Al-Firdaus: The Highest Level of Jannah | Ep. 26 | #JannahSeries with Dr. Omar Suleiman

Summary

The video explores the profound humility and hope of Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, who balanced fear of being the sole sinner excluded from Heaven with hope of being the sole person saved from Hell. It emphasizes seeking Allah's highest paradise, Al-Firdaus, by aspiring to noble qualities. Jannah (Heaven) has many levels, including special sections like Jannat-ul-Adan and Al-Firdaus, created by Allah’s hand. The speaker highlights the importance of generosity and removing sin to attain these rewards. It also underscores the unique status of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Jannah and the significance of praying for him to attain Al-Waseelah, the highest rank in paradise.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Umar Ibn Al Khattab emphasized the balance between fear and hope in Allah, fearing being the one person left behind if everyone went to heaven, but hoping to be the one saved if everyone went to hell.
• 🙏 High hopes in Allah should not lead to complacency. One must aim for Jannah, specifically Al-Firdaus, and work to embody qualities that align with that goal.
• 🏞️ Jannah has different levels and sections, including Al-Ma'wa, where martyrs reside in green birds' bodies, and Jannat-ul-Adan, a special garden created by Allah's hand.
• 💎 Jannat-ul-Adan is constructed with pearls, rubies, and crystals, symbolizing a customized reward for generous believers, while stinginess prevents a person from entering this special place.
• 🏅 Al-Firdaus, created by Allah's hand, is the highest and most spacious part of Jannah, and it is recommended to ask for this level when seeking paradise.
• 🚫 Al-Firdaus is forbidden to polytheists and those who indulge in lowly sins, like addiction to alcohol and drugs, reflecting the need to avoid such actions while aspiring for high rewards.
• 🎖️ Al-Waseelah is a unique position in Jannah, reserved for the Prophet Muhammad, as it is directly connected to Allah's throne, and it is encouraged to make dua for him to be granted this honor.
• 📿 The Prophet encouraged believers to send blessings upon him after the Adhan, as this will earn Allah's blessings and increase their connection with Him.
• 👑 Al-Waseelah is for the one who brought the most people to Jannah, and the Prophet's intercession will be for those who ask for this special status for him.
• 🌈 Being in Jannah with the Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, is a central aspiration for believers, and his presence in Jannah is a key motivator for many.

Q & A

What was the attitude of Umar Ibn Al Khattab radiAllahu ta'ala Anhu towards his fate in the Hereafter?

Umar Ibn Al Khattab radiAllahu ta'ala Anhu had both fear and hope regarding his fate. He said that if everyone was to go to heaven except one person, he would fear being that one person. Conversely, if everyone was to go to hellfire except one person, he would hope to be that person.

How should one ask Allah for Jannah, according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that one should ask Allah sincerely for the highest level of Paradise, Al Firdaus, regardless of feeling unworthy. Alongside this, one should also strive to bring qualities into their life that align with this aspiration.

What are the different levels and sections of Jannah mentioned in the transcript?

The transcript mentions Al-Ma'wa, a place for the martyrs; Jannat-ul-Adan, referred to as the highest garden; and Al Firdaus, the highest and best of all levels of Paradise. It also talks about Al-Waseelah, a unique degree that is reserved for one individual, the Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam.

What is special about Jannat-ul-Adan, and how was it created?

Jannat-ul-Adan is considered a special part of Paradise, created by Allah's hand, with bricks of white pearl, red rubies, and green crystal. Its ground is made of pearl, and its grass is saffron. Allah also made it speak, saying, 'The believers have succeeded.'

What does Al Firdaus represent in the hierarchy of Jannah?

Al Firdaus is the highest and most spacious level of Paradise, located directly beneath the throne of Ar-Rahman. It is the best place in Jannah, from which the rivers of Paradise flow, and it is reserved for those who attain the highest rewards from Allah.

Who is forbidden from entering Al Firdaus, according to the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam?

Al Firdaus is forbidden for every mushrik (polytheist) and for those who are addicted to wine and drugs. This reflects that those who consistently engage in major sins are unfit to receive the highest rewards in Paradise.

What is Al-Waseelah, and why is it special?

Al-Waseelah is a unique degree in Jannah that is directly connected to the throne of Allah. It is reserved for one person, the Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, who intercedes on behalf of all mankind. The Prophet asked his followers to pray for him to be granted Al-Waseelah.

