The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The people of Paradise will look at the dwellers of the lofty mansions (i.e. a
superior place in Paradise) in the same way as one looks at a brilliant star far away in the East or in the
West on the horizon; all that is because of their superiority over one another (in rewards)." On that the
people said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Are these lofty mansions for the prophets which nobody else can
reach? The Prophet (ﷺ) replied," No! "By Allah in whose Hands my life is, these are for the men who
believed in Allah and also believed in the Apostles."
Narrated by Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) describes the experience of the inhabitants of Paradise as they gaze upon those in higher ranks. The imagery of looking at a distant star illustrates the vast differences in rewards among the people of Paradise. When questioned about whether these lofty mansions are solely for the prophets, the Prophet (ﷺ) reassures that they are also for believers who have faith in Allah and His messengers.
Modern Application
This hadith encourages believers to strive for righteousness and good deeds, as everyone has the potential to attain high ranks in Paradise. In today's context, it serves as a reminder to engage in acts of kindness, charity, and faith, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Paradise because it discusses the rewards and ranks of believers in the afterlife.
Allah has promised the believing men and believing women gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and pleasant dwellings in gardens of perpetual residence; but approval from Allah is greater. It is that which is the great attainment.
On the Day you see the believing men and believing women, their light proceeding before them and on their right, [it will be said], "Your good tidings today are [of] gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein you will abide eternally." That is what is the great attainment.
And as for those who were [destined to be] prosperous, they will be in Paradise, abiding therein as long as the heavens and the earth endure, except what your Lord should will - a bestowal uninterrupted.
[Allah will say], "Are these the ones whom you [inhabitants of Hell] swore that Allah would never offer them mercy? Enter Paradise, [O People of the Elevations]. No fear will there be concerning you, nor will you grieve."
Those will have gardens of perpetual residence; beneath them rivers will flow. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and will wear green garments of fine silk and brocade, reclining therein on adorned couches. Excellent is the reward, and good is the resting place.
