Knowledge & Devotion · Paradise & Hell

Paradise and Hell in Islamic Teachings

Explore beliefs about Paradise's wonders, levels, and rewards for believers.

3 questions · Hard · about 4 minutes

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3 questions, about 4 minutes.

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1. How does the Qur’an describe the vastness of Paradise?

  • Its width is like the width of the heavens and the earth. (correct answer)
  • Its size is compared to one city on earth.
  • Its width is limited to the size of a mountain.
  • Its size is known exactly by human calculation.

Why

The Qur’an describes Paradise as having a width like the width of the heavens and the earth. Scholars explained this in two main ways: the majority understood it as the actual vast width of Paradise, while others said it is an Arabic expression emphasizing extreme vastness rather than giving a precise measurement. In either case, the intended meaning is that Paradise is unimaginably vast, and no one knows its full length except Allah.

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2. What does the example of Jannat al-Firdaws demonstrate?

  • Allah chooses and gives special honour according to His perfect wisdom and power. (correct answer)
  • Allah’s choice is controlled by creation.
  • All places and times must have the same rank.
  • Special honour is random and without wisdom.

Why

Allah creates what He wills and chooses what He wills. He gives special honour to some times, places, angels, people, and parts of Paradise according to His perfect knowledge, wisdom, will, and power. Jannat al-Firdaws is an example of this: Allah gave it precedence over the other gardens of Paradise and made His Throne its roof. This singling out is one of the signs of His perfect Lordship and wisdom.

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3. What is mentioned about the souls of martyrs in Paradise?

  • Their souls are in the crops of birds, flying wherever they wish. (correct answer)
  • They are unable to move until the Day of Resurrection.
  • They are placed outside Paradise.
  • They become stars in the sky.

Why

The source mentions authentic reports about joys similar to flying in Paradise. It states that the souls of martyrs are in the crops of birds in Paradise, flying wherever they wish. It also mentions Ja‘far ibn Abi Taalib رضي الله عنه, who was honoured by Allah with two wings in Paradise after his arms were cut off in the battle of Mu’tah. These reports show that Paradise contains delights beyond what people experience in this world.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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