How can believers secure the intercession (Shafaa'ah) of the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam?

Believers can secure the intercession of the Prophet by sending salawat (prayers) upon him when they hear the Adhan (call to prayer) and asking Allah to grant him Al-Waseelah in Jannah. In return, the Prophet will intercede for them on the Day of Judgment.

What reward does the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam receive for the good deeds of believers?

The Prophet receives a share of every good deed performed by any believer. His scale of good deeds is increased by the actions of those who follow his teachings and guidance, continuing to earn rewards through the deeds of others.

Why is the presence of the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam in Jannah so significant for believers?

For many believers, being in Jannah with the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam is a primary source of joy and longing. His presence in Jannah symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment of spiritual closeness, as he was the one who connected the believers to Allah throughout their lives.

Outlines

00:00

🌠 The Balance of Hope and Fear in Faith

Umar Ibn Al Khattab (RA) emphasized a balance between hope and fear. He expressed that if a caller from the heavens declared that all but one would enter heaven, he would fear being that person left out. Conversely, if the caller announced that all but one would enter hell, he would hope to be that one person saved. This mindset reflects a constant striving in faith, aiming high for Jannah (Paradise) but never becoming complacent. Believers are encouraged to ask Allah for the highest level of Paradise, Al Firdaus, while actively cultivating virtuous qualities.

05:00

🏞️ The Gardens of Jannah: Al-Ma'wa and Jannat-ul-Adan

Jannah, the paradise, is divided into different sections. Al-Ma'wa is the place for martyrs, who wait in the bodies of green birds for their full reward in Jannah. Another significant section is Jannat-ul-Adan, referred to as the highest garden. It was created by Allah's hand, along with four other things: the Throne, the Pen, Adan, and Adam (AS). This specific part of Jannah symbolizes a special and customized reward for the believers. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described Jannat-ul-Adan as being built with precious stones, with a floor made of musk and grass of saffron, reflecting Allah's generous reward for the generous.

10:02

🏆 The Unique Status of Al Firdaus and Al-Waseelah

Al Firdaus is the highest and most spacious part of Jannah, located directly beneath the Throne of Allah, from which the rivers of Paradise flow. It is forbidden to polytheists and those who indulge in sinful addictions. Al-Waseelah, however, is a unique and singular place reserved for one individual—Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It signifies the connection with Allah, located at the highest part of Jannah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged believers to pray for him to attain Al-Waseelah, promising that those who do will receive his intercession on the Day of Judgment.

🔔 Sending Salawat and the Special Connection of Al-Waseelah

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed believers to send salawat upon hearing the Adhan (call to prayer), for every salawat brings multiple blessings. He also urged them to ask Allah to grant him Al-Waseelah, a unique position in Jannah. Al-Waseelah is a place of high honor, reserved for only one servant of Allah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) hopes to be that servant, and in return, those who ask for it will receive his intercession. Through this connection, the Prophet brings people closer to Allah, continuing to guide them even in the afterlife.

💖 The Ultimate Reward: Being with the Prophet in Jannah

For the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the most painful moment was his departure from this world, leaving Madinah feeling empty. The greatest reward in Jannah for many believers is not the material pleasures but the opportunity to be with the Prophet. The thought of being in Jannah with him is enough motivation. This deep connection and love for the Prophet offer a profound spiritual incentive for believers striving for Jannah, with the ultimate goal of being reunited with him and, ultimately, with Allah.

Keywords

💡Jannah

Jannah refers to paradise in Islamic belief, the ultimate reward for believers. The script emphasizes different levels and sections of Jannah, such as Al-Firdaus and Jannat-ul-Adan, as goals for the righteous. It also encourages believers to aim for the highest levels of paradise by developing qualities like generosity and sincere devotion to Allah.

💡Al-Firdaus

Al-Firdaus is the highest and best level of Jannah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encourages believers to ask for Al-Firdaus, as it is situated directly under the throne of Allah and from it flow the rivers of paradise. This concept highlights the aspirational nature of faith, motivating Muslims to strive for the best in both their actions and prayers.

💡Al-Waseelah

Al-Waseelah is a special rank in Jannah reserved for only one person, which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) hopes to attain. It is described as the closest degree to the throne of Allah. The Prophet asks believers to pray for him to be granted Al-Waseelah, linking it to the theme of intercession and the Prophet's special connection with Allah.

