهِ، فَيُؤْذَنُ لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ.
فَيَدْخُلُونَ عَلَيْهِ وَهُوَ فِي الْغُرْفَةِ، وَلَهَا أَلْفُ بَابٍ، وَعَلَى كُلِّ بَابٍ مَلَكٌ مُوَكَّلٌ بِهِ.
فَيُبَلِّغُونَهُ رِسَالَةَ الْجَبَّارِ جَلَّ وَعَزَّ، وَهَذَا هُوَ الْمُلْكُ الْعَظِيمُ الْكَبِيرُ؛ إِنَّ الْمَلَائِكَةَ مِنْ رُسُلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ ذِكْرُهُ يَسْتَأْذِنُونَ عَلَيْهِ، فَلَا يَدْخُلُونَ عَلَيْهِ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ.
English Translation
“Allah will then send one thousand angels to him to congratulate him upon Paradise and his heavenly marriage.
They will reach the first gate of his Gardens and request permission to enter, until the news reaches the friend of Allah and permission is granted to the angels.
They will enter upon him while he is within the chamber, which possesses one thousand doors, with an angel appointed over every door.
They will deliver the message of the Almighty to him. This is the great and magnificent kingdom: even the angels, who are Allah’s messengers, seek permission to enter upon him and do not enter except with his permission.”
References: Al-Kāfī, vol. 8, p. 97, hadith 69; Tafsīr al-Qummī, vol. 2, p. 247; Ta’wīl al-Āyāt al-Ẓāhirah, vol. 2, p. 744, hadith 3; Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 128, hadith 29.
Short Comment
The believer will receive organised and honoured angelic visits.
Part Three: Friendship for Allah and Its Heavenly Reward
Category Nine: Love for Allah Becoming Light and Honour
23. Friends for Allah Will Stand Upon Pulpits of Light
Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, peace be upon him, said:
Arabic
إِنَّ الْمُتَحَابِّينَ فِي اللَّهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ عَلَى مَنَابِرَ مِنْ نُورٍ، قَدْ أَضَاءَ نُورُ وُجُوهِهِمْ وَنُورُ أَجْسَادِهِمْ وَنُورُ مَنَابِرِهِمْ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ حَتَّى يُعْرَفُوا بِهِ، فَيُقَالُ: هَؤُلَاءِ الْمُتَحَابُّونَ فِي اللَّهِ.
English Translation
“Those who love one another for Allah will, on the Day of Resurrection, be upon pulpits of light. The light of their faces, the light of their bodies and the light of their pulpits will illuminate everything until they are recognised by it, and it will be said: ‘These are those who loved one another for Allah.’”
Reference: Al-Kāfī, vol. 2, Book of Faith and Disbelief, chapter on Love for Allah and Hatred for Allah, hadith 4.
Short Comment
Friendship for Allah will become visible light and honour.
24. Their Faces Will Be Brighter Than the Rising Sun
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:
Arabic
الْمُتَحَابُّونَ فِي اللَّهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ عَلَى أَرْضِ زَبَرْجَدَةٍ خَضْرَاءَ فِي ظِلِّ عَرْشِهِ عَنْ يَمِينِهِ، وَكِلْتَا يَدَيْهِ يَمِينٌ، وُجُوهُهُمْ أَشَدُّ بَيَاضًا وَأَضْوَأُ مِنَ الشَّمْسِ الطَّالِعَةِ، يَغْبِطُهُمْ بِمَنْزِلَتِهِمْ كُلُّ مَلَكٍ مُقَرَّبٍ وَكُلُّ نَبِيٍّ مُرْسَلٍ، يَقُولُ النَّاسُ: مَنْ هَؤُلَاءِ؟ فَيُقَالُ: هَؤُلَاءِ الْمُتَحَابُّونَ فِي اللَّهِ.
English Translation
“Those who loved one another for Allah will, on the Day of Resurrection, stand upon a green surface of emerald beneath the shade of His Throne, on His right—and both His hands are right. Their faces will be whiter and brighter than the rising sun. Every angel brought near and every messenger sent by Allah will admire their position. People will ask: ‘Who are these?’ and it will be said: ‘These are those who loved one another for Allah.’”
