Page 342
alladhīna yarithūna l-firdawsa hum fīhā khālidūna
who shall inherit paradise and will remain in it [forever].
— Ali Quli Qarai
23Al-Mu’minūnالمؤمنونVerse 11 of 118
The Believers23. Al-Mu’minūnالمؤمنون
Al Mu’minūn
The Believers
MeccanVerse 11 of 118
Surah al-Mu’minun - Verses 10-11
10. “These, they are the heirs, ”
11. “Those who will inherit the Paradise: Therein they will abide.”
The Arabic word ‘Firdaus’, meaning garden, is the best place in Paradise.74 After mentioning the most distinguished attributes of the believers, the Qur’an implies that their destiny is that they will be the heirs who will inherit Paradise and abide there eternally. The verse says:
“These, they are the heirs, ”
However, ‘Firdaus’, as some philologists say, is a Roman word, while some others say it is Arabic, and some say that it is originally a Persian word meaning a garden. In this case, it is a special garden in which all the Divine blessings and favours are gathered. Hence it can be called ‘the Lofty Paradise’, which is the best and the most elevated gardens of Heaven. Using the word ‘inherit’ may indicate that the believers gain it without difficulty, like how one gets an inheritance, in so far as man achieves this favour without any trouble or exertion.
Of course attaining the high stations of Paradise needs self-edification, purification and struggle, but the great recompense in comparison, makes these efforts look as if they were nothing, that the believer had achieved it without facing any pain. It is necessary to note that the Prophet (S) has been quoted to have said:
“Every one of you, without exception, has two abodes, one in the Hell and other in Paradise. If a person dies and goes to Hell, his abode in Paradise will be inherited by the people of Paradise.”
This tradition might explain the context in which the word ‘inheritance’ in the verse under discussion might apply. Some interpreters are also of the opinion that it is not improbable that the use of the word ‘inheritance’ refers to the destiny of the believers, like heritage which finally accrues to the heir. The literal meaning of the text indicates that this exalted station of Paradise is exclusive for the believers who possess the attributes enumerated above. Thus, the other people of Paradise dwell in lower stations.
Some Narrations on Paradise
1) The holy Prophet (S) says:
“Whoever longs for Paradise must endeavour to do good deeds.” 75
2) Imam Sajjad, Zayn-ul-‘abidin, (as) said:
“Be aware that whoever is eager for Paradise hastens to do good and shuns sensual desires. And whoever fears the Fire repents of his sins before Allah’s presence and shuns what is unlawful.” 76
3) Imam Ali (as) said:
“Paradise is the best of goals.” 77
4) Imam Ali (as) said:
“Paradise is the destiny of those who are successful.” 78
5) Imam Ali (as) said:
“Paradise is the abode of peace (and comfort).” 79
6) Imam Ali (as) said:
“Paradise is the recompense for those who obey (Allah’s commandments).” 80
7) The Prophet (S) said:
“If you promise to fulfil six virtuous acts I promise you will have Paradise: perform the ritual prayer, pay the alms-tax, restore deposits to their owners, uphold the privity parts, and be careful about your language and your stomach.” 81
8) The Prophet (S) said:
“One who dies while he believes that Allah is True will enter Paradise.” 82
9) The Prophet (S) said:
“Never enters Paradise but the one who is Muslim.” 83
10) The Prophet (S) said:
“In Paradise there are things (blessings), that no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and which have never occurred to the mind.” 84
11) Imam Ali (as) said:
“Only Paradise is your price and value, so sell yourself for nothing less than that .” 85
12) Imam Sadiq (as) said:
“One who recites ‘La-’Ilaha Illa-Lah’ sincerely will enter Paradise. And his sincerity means that this noble sentence dissuades one from committing the prohibited things of Allah.” 86
13) Imam Kazim (as) said:
“Three persons are barred from Paradise: the gossiper, the alcoholic, and the libertine, and he is a mischievous man.” 87
14) The Prophet (S) said:
“A deceiver and a betrayer will not enter Paradise.”
And he also said:
“A cursed child and a drunkard will not enter Paradise.” 88
Footnotes