💡Generosity

Generosity is a key moral quality emphasized in the script. It is mentioned that Jannat-ul-Adan is a reward for those who are generous, and stingy people will not be admitted. This connects generosity with spiritual success and highlights its importance as a means to earn the highest rewards in paradise.

💡Shuhada

Shuhada refers to martyrs, those who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of Allah. In the video, it is said that the shuhada reside in Al-Ma'wa, a special place in Jannah where they await the full reward of paradise. This emphasizes the honored status of martyrs in Islam and their guaranteed place in Jannah.

💡Intercession

Intercession (Shafaa'ah) refers to the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) role in asking Allah to forgive and admit believers into paradise. The script discusses how those who pray for the Prophet to be granted Al-Waseelah will benefit from his intercession on the Day of Judgment. This concept underscores the Prophet's unique role in the salvation of his followers.

💡Mushrik

Mushrik refers to a polytheist, someone who associates partners with Allah. In the video, it is mentioned that Al-Firdaus is forbidden to mushrikun, reinforcing the Islamic principle of Tawhid (monotheism) and the idea that paradise is reserved for those who maintain faith in the oneness of Allah.

💡Sincerity

Sincerity (Ikhlas) in asking Allah for Jannah is emphasized throughout the script. Believers are encouraged to sincerely ask for the highest levels of paradise and to work towards embodying qualities that seem unattainable, like generosity and piety. This stresses that intention and sincerity are crucial in spiritual aspirations.

💡Maqam Mahmud

Maqam Mahmud is the 'praiseworthy station' that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is promised in Jannah. It is a special, honored place where the Prophet will intercede on behalf of his followers. This concept is tied to the Prophet's role in guiding his followers and helping them attain salvation.

💡Levels of Jannah

The script discusses various levels and sections of Jannah, such as Al-Firdaus, Jannat-ul-Adan, and Al-Ma'wa. These levels represent different degrees of reward, based on the believer's piety and actions in life. The concept of striving for the highest levels of Jannah is central to the message, encouraging believers to aim high in both their actions and spiritual aspirations.

Highlights

Umar Ibn Al Khattab, radiAllahu ta'ala Anhu, expressed both deep humility and hope, fearing being the only one condemned yet hoping to be the only one saved.

Believers should not become complacent but strive for the highest level of Jannah, no matter how unattainable it may seem.

Ka'ab radiAllahu ta'ala Anhu mentioned Jannah al-Ma'wa as a place of relief for the Shuhada, where they are in the bodies of green birds.

Jannat-ul-Adan, known as the Garden of Eden, is considered the highest garden, uniquely created by Allah's hand.

The floor of Jannat-ul-Adan is made of musk, its ground is pearls, and its grass is saffron—symbolizing its exceptional beauty and reward.

Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la declared that no stingy person will be a neighbor in Jannat-ul-Adan, emphasizing the importance of generosity.

Al-Firdaus, the highest and best level of Paradise, was created by Allah’s hand and is the ultimate aspiration for believers.

The Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, instructed to always ask for Al Firdaus when asking for Jannah because of its closeness to the throne of Ar-Rahman.

Firdaus is forbidden for mushrik (polytheists) and those addicted to wine and drugs, illustrating the importance of purity.

Al-Waseelah is the highest degree in Paradise, granted to only one person, connected to the throne of Ar-Rahman.

The Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, occupies Al-Waseelah, the place of intercession for all mankind on the Day of Judgement.

When hearing the Adhan, believers are encouraged to ask Allah to grant the Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, al-Waseelah, which brings intercession for those who ask.

Jannah means more than just physical rewards— for many, the greatest joy is being with the Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam.

Being with the Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, in Jannah is considered one of the most cherished aspects of Paradise.

Al-Qaqa radiAllahu ta'ala Anhu reminded others that the greatest thing about Jannah is the presence of Rasulullah, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam.

Transcripts

- Umar Ibn Al Khattab radiAllahu ta'ala Anhu said that

if there was to be a caller from the heavens,

that everyone is going to go to heaven

except for one person,

I would fear that I'm that one person.

But then he also said if there was to be a caller

to say that everyone is going to hellfire

except for one person,

then I would hope to be that one person.

That really shows you the way that these people thought

in terms of hope and fear.