Reference: Al-Kāfī, vol. 2, Book of Faith and Disbelief, chapter on Love for Allah and Hatred for Allah, hadith 7.
Short Comment
Sincere friendship will receive extraordinary public honour.
25. Those Who Love One Another for Allah Will Enter Paradise Without Reckoning
Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be upon him, said:
Arabic
إِذَا جَمَعَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ الْأَوَّلِينَ وَالْآخِرِينَ قَامَ مُنَادٍ فَنَادَى يُسْمِعُ النَّاسَ فَيَقُولُ: أَيْنَ الْمُتَحَابُّونَ فِي اللَّهِ؟
قَالَ: فَيَقُومُ عُنُقٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ فَيُقَالُ لَهُمُ: اذْهَبُوا إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ.
قَالَ: فَتَلَقَّاهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ فَيَقُولُونَ: إِلَى أَيْنَ؟
فَيَقُولُونَ: إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ.
قَالَ: فَيَقُولُونَ: فَأَيُّ ضَرْبٍ أَنْتُمْ مِنَ النَّاسِ؟
فَيَقُولُونَ: نَحْنُ الْمُتَحَابُّونَ فِي اللَّهِ.
قَالَ: فَيَقُولُونَ: وَأَيَّ شَيْءٍ كَانَتْ أَعْمَالُكُمْ؟
قَالُوا: كُنَّا نُحِبُّ فِي اللَّهِ وَنُبْغِضُ فِي اللَّهِ.
قَالَ: فَيَقُولُونَ: نِعْمَ أَجْرُ الْعَامِلِينَ.
English Translation
“When Allah gathers the first and the last, a caller will arise and announce so that all people hear: ‘Where are those who loved one another for Allah?’
A group of people will arise, and it will be said to them: ‘Go to Paradise without reckoning.’
The angels will meet them and ask: ‘Where are you going?’
They will answer: ‘To Paradise without reckoning.’
The angels will ask: ‘What kind of people are you?’
They will reply: ‘We are those who loved one another for Allah.’
The angels will ask: ‘What were your deeds?’
They will answer: ‘We loved for Allah and opposed for Allah.’
The angels will say: ‘Excellent is the reward of those who act.’”
Reference: Al-Kāfī, vol. 2, Book of Faith and Disbelief, chapter on Love for Allah and Hatred for Allah, hadith 8.
Short Comment
Love for Allah can itself become a path to Paradise.
26. The People of Paradise Will See Those Who Loved One Another for Allah
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him and his family, said:
Arabic
الْمُتَحَابُّونَ فِي اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ عَلَى أَعْمِدَةٍ مِنْ يَاقُوتٍ أَحْمَرَ فِي الْجَنَّةِ، يُشْرِفُونَ عَلَى أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ، فَإِذَا أَطْلَعَ أَحَدُهُمْ مَلَأَ حُسْنُهُ بُيُوتَ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ، فَيَقُولُ أَهْلُ الْجَنَّةِ: اخْرُجُوا نَنْظُرِ الْمُتَحَابِّينَ فِي اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ.
قَالَ: فَيَخْرُجُونَ وَيَنْظُرُونَ إِلَيْهِمْ، أَحَدُهُمْ وَجْهُهُ مِثْلُ الْقَمَرِ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْبَدْرِ، عَلَى جِبَاهِهِمْ: هَؤُلَاءِ الْمُتَحَابُّونَ فِي اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ.
English Translation
“Those who love one another for Allah, Mighty and Majestic, will be upon pillars of red ruby in Paradise overlooking its inhabitants. Whenever one of them appears, his beauty will fill the homes of the people of Paradise. The inhabitants will say: ‘Come out so that we may look at those who loved one another for Allah.’
They will come out and look at them. The face of each will resemble the full moon, and upon their foreheads will be: ‘These are those who loved one another for Allah, Mighty and Majestic.’”
