Answer
Short Answer:
- The majority and the mainstream schools of Islamic jurisprudence maintain that both paradise and hell are of the creations of Allah that are real and already existent.
- This belief is supported by a plethora of evidence from the Noble Quran and authentic Sunnah.
- Allah Almighty promised to grant paradise to those who believe in him, obey his commands and avoid things that he has forbidden.
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Are paradise and hell both real?
Belief in the last day, which encompasses the belief in paradise and hell, is one of the six articles of faith that every Muslim is required to wholeheartedly believe in.
While paradise is the abode of reward that Allah has prepared for the obedient believers, hell is the abode of punishment that is prepared for the obstinate disbelievers, who openly denied and rejected belief in Allah and turned a blind eye to the guidance of His messengers.
Notably, paradise is mentioned 147 times in the Quran whereas reference to hell amounts to 145 times.
Remarkably, the majority and the mainstream schools of Islamic jurisprudence maintain
that both paradise and hell are of the creations of Allah that are real and already existent.
This belief is supported by a plethora of evidence from the Noble Quran and authentic Sunnah.
In this regard, the Noble Quran explicitly states the following:
“compete with one another for forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as vast as the
heavens and the earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His messengers.” (Quran 57:21)
“As for those who believe and do good, We will admit them into Gardens under which
rivers flow, to stay there for ever and ever.” (Quran 4:57)
“Indeed he (Muhammad) saw him (Gabriel) during another descent time. By the Lote-
tree beyond which none can pass. Near which is the Garden of Eternal Residence.” (Quran 53:13, 14, 15)
Clearly, the wording of the above verses employs the past tense, which signifies ‘already
existent’. Thus, both paradise and hell are real and already created.
The eternity and the immortality of Paradise dwellers
In parallel, one reads in the authentic Sunnah the following:
Abu Huraira reports: The Prophet (PBUH) said,
“Allah declared, ‘I have prepared for My pious worshipers such things as no eye has ever seen,
no ear has ever heard of, and nobody has ever thought of. All that is reserved, besides
which, all that you have seen, is nothing.” Then he (PBUH) recited:’No soul knows what
is kept hidden in reserve for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.’ as-
Sajdah 32:17 [Al-Bukhari].
‘Ubadah bin As-Samit reports:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “He who bears witness that there is no true god except Allah, alone having no partner with Him, that Muhammad is His worshipper and His Messenger, that ‘Isa (Jesus) is His worshipper and Messenger and he (Jesus) is His Word which He communicated to Maryam (Mary) and His spirit which He sent to her, that Jannah is true and Hell is true; Allah will make him/her enter Jannah accepting whatever deeds he accomplished”. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Abu Hurairah reports:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Everyone of my Ummah will enter Jannah except those who refuse”. He was asked: “Who will refuse?” He (PBUH) said, “Whoever obeys me, shall enter Jannah, and whosoever disobeys me, refuses to enter Jannah”. [Al- Bukhari].
In addition to proving the existence of paradise, the Noble Quran highlights its eternity
and the immortality of its dwellers.
“Indeed, those who believe and do good will have the Gardens of Paradise as an
accommodation, where they will be forever, never desiring anywhere else.” (Quran 18: 107-108)
Concerning hell, the Noble Quran reads:
“As for those who transgressed. And was preoccupied with the worldly life. Then,
surely the Hell-Fire will be the Final Abode.” (Quran 79:37, 38, 39)
Can a Muslim have any assurance that he will enter paradise?
Allah Almighty promised to grant paradise to those who believe in him, obey his
commands and avoid things that he has forbidden. Allah says in the Noble Quran:
“those who believe and do good, We will soon admit them into Gardens under which
rivers flow, to stay there forever and ever. Allah’s promise is always true. And whose word is more truthful than Allah’s?” (Quran 4:122)
Accordingly, Muslims should have trust in Allah and be certain that Allah will fulfill His
promise to them.
As for the question, “does a Muslim have any assurance that they will enter paradise?”
This is something unknown and none can assure that as none is certain that their belief
or good deeds are accepted. So the true believer is in constant trust in Allah.
However,they should be in constant fear as well and exert their utmost to obey Allah the
Almighty, as none can guarantee that they will die in a state of obedience, as well as
none can ensure being saved from Allah’s punishment except the true losers. Allah says:
“Did they feel secure against Allah’s planning? None would feel secure from Allah’s
planning except the losers.” (Quran 7:99)
Imam Ahmed was asked “ When does a Muslim feel rest and security” he replied “
When s/he enters paradise.”
And Allah knows best.
I hope this helps.
Salam and please keep in touch.
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