They had the highest hopes in Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la,

but they never became complacent.

And what that means is that

when you're asking Allah for Jannah,

don't sit there and think, well,

I don't do all these amazing things

that everybody else does.

I don't belong in this category or that category.

Think to yourself, how can I ask Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

sincerely for the highest level of Al Firdaus,

the highest level of Paradise,

and then start to bring into my life those qualities

that also might seem unattainable right now.

So Jannah doesn't just have levels and degrees.

There are entire sections of Jannah

that reflect a certain level of highness

that you want to aspire to.

And so, for example, you have the Jannah that is Al-Ma'wa.

Ka'ab radiAllahu ta'ala Anhu said,

This is the place of the Shuhada,

who are in the bodies of green birds.

And they are waiting for Ar-Rahman

to bring them into Jannah, in the fullest sense.

and Subhanallah, Al-Ma'wa is a place of relief.

And so they will be relieved in the greatest way.

And then you have Jannat-ul-Adan, okay?

And this is translated as the Garden of Eden.

But I want you to think about levels here

insha'Allah Ta'ala

So Jannat-ul-Adan refers to the highest garden.

And then there are specifics

of Jannat-ul-Adan that we're going to speak about.

And Abdullah ibn Umar radiAllahu ta'ala Anhuma

says something very powerful.

He says Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

created four things by His hand:

the Throne, the Pen, Adan, and Adam 'Alayhi Salaam.

And then He said to the rest of the creation

"Kun fa-kaan"

be, and it was.

And what that means is that there's something very special

about this particular part of Jannah

that reflects an even more customized

reward for the believers.

We're not just talking about the ghuraf now.

We're not just talking about the special rooms.

We're talking about a section of Paradise.

And Rasulullah SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, was narrated

to have said Allah created Jannat-ul-Adan,

the Garden of Eden, by His hand,

putting one brick of white pearl,

another one from red rubies,

another one of green crystal.

Its floor is musk, its ground is of pearl

and its grasses of saffron.

And then Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la ordered it to speak.

And it said "qad aflaha al-muminoon",

the believers have succeeded.

And Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la said

"Wa iz-ati wa jalali la yujawe-runi fika bakheel"

that I swear by my majesty and my honor,

no stingy person is going to be my neighbor in you.

Meaning this is a generous reward for generous people.

And the Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam recited

"Wa ma yooka shuha nafsihi fa ulaika hum al-muflihun"

that whoever is saved from the greed of the soul

will truly be successful.

And so you want this customized, generous reward

from Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la,

then you need to be a generous person,

not someone who is stingy,

because that's not a place that's befitting

to a stingy person.

Shimr bin Aatiya radiAllahu ta'ala Anhu goes on to say that

Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la created Al Firdaus by His hand

and He opens it five times every day,

and He says to it,

beautify yourself for my awliyah.

Izdaadi husnan li awliya-i

Increase yourself in beauty.

For my friends,

may Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

make us from his awliyah Allahuma Ameen.

So you then have Al Firdaus.

So basically, think about al Adan in the broader sense

and then specifically from Jannat-ul-Adan

you have al-Firdaws al-A'la.

And it is what the Prophet,

SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, said,

the highest, the most spacious and the best of Al Jannah.

Rusulullah SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, said

when you ask Allah,

don't just ask Him for Jannah, ask Him for Al Firdaus.

It is the best of Paradise.

It is the highest of Paradise

and above it is the throne of Ar-Rahman.

And from it flow the rivers of Paradise.

Now who is Al Firdaus forbidden to?

The Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, said

that when Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

created Al Firdaus by His hand,

He for forbade it for every mushrik, every polytheist,

and those who are addicted to wine and to drugs.

And what the scholars say that that's speaking about

is that idea that,

of course Jannah is forbidden as a whole to a mushrik,

to someone who associates a partner

with Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la.

But it's saying that,

how can a person expect the highest reward

from Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

when they resort consistently to the lowest sins?

And so let this be motivation to remove the low sins,

the khaba-ith the filthy things that are not befitting

of a person who seeks a high reward.

So you have Jannat-ul-Adan, you have Al Firdaus

and then you have al-Waseelah, al-Waseelah.

And the Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, said

"Al-waseelatu darajatun inda Allah"

that waseelah is a daraja.

It's a degree with Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la.