Reference: Al-Amālī of Shaykh al-Mufīd, p. 75, hadith 11.
Short Comment
Righteous friendship will itself become part of the splendour of Paradise.
Category Ten: Visiting Believers for Allah and Its Reward
27. Seventy Thousand Angels Accompany the One Who Visits His Brother for Allah
Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, peace be upon him, said:
Arabic
مَنْ زَارَ أَخَاهُ لِلَّهِ لَا لِغَيْرِهِ، الْتِمَاسَ مَوْعِدِ اللَّهِ وَتَنَجُّزَ مَا عِنْدَ اللَّهِ، وَكَّلَ اللَّهُ بِهِ سَبْعِينَ أَلْفَ مَلَكٍ يُنَادُونَهُ: أَلَا طِبْتَ وَطَابَتْ لَكَ الْجَنَّةُ.
English Translation
“Whoever visits his believing brother for Allah and for no other reason, seeking Allah’s promise and what is with Allah, Allah appoints seventy thousand angels over him who call out: ‘You have done well, and Paradise has become pleasant for you.’”
Reference: Al-Kāfī, vol. 2, Book of Faith and Disbelief, chapter on Visiting Brothers, hadith 1.
Short Comment
Visiting a believer sincerely for Allah is directly connected with Paradise.
28. Visiting a Believing Brother Is Described as Visiting Allah
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:
Arabic
حَدَّثَنِي جَبْرَئِيلُ عليه السلام أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَهْبَطَ إِلَى الْأَرْضِ مَلَكًا، فَأَقْبَلَ ذَلِكَ الْمَلَكُ يَمْشِي حَتَّى وَقَعَ إِلَى بَابٍ عَلَيْهِ رَجُلٌ يَسْتَأْذِنُ عَلَى رَبِّ الدَّارِ.
فَقَالَ لَهُ الْمَلَكُ: مَا حَاجَتُكَ إِلَى رَبِّ هَذِهِ الدَّارِ؟
قَالَ: أَخٌ لِي مُسْلِمٌ زُرْتُهُ فِي اللَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى.
قَالَ لَهُ الْمَلَكُ: مَا جَاءَ بِكَ إِلَّا ذَاكَ؟
فَقَالَ: مَا جَاءَ بِي إِلَّا ذَاكَ.
فَقَالَ: إِنِّي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ إِلَيْكَ، وَهُوَ يُقْرِئُكَ السَّلَامَ وَيَقُولُ: وَجَبَتْ لَكَ الْجَنَّةُ.
وَقَالَ الْمَلَكُ: إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَقُولُ: أَيُّمَا مُسْلِمٍ زَارَ مُسْلِمًا فَلَيْسَ إِيَّاهُ زَارَ، إِيَّايَ زَارَ، وَثَوَابُهُ عَلَيَّ الْجَنَّةُ.
English Translation
“Jibril informed me that Allah sent an angel down to the earth. The angel walked until he reached the door of a house where a man was requesting permission to enter upon its owner.
The angel asked him: ‘What do you need from the owner of this house?’
He replied: ‘He is a Muslim brother of mine whom I have come to visit for Allah, Blessed and Exalted.’
The angel asked: ‘Has nothing brought you except that?’
He replied: ‘Nothing has brought me except that.’
The angel said: ‘I am Allah’s messenger to you. He conveys His greeting of peace to you and says: Paradise has become obligatory for you.’
The angel then said: ‘Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says: Whenever a Muslim visits another Muslim, it is not merely him whom he has visited; he has visited Me, and his reward from Me is Paradise.’”
References: Al-Kāfī, vol. 2, chapter on Visiting Brothers, hadith 3; also transmitted in Al-Ikhtiṣāṣ.
Short Comment
Sincere visitation of a believer becomes an act of devotion to Allah.
