The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: When Allah created Paradise, He said to Gabriel: Go and look at it. He went and looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might, no one who hears of it will fail to enter it.
He then surrounded it with disagreeable things, and said: Go and look at it, Gabriel. He went and looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might, I am afraid that no one will enter it.
When Allah created Hell, He said: Go and look at it, Gabriel. He went and looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might, no one who hears of it will enter it.
He then surrounded it with desirable things and said: Go and look at it, Gabriel. He went, looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might and power, I am afraid that no one will remain who does not enter it.
Narrated by Narrated AbuHurayrah:
Context
This hadith describes the creation of Paradise and Hell, highlighting the contrasting nature of both. When Allah created Paradise, He surrounded it with challenges, making it difficult to attain, while Hell was surrounded by temptations. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) relayed Gabriel's fear that no one would enter Paradise and that many would fall into Hell due to their desires. This illustrates the importance of striving against one's inclinations to achieve eternal success.
Modern Application
In today's world, this hadith encourages individuals to resist temptations and work hard towards their goals, whether spiritual or personal. It serves as a reminder that the path to success often requires overcoming challenges and distractions that may lead one astray.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Paradise and Afterlife because it discusses the contrasting nature of Paradise and Hell, emphasizing the challenges associated with attaining Paradise and the temptations leading to Hell.
[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."
But those who feared their Lord will be driven to Paradise in groups until, when they reach it while its gates have been opened and its keepers say, "Peace be upon you; you have become pure; so enter it to abide eternally therein," [they will enter].
And it will be said to those who feared Allah, "What did your Lord send down?" They will say, "[That which is] good." For those who do good in this world is good; and the home of the Hereafter is better. And how excellent is the home of the righteous -
This hadith is #4746 from Sunan Abu Dawud, in the Book of Model Behavior of the Prophet (Kitab Al-Sunnah). It is graded Hasan Sahih and narrated by Narrated AbuHurayrah:.
