Show questions and answers
Spoilers: every answer and explanation for all 7 questions.
1. When were Paradise and Hell created?
✓They already exist now. (correct answer)
·They will be created only on the Day of Judgement.
·They are created only when a person dies.
·They exist only as symbols.
Why
Paradise and Hell are created things that already exist. This is the belief of Ahl as-Sunnah wa’l-Jama‘ah and is supported by evidence from the Qur’an and Sunnah. The Qur’an describes Paradise and Hell as already prepared, and the Prophet ﷺ saw Paradise and Hell. The deceased is also shown their place in Paradise or Hell after burial, which further indicates that they exist at present.
2. What types of animals are mentioned in connection with Paradise?
✓Animals mentioned in the Qur’an or authentic reports, such as birds, a bull, sheep, camels, and horses. (correct answer)
·Every animal that currently exists on earth.
·Only animals named in the Qur’an and no others.
·Only the dog of the people of the Cave and the she-camel of Salih.
Why
The source divides animals connected to Paradise into categories. Some specific animals are popularly claimed to be in Paradise, such as the dog of the people of the Cave or the she-camel of Salih عليه السلام, but there are no authentic reports concerning them. Other animals are mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah, such as birds, meat, and the bull of Paradise. Authentic reports also mention sheep, bridled she-camels, horses of Paradise, and the souls of martyrs in birds.
3. What is the nature of the animals found in Paradise?
✓Their true nature is known only to Allah. (correct answer)
·They are identical to earthly animals in every way.
·They are merely imaginary symbols.
·They are all created from earthly animals.
Why
The animals of Paradise are not the same as animals in this world. They may resemble earthly animals in name, but their true nature is known only to Allah. What is known is that they will be extremely beautiful and will be among the delights Allah has prepared for His close friends in Paradise. For example, the report mentions horses of red rubies that fly with their riders wherever they wish.
4. What is the first food mentioned in authentic hadiths that people will be offered when they enter Paradise?
✓The caudate lobe of whale liver. (correct answer)
·Meat from the bull of Paradise.
·Honeycomb.
·Dates and figs.
Why
The first food offered to welcome the people of Paradise when they enter will be the caudate lobe of whale liver. This is mentioned in the hadith of Thawban رضي الله عنه. The hadith then distinguishes this first welcome food from the food that will be given after that, namely the meat of the bull of Paradise, which used to graze along the edges of Paradise. The source also notes that no clear text establishes the specific wisdom behind choosing the caudate lobe of whale liver.
5. What does mainstream Islamic scholarship say about the language spoken in Paradise?
✓There is no sound evidence specifying it. (correct answer)
·It is definitively Arabic based on authentic hadith.
·It is definitively Farsi.
·It is definitively Syriac.
Why
There is no sound evidence from the Qur’an or authentic Sunnah specifying which language the people of Paradise will speak. Reports claiming that Arabic is the language of the people of Paradise are not sound; some scholars classed them as fabricated. Because Allah and His Messenger ﷺ did not tell us this matter, we should not speak about it decisively or indulge in claims without evidence. Knowledge of it should be referred to Allah.
6. What distinguishes al-Firdaws al-A‘la from other levels of Paradise?
✓It is the highest and most noble part of Paradise. (correct answer)
·It is outside Paradise.
·It is a temporary place before true Paradise.
·It is lower than the other levels.
Why
Al-Firdaws is one of the names of Paradise, and it is also used for the highest, best, and loftiest part of Paradise. It is close to the Throne, and the Throne is described as its roof. The people of Paradise will differ in levels and ranks according to their faith, deeds, and Allah’s grace. The source states that no specific details are known about every special bliss of al-Firdaws beyond what has been narrated, but its rank as the highest level is established.
7. What type of people will reach al-Firdaws al-A‘la?
✓Those whom Allah singles out for more of His grace. (correct answer)
·Anyone who merely wishes for it without striving.
·Only those who performed Hajj.
·Only those who gave charity once.
Why
Al-Firdaws al-A‘la is the highest and best part of Paradise, and no one reaches it except those whom Allah singles out for extra grace. This does not mean a person should rely on wishful thinking. The path to high rank is du‘a together with the means Allah loves: faith, righteous deeds, sincerity, striving in obedience, much prostration, caring for orphans and daughters, and competing in good deeds. A person should ask Allah for al-Firdaws while also taking the means that lead to it.
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.