29. Allah Calls the Visitor His Own Guest
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him and his family, said:
Arabic
مَنْ زَارَ أَخَاهُ فِي بَيْتِهِ قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لَهُ: أَنْتَ ضَيْفِي وَزَائِرِي، عَلَيَّ قِرَاكَ، وَقَدْ أَوْجَبْتُ لَكَ الْجَنَّةَ بِحُبِّكَ إِيَّاهُ.
English Translation
“Whoever visits his believing brother in his home, Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says to him: ‘You are My guest and My visitor. Your hospitality is upon Me, and I have made Paradise obligatory for you because of your love for him.’”
Reference: Al-Kāfī, vol. 2, Book of Faith and Disbelief, chapter on Visiting Brothers, hadith 6.
Short Comment
Love of a believer can earn eternal hospitality from Allah.
30. A Special Garden for Those Who Visit and Prefer Their Believing Brothers
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, said:
Arabic
إِنَّ لِلَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ جَنَّةً لَا يَدْخُلُهَا إِلَّا ثَلَاثَةٌ: رَجُلٌ حَكَمَ عَلَى نَفْسِهِ بِالْحَقِّ، وَرَجُلٌ زَارَ أَخَاهُ الْمُؤْمِنَ فِي اللَّهِ، وَرَجُلٌ آثَرَ أَخَاهُ الْمُؤْمِنَ فِي اللَّهِ.
English Translation
“Allah, Mighty and Majestic, possesses a Garden into which only three types of people enter: a man who judges himself according to truth; a man who visits his believing brother for Allah’s sake; and a man who gives preference to his believing brother for Allah’s sake.”
References: Al-Kāfī, vol. 2, p. 178, hadith 11; Al-Khiṣāl, p. 131, hadith 136.
Short Comment
Visiting and selflessly preferring a believer receive a special heavenly reward.
31. The Visitor Is Promised Paradise and Intercession
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, said:
Arabic
إِنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَ لَيَخْرُجُ إِلَى أَخِيهِ يَزُورُهُ، فَيُوَكِّلُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِهِ مَلَكًا فَيَضَعُ جَنَاحًا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَجَنَاحًا فِي السَّمَاءِ يُظِلُّهُ.
فَإِذَا دَخَلَ إِلَى مَنْزِلِهِ نَادَى الْجَبَّارُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى: أَيُّهَا الْعَبْدُ الْمُعَظِّمُ لِحَقِّي، الْمُتَّبِعُ لِآثَارِ نَبِيِّي، حَقٌّ عَلَيَّ إِعْظَامُكَ، سَلْنِي أُعْطِكَ، ادْعُنِي أُجِبْكَ، اسْكُتْ أَبْتَدِئْكَ.
فَإِذَا انْصَرَفَ شَيَّعَهُ الْمَلَكُ يُظِلُّهُ بِجَنَاحِهِ حَتَّى يَدْخُلَ إِلَى مَنْزِلِهِ.
ثُمَّ يُنَادِيهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى: أَيُّهَا الْعَبْدُ الْمُعَظِّمُ لِحَقِّي، حَقٌّ عَلَيَّ إِكْرَامُكَ، قَدْ أَوْجَبْتُ لَكَ جَنَّتِي، وَشَفَّعْتُكَ فِي عِبَادِي.
English Translation
“When a believer leaves to visit his believing brother, Allah appoints an angel over him. The angel places one wing upon the earth and one wing toward the sky, shading him.
When he enters his brother’s home, the Almighty, Blessed and Exalted, calls: ‘O servant who honours My right and follows the footsteps of My Prophet, it is My right to honour you. Ask Me and I will give you; call upon Me and I will answer you; remain silent and I will begin giving to you.’
When he leaves, the angel escorts him, shading him with his wing until he returns to his home.
Then Allah, Blessed and Exalted, calls to him: ‘O servant who honours My right, it is My right to honour you. I have made My Paradise obligatory for you and have granted you intercession for My servants.’”
Reference: Al-Kāfī, vol. 2, Book of Faith and Disbelief, chapter on Visiting Brothers, hadith 12.
Short Comment
Allah gives extraordinary honour to sincere friendship.
