Names of Paradise
The Holy Quran indicates that there are several paradises prepared by Allah – the Most Exalted – for His righteous servants in the Hereafter. Allah states: “And for he who fears the position of his Lord are two gardens” (Quran 55:46). Additionally, it mentions: “And below them are two gardens” (Quran 55:62). Scholarly texts describe Paradise with several characteristics; some scholars suggest that if Paradise is considered singular, these are merely attributes. However, if there are multiple paradises, these would be their names. Among these are Paradise of Eden, the Abode of Peace, the Eternal Home, the Heavenly Garden, the Garden of Refuge, the Garden of Delight, and the Abode of Glory. Scholars have also concluded that there are fundamentally four primary paradises, as supported by the previous verses in Surah Ar-Rahman. The two gardens for those who fear the position of their Lord are identified as the Garden of Delight and the Garden of Refuge, while the two others are the Garden of Eden and the Garden of the Heavens.
Degrees of Paradise
The exact number of levels in Paradise remains unspecified, and definitive conclusions cannot be made. Some scholars believe that the levels correspond to the number of verses in the Holy Quran, referencing a narration from Abdullah bin Amr – may Allah be pleased with him – where the Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – said: “It will be said to the companion of the Quran: ‘Recite and ascend, and slow down as you did in the world; for your station is at the last verse you recite.'” Scholars assert that there are numerous degrees of Paradise, with a significant distinction between each pair of levels. Some reports indicate that Allah – the Most High – has prepared one hundred degrees in Paradise for those who strive in His cause, while other reports suggest that the highest level is Al-Wasila.
Summary of a Muslim’s Belief in Paradise
It is essential for every Muslim to believe in the abode of reward that Allah – the Exalted – has prepared for the faithful in the Hereafter, known as Paradise. In it are delights that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and have never crossed the mind of any human. Furthermore, the Almighty has prepared for His righteous servants what their souls desire and what brings joy to their eyes.