"laysa fawqaha daraja"

There is no degree over this particular degree.

"Fa sal-uAllaha yutiyanee al-Waseelah"

So ask Allah to grant me al-Waseelah.

Who are we to make dua

for the Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam,

to be granted something?

Does he need our dua?

No, but let's talk about this for a moment.

So you have Al-Firdaus,

and then you have this one place that belongs to one person.

And why is it called al-Waseelah?

Because al-Waseelah means the connection,

and it is directly connected to the throne of Ar-Rahman.

And it's in its highest reach.

As Ibn Al-Qayyim Rahimahullah said,

it is a place perched out for one person

in the highest place of Al Jannah,

and only one person can occupy it.

And it must be the one person who will intercede

on behalf of all of mankind on the Day of Judgement.

And it must be the one person who is khayru khalqillah

who is the best of Allah's creation

and the most beloved of a lost creation to Him.

And it must be that one person, al-Waseelah,

and that connected place,

who connected more people to Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

than any other human being in history,

and brought more people to Jannah

than any other human being in history.

Who deserves al-Waseelah more

than the Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam.

And the scholars mention of course that on the scale of

Rasulullah, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam,

is not just his good deeds,

but every single good deed that any believer has ever done

or will ever do, is on the scale of the Prophet,

SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam.

So when we're talking about building our palaces,

Rasulullah, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam,

gets a share of that, and a share of that

and a share of that.

So think of Rasulullah, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam,

who used to pull us up,

and who continues to intercede for us

and continues to move people forward.

Being in this unique position

with the Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la in Jannah,

that everyone recognizes,

and the Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam,

continuing to be the one who occupies that highest position

and brings us closer to Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la.

And the Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, said,

when you hear the Mu'adhin call the Adhan,

then send salawat upon me,

because every time you send salawat upon me,

Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la will send ten prayers upon you.

And then ask Allah to grant me al-Waseelah,

which is a status in Paradise,

which only one servant of Allah will get.

And I hope to be that person.

And whoever asks al-Waseelah for me,

then my intercession, my shafaa'ah,

will be due for that person.

And how do we do so?

'Allahumma Rabba hadhihi-dda` watit-tammah,

was-salatil qa'imah, ati Muhammadan al-wasilata wal-fadilah,

wa b`ath-hu maqaman mahmudan-il-ladhi wa`adtahu'

Innak la Tukhlifu AlMiaad

Oh Allah, the Lord of this perfect call

and established prayer,

grant Muhammad, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, al-Waseelah.

Grant him this place of great reward and intercession,

and grant him this bounty,

and give him this honored station that you have promised him

because verily you do not neglect your promises.

And what does the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam do

with his waseelah, with his connection?

He uses it to grant you Wasa'il,

to grant you connections to Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la.

Think of the reward of sending salawat on the Prophet,

SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam

This is even more special than that.

You have the intercession of the Prophet,

SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam

Now here's the thing.

The Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, said

ask for al-Waseelah for him,

which is at the top of Al-Firdaus,

and it's for one person.

But he said ask for Al-Firdaus for yourself.

And when you think about what Jannah means to you

and what you want in Al Jannah,

you know, a lot of people will start to mention things

that are okay to mention, right?

Anything you're abstaining from in this life

and you're asking Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

for in the next, you shouldn't be ashamed of that.

Alhamdulillah, it's Jannah. And we're human beings

and Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la knows us.

And there's a reason why Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

grants us so many incentives.

But what if you love the Prophet,

SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam so much

that Jannah is being with the Prophet,

SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam

And SubhanAllah You think about Al Madinah in this world,

and the most painful thing to the Sahabah

was when the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam

departed from this world,

Madinah didn't feel like Madinah to them anymore.

And for us, what is it like when we go to Al Madinah?

We don't feel that same thing that the Sahabah once felt

even though Madinah feels amazing.

Now, what does this have to do with Jannah?

SubhanAllah there's a powerful narration.

Al Qaqa radiAllahu ta'ala Anhu

He was asked,

tell us something yushawiquna ila al Jannah

that's gonna make us really, really, really want Jannah.

Like, tell us something

that's gonna really make us want Jannah.

And you know what he said?

He said fiha Rasulullah

In it is the Prophet, SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam.

In Jannah, we get to be with the Prophet,

SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam

That's enough.

And the only thing that's greater than that

is being with Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la, Himself.

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