Category Eleven: Special Heavenly Rewards for Those Who Love and Visit One Another
32. Red-Ruby Palaces for Those Who Love and Visit One Another for Allah
Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, peace be upon him, narrated:
Arabic
إِنَّ امْرَأَةً مِنَ الْجِنِّ كَانَ يُقَالُ لَهَا عَفْرَاءُ، وَكَانَتْ تَأْتِي النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وآله فَتَسْمَعُ مِنْ كَلَامِهِ، فَتَأْتِي صَالِحِي الْجِنِّ فَيُسْلِمُونَ عَلَى يَدَيْهَا.
وَإِنَّهَا فَقَدَهَا النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وآله فَسَأَلَ عَنْهَا جَبْرَئِيلَ عليه السلام، فَقَالَ: إِنَّهَا زَارَتْ أُخْتًا لَهَا تُحِبُّهَا فِي اللَّهِ.
فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وآله: طُوبَى لِلْمُتَحَابِّينَ فِي اللَّهِ، إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى خَلَقَ فِي الْجَنَّةِ عَمُودًا مِنْ يَاقُوتَةٍ حَمْرَاءَ، عَلَيْهِ سَبْعُونَ أَلْفَ قَصْرٍ، فِي كُلِّ قَصْرٍ سَبْعُونَ أَلْفَ غُرْفَةٍ، خَلَقَهَا اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لِلْمُتَحَابِّينَ وَالْمُتَزَاوِرِينَ.
يَا عَفْرَاءُ، أَيُّ شَيْءٍ رَأَيْتِ؟
قَالَتْ: رَأَيْتُ عَجَائِبَ كَثِيرَةً.
قَالَ: فَأَعْجَبُ مَا رَأَيْتِ؟
قَالَتْ: رَأَيْتُ إِبْلِيسَ فِي الْبَحْرِ الْأَخْضَرِ عَلَى صَخْرَةٍ بَيْضَاءَ مَادًّا يَدَيْهِ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ يَقُولُ: إِلَهِي إِذَا بَرَرْتَ قَسَمَكَ وَأَدْخَلْتَنِي نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ فَأَسْأَلُكَ بِحَقِّ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلِيٍّ وَفَاطِمَةَ وَالْحَسَنِ وَالْحُسَيْنِ أَلَّا خَلَّصْتَنِي مِنْهَا وَحَشَرْتَنِي مَعَهُمْ.
فَقُلْتُ: يَا حَارِثُ، مَا هَذِهِ الْأَسْمَاءُ الَّتِي تَدْعُو بِهَا؟
قَالَ لِي: رَأَيْتُهَا عَلَى سَاقِ الْعَرْشِ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ يَخْلُقَ اللَّهُ آدَمَ بِسَبْعَةِ آلَافِ سَنَةٍ، فَعَلِمْتُ أَنَّهُمْ أَكْرَمُ الْخَلْقِ عَلَى اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، فَأَنَا أَسْأَلُهُ بِحَقِّهِمْ.
فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وآله: وَاللَّهِ لَوْ أَقْسَمَ أَهْلُ الْأَرْضِ بِهَذِهِ الْأَسْمَاءِ لَأَجَابَهُمْ.
English Translation
“There was a woman from the jinn named ‘Afra’. She used to come to the Prophet and listen to his words, then return to the righteous among the jinn, who would accept Islam through her.
The Prophet once noticed her absence and asked Jibril about her. Jibril replied: ‘She has gone to visit a sister of hers whom she loves for Allah.’
The Prophet said: ‘Blessed are those who love one another for Allah. Allah, Blessed and Exalted, has created within Paradise a pillar of red ruby upon which stand seventy thousand palaces, and within every palace are seventy thousand chambers. Allah created them for those who love one another and visit one another.’
He then asked: ‘O ‘Afra’, what did you see?’
She replied: ‘I saw many wonders.’
He asked: ‘What was the most remarkable thing you saw?’
