The Springs of Paradise
In Paradise there are many springs that provide drinks of different tastes:
” Truly al-Muttaqoon [the pious and righteous] will be amidst Gardens and Water-springs ” [15:45]
” Verily al-Muttaqoon shall be amidst shades and springs .” [77:41]
Concerning the two Gardens which Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) has prepared for those who fear their Rabb, Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) said, ” In them [both] will be two springs flowing [free]. ” [55:50]
And concerning the two Gardens beneath them, He said, ” In them [both] will be two springs gushing forth water.” [55:66]
In Paradise there are two springs from which al-Muqarraboon will drink pure and undiluted, whilst the Abraar will drink their water mixed with something else. The first is the spring of Kafoor, as Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) says:
” Verily the Abraar [the pious, those who fear Allah and avoid evil], shall drink a cup [of wine] mixed with water from a spring in Paradise called Kafoor, A spring wherefrom the slaves of Allah will drink, causing it to gush forth abundantly.” [76:5-6]
He tells us that the pious will drink from it mixed with something else, whilst those close to Allah will drink it pure and undiluted.
The second spring is of Tasneem, as Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) says:
” Verily al-Abraar will be in delight [Paradise], On thrones, looking [at all things]. You will recognise in their faces the brightness of delight. They will b given to drink pure sealed wine, the last thereof [that wine] will be the smell of musk, and for this let [all] those who strive who want to strive [i.e. hasten earnestly to the obedience of Allah]. It [that wine] will be mixed with Tasneem, a spring whereof drink those nearest to Allah. ” [83:22-27]
Another of the springs of Paradise is called al-Salsabeel as Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) says:
” And they will be given to drink there a cup [of wine] mixed with zanjabeel [ginger], a spring there, called Salsabeel “. [76:17-18]
This is probably the same spring as that mentioned above, i.e. Kafoor.
The Palaces and Tents of Paradise
Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) will build good and beautiful dwellings for the people of Paradise:
” and beautiful mansions in Gardens of everlasting bliss “ [9:72]
In some places in the Qur’an, Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) described these dwellings as ghurafaat [chambers or dwellings]:
“ and they will reside in the high dwellings [Paradise] in peace and security.” [34:37]
Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) described these Ghurafaat:
“ But for those who fear Allah and keep their duty to their Rabb [Allah], for them are built lofty rooms, one above the other, under which rivers flow. [This is] the Promise of Allah, and Allah does not fail in [His] Promise.” [39:20]
The Prophet (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) described these palaces to us. According to a hadith narrated by at-Tirmidhi from ‘Ali (Radiallaahu Anhu) The Prophet (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said:
“In Paradise there are dwellings whose inside can be seen from the outside, and the outside can be seen from inside. Allah [Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala] has prepared them for those who feed the hungry, and speak softly and gently, fast continuously and pray at night whilst the people are asleep.” [Saheeh al-Jaami’ as-Sagheer, 2/220, no. 2119]
Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) has told us that there are tents or pavilions in Paradise:
” Houris [beautiful, fair females] restrained in pavilions” [55:72]
The Messenger of Allah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said, ” The tent is a hollowed out pearl, thirty miles high; in each corner of it the believer will have a wife whom no one else can see “.
The Prophet (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) told us about the characteristics of the palaces of some of his wives and companions. al-Bukhaari and Muslim report that Abu Hurayrah (Radiallaahu Anhu) said, ” Jibreel came to the Prophet (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said, “O Messenger of Allah, Khadeejah is coming, carrying a container of food. When she comes to you, convey to her greetings of peace from her Rabb and from me, and give her the glad tidings of a house in Paradise made of brocade, in which there is no noise or exhaustion.”” [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/266]
The Messenger of Allah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said, “ I entered Paradise, where I saw ar-Rumaysa’, the wife of Abu Talhah. And I heard footsteps and asked, “Who is that?” He [Jibreel] said, “That is Bilaal.” And I saw a palace with women in its courtyard. I asked, “Whose is this?” They said, “It is for ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab”. I had wanted to go in and look at it, but I remembered your jealousy [where women are concerned]. ” ‘Umar said, “May my mother and father be sacrificed for you, O Messenger of Allah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam ), would I feel jealous from you?” [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/226]
The Prophet (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) has told us of the way in which the believer may acquire more than one house in Paradise:
The Prophet (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said, ” Whoever builds a masjid for Allah, even if it is as small as the nestling-place scratched out by the sane grouse for its eggs, Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) will build a house for him in Paradise”. [Saheeh al-Jaami’ as-Sagheer, 5/265, no. 6005]
The Messenger of Allah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said, “ Whoever prays twelve extra [supererogatory] rak’ahs every day, Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) will build for him a house in Paradise. “ [Saheeh al-Jaami’, 5/316, no. 6234]