She replied: ‘I saw Iblis upon a white rock in the green sea, raising his hands toward the sky and saying: “My God, when You fulfil Your oath and admit me into the Fire of Hell, I ask You by the right of Muhammad, Ali, Fatimah, Hasan and Hussain to deliver me from it and gather me with them.”’
I asked him: ‘O Harith, what are these names through which you call upon Allah?’
He told me: ‘I saw them upon the leg of the Throne seven thousand years before Allah created Adam. I therefore knew that they are the most honoured of creation before Allah, Mighty and Majestic, so I ask Him by their right.’
The Prophet said: ‘By Allah, if the people of the earth were to beseech Allah through these names, He would answer them.’”
References: Al-Khiṣāl of Shaykh al-Ṣadūq, Book 29, chapter 2, hadith 1; Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 132, hadith 35.
Short Comment
Paradise contains special residences for those who love and visit one another for Allah.
33. The Neighbours of Allah in the Abode of Peace
A narration transmitted through Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq from his forefathers states that the Messenger of Allah said:
Arabic
ثُمَّ يُنَادِي مُنَادٍ: لِيَقُمْ جِيرَانُ اللَّهِ فِي دَارِ السَّلَامِ.
فَيَقُومُ فِئَامٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ، فَتَسْتَقْبِلُهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يُبَشِّرُونَهُمْ بِالْجَنَّةِ، وَيَقُولُونَ: مَا فَضْلُكُمْ هَذَا الَّذِي جَاوَرْتُمْ بِهِ اللَّهَ فِي دَارِ السَّلَامِ؟
فَيَقُولُونَ: كُنَّا نَتَحَابُّ فِي اللَّهِ، وَنَتَزَاوَرُ فِي اللَّهِ، وَنَتَوَاصَلُ فِي اللَّهِ، وَنَتَبَاذَلُ فِي اللَّهِ.
فَيُقَالُ لَهُمْ: ادْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ، فَأَنْتُمْ جِيرَانُ اللَّهِ فِي دَارِ السَّلَامِ.
English Translation
“Then a caller will announce: ‘Let the neighbours of Allah in the Abode of Peace arise.’
A group will arise, and the angels will meet them with the glad tidings of Paradise and ask: ‘What excellence enabled you to become neighbours of Allah in the Abode of Peace?’
They will answer: ‘We loved one another for Allah, visited one another for Allah, maintained our relationships for Allah and generously shared with one another for Allah.’
They will be told: ‘Enter Paradise, for you are the neighbours of Allah in the Abode of Peace.’”
Reference: Da‘ā’im al-Islām, vol. 2, p. 325, hadith 1226.
Short Comment
Love, visiting, maintaining ties and generosity for Allah lead to heavenly neighbourhood.
Category Twelve: Eternal Companionship With Those One Loves
34. A Person Will Be With the One He Loves
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him and his family, was asked:
Arabic
كُنَّا مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وآله فِي بَعْضِ أَسْفَارِهِ إِذْ هَتَفَ بِنَا أَعْرَابِيٌّ بِصَوْتٍ جَهْوَرِيٍّ فَقَالَ: يَا مُحَمَّدُ.
فَقَالَ لَهُ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وآله: مَا تَشَاءُ؟
فَقَالَ: الْمَرْءُ يُحِبُّ الْقَوْمَ وَلَا يَعْمَلُ بِأَعْمَالِهِمْ؟
فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وآله: الْمَرْءُ مَعَ مَنْ أَحَبَّ.
English Translation
“We were with the Prophet during one of his journeys when a Bedouin called loudly: ‘O Muhammad!’
The Prophet asked him: ‘What do you want?’
He asked: ‘A person may love a people but not perform deeds equal to theirs—what of him?’
The Prophet replied: ‘A person will be with those whom he loves.’”
Reference: Al-Amālī of Shaykh al-Mufīd, Book 19, chapter 2, hadith 1.
Short Comment
Sincere love influences companionship in the Hereafter.
35. Rashid al-Hajri Will Be With Imam Ali in This World and the Hereafter
Rashid al-Hajri reported:
Arabic
قَالَ لِي أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ عليه السلام:
يَا رَشِيدُ، كَيْفَ صَبْرُكَ إِذَا أَرْسَلَ إِلَيْكَ دَعِيُّ بَنِي أُمَيَّةَ، فَقَطَعَ يَدَيْكَ وَرِجْلَيْكَ وَلِسَانَكَ؟
قُلْتُ:
يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ، آخِرُ ذَلِكَ إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ؟
قَالَ:
يَا رَشِيدُ، أَنْتَ مَعِي فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ.
English Translation
“The Commander of the Faithful said to me:
‘O Rashid, how will you endure when the illegitimate ruler from Banu Umayyah summons you and cuts off your hands, your feet and your tongue?’
I asked:
‘O Commander of the Faithful, will the end of that be Paradise?’
He replied:
‘O Rashid, you are with me in this world and in the Hereafter.’”
References: Rijāl al-Kashshī, vol. 1, p. 290, hadith 131; Al-Amālī of Shaykh al-Ṭūsī, p. 165, hadith 276; Al-Ikhtiṣāṣ, p. 77; Bishārat al-Muṣṭafā, p. 93; Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 75, p. 433, hadith 95.
Short Comment
Righteous companionship with Allah’s chosen servants can continue eternally.
36. Mitham al-Tammar Will Share Imam Ali’s Rank
Imam Ali, peace be upon him, said to Mitham al-Tammar:
Arabic
وَاللَّهِ لَتُقَطَّعَنَّ يَدَاكَ وَرِجْلَاكَ وَلِسَانُكَ، وَلَتُصْلَبَنَّ عَلَى جِذْعِ النَّخْلَةِ الَّتِي أَنْتَ تَحْتَهَا.
فَقَالَ مِيثَمٌ:
يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ، وَآخِرُ ذَلِكَ إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ؟
قَالَ:
نَعَمْ يَا مِيثَمُ، أَنْتَ مَعِي فِي دَرَجَتِي.
English Translation
“By Allah, your hands, your feet and your tongue will be cut off, and you will be crucified upon the trunk of the palm tree beneath which you are now standing.”
Mitham asked:
“O Commander of the Faithful, will the end of that be Paradise?”
Imam Ali replied:
“Yes, O Mitham. You will be with me in my rank.”
References: Rijāl al-Kashshī, vol. 1, p. 295, hadith 139; Rijāl Ibn Dāwūd, p. 356; Khaṣā’iṣ al-A’immah, p. 54; Al-Kharā’ij wa al-Jarā’iḥ, vol. 1, p. 229, hadith 73; Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 42, p. 130, hadith 13.
Short Comment
Loyal companionship may continue even within the same heavenly rank.
Conclusion
The Qur’an and the narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt present Paradise as a living society of purified hearts. The inhabitants will retain personal identity, recognise one another, visit one another, sit face-to-face and speak together about their former lives. They will enter in groups and receive greetings from angels. Even different heavenly ranks will not prevent friends from meeting when they desire.
There will be no jealousy, resentment, lies, insulting speech or harmful conversation. Allah will remove rancour from every heart, and the repeated language of Paradise will be:
سَلَامًا سَلَامًا
“Peace, peace.”
The believer’s social world will extend beyond ordinary human friendship. The prophets will be companions and angels will be visitors. Angels will seek permission to enter the believer’s residence and will arrive in great numbers to congratulate him.
The narrations also show that friendships formed for Allah are not spiritually insignificant. Those who love one another for Allah are promised pulpits of light, radiant faces, extraordinary heavenly honour and, in some reports, special residences in Paradise. Visiting a believer sincerely for Allah is repeatedly connected with Paradise itself.
The Qur’an declares:
الْأَخِلَّاءُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقِينَ
“Close friends on that Day will become enemies to one another, except the God-conscious.”
Qur’an 43:67.
Thus, Paradise will contain friendship without betrayal, companionship without loneliness, conversation without hurt, honour without jealousy, visiting without distance and relationships that death will never separate again.