Jannah’s Thrones and Couches | Ep. 17 | #JannahSeries with Dr. Omar Suleiman

Summary

The video script reflects on the qualities of a believer, emphasizing humility, urgency in worship, and the pursuit of a higher status with Allah, rather than seeking worldly power. It contrasts worldly desires for thrones with the honor and relaxation that believers will experience in Jannah (Paradise). The furniture in Jannah, like couches and thrones, symbolizes eternal comfort and spiritual rank. Believers will recline in peace, forgiven and united in gatherings, with the highest ranks being those who loved each other for the sake of Allah. Ultimately, it highlights the eternal reward and peace for those who lived righteously.

Takeaways

• 😇 Believers don't seek worldly power or prestige but aim for prominence with Allah in the hereafter.
• ⏳ A believer lives with a sense of urgency, striving for the sake of Allah and not relaxing in heedlessness.
• 🛋️ The furniture of Jannah symbolizes the rewards for hard work in this life, offering couches for relaxation after the trials of life.
• 👑 Thrones in Jannah represent honor, unlike those in this world which are often attained through corruption and tyranny.
• 🏡 Palaces in Jannah are beautifully furnished with high beds, colorful couches, silk linings, drapes, cushions, and carpets that match the gardens.
• 🤝 The gatherings in Jannah will be filled with conversations, with people sitting on thrones based on their ranks, but no one will feel superior.
• 🌙 In Jannah, everyone will see Allah, just as one sees the full moon, without crowding or pushing.
• 🛏️ The constant availability of cushions and carpets in Jannah represents the eternal relaxation and comfort, unlike the temporary rest in this world.
• 💡 Those who forgive and love for the sake of Allah will be elevated, sitting on thrones or even pulpits of light, admired by others in Jannah.
• 🌟 Loving one another for the sake of Allah leads to the highest ranks in Jannah, where people are admired like stars by those in lower parts of paradise.

Q & A

What is the main theme of how a believer should conduct themselves in this life, according to the transcript?

The main theme is that a believer should not seek power or prestige in this world, but instead aim for humility and high status in the afterlife with Allah. They live with urgency, striving for righteousness and the rewards of the hereafter, while avoiding the corruption and tyranny often associated with worldly power.

How are the furniture and settings of Jannah symbolic in the context of a believer's life?

The furniture of Jannah, like thrones and couches, symbolizes relaxation and reward after a life of hard work and striving for Allah. While worldly thrones may be sought through corruption, the thrones in Jannah signify honor and rank earned through piety and humility.

What does reclining on couches in Jannah represent in the Quranic descriptions?

Reclining on couches in Jannah represents rest and relaxation after a life of struggle. It symbolizes the peace and comfort believers will enjoy in paradise, contrasting with the hardships and spiritual struggles they faced in the worldly life.

What is the significance of thrones in Jannah?

Thrones in Jannah signify honor and a high status with Allah. They represent the opposite of the corrupt and tyrannical use of power in this world. Believers who avoided worldly corruption will be seated on these thrones in the gardens of Allah as a reward.

How does the Quran describe the furniture in Jannah?

The Quran describes the furniture in Jannah as luxurious, including raised thrones, cups, cushions in rows, and carpets spread out. The colors and materials like silk and precious stones reflect the opulence and beauty of paradise.

What is the significance of gatherings in Jannah?

Gatherings in Jannah are moments of honor where people sit on platforms or thrones, representing their rank with Allah. These gatherings will also include a direct view of and conversation with Allah, where everyone will feel equally honored, despite differences in rank.

How is the forgiveness of others for Allah's sake rewarded in Jannah?

Those who forgive others for the sake of Allah are raised to higher ranks in Jannah. They sit on thrones facing one another as brothers, with any past injuries or harm between them removed. Forgiveness increases one's honor and status in the afterlife.

What distinguishes those who love one another for the sake of Allah from those who simply forgive?

Those who love one another for the sake of Allah are placed on even higher platforms of light than those who forgive. Their position is so elevated that they appear like stars to others in Jannah, admired for their pure and selfless love.

What analogy is used to describe how people in Jannah will see Allah?

The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) used the analogy of looking at the full moon. Just as everyone can clearly see the full moon without crowding or obstruction, everyone in Jannah will have a direct and unobstructed view of Allah.

How does the description of furniture in Jannah contrast with worldly luxury?

In contrast to worldly luxury, where furniture might be stored away or limited, the furniture in Jannah is always available. It is never hidden or taken away, symbolizing the eternal and unrestricted enjoyment that believers will experience in paradise.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 The Believer's Path to Humility and Paradise

This paragraph discusses the characteristics of a true believer. Unlike those who seek power and status in this world, the believer strives for humility and a high rank with Allah in paradise. While others relax and chase worldly desires, believers work hard for the hereafter. Themes of couches and thrones in paradise reflect relaxation after a lifetime of striving, contrasting with the corrupt thrones of this world.

05:02

🛋️ Furnishings of Jannah: A Symbol of Eternal Relaxation

The furniture in paradise, such as couches, thrones, and luxurious fabrics, symbolizes the ultimate relaxation and rewards for believers. These items, always available, represent the eternal peace and comfort that contrasts with the hardships of life. In Jannah, nothing is ever taken away, unlike in this life, where comforts are temporary.

👥 Gathering of Generations in Paradise

This section highlights the joy of gathering in paradise, where believers from earlier and later generations sit together on thrones adorned with precious stones. This gathering fosters deep, meaningful conversations across generations, with believers united in brotherhood and love for Allah. Such gatherings exemplify harmony, as differences fade, and everyone is seen as equal before Allah.

💫 Forgiveness and Brotherhood in Paradise

Forgiveness is a key theme in this paragraph, where those who forgave others for the sake of Allah are rewarded with elevated thrones. Even higher than these are those who loved one another for the sake of Allah, sitting on pulpits of light admired by all. This love and forgiveness enhance one's rank in Jannah, making them shining stars, recognized by others for their purity and devotion.

Keywords

💡Believer

A believer, in the context of the video, refers to someone who follows the teachings of Islam and strives to live a righteous life. The believer is depicted as humble, not seeking power or prestige in this world, but rather aiming for spiritual elevation and closeness to Allah. They are portrayed as having a sense of urgency in worship and striving for goodness.

💡Throne

Thrones symbolize honor and power. In this life, thrones often represent positions of authority obtained through corruption or tyranny. However, in the video, the believer's throne in Jannah (Paradise) represents spiritual reward, as they avoided worldly desires for power and corruption. The thrones in Jannah are symbols of elevated status with Allah.

💡Jannah

Jannah refers to Paradise, the ultimate destination for believers in the afterlife. It is described as a place of eternal bliss and comfort, where believers will relax on beautiful furniture, including couches and thrones. The furnishings of Jannah, such as cushions, carpets, and beds, symbolize the peace and contentment that contrasts with the hardships of worldly life.

💡Couches

Couches in Jannah symbolize relaxation and rest after a lifetime of striving and hard work in the service of Allah. Unlike in this world, where relaxation may follow physical labor, couches in Jannah represent spiritual rest. They are a reward for the believers who fought against their desires and sought comfort in the hereafter instead of in the dunya (world).

💡Reclining

Reclining is a position of relaxation and peace, often mentioned in the context of Jannah. In the video, it reflects the state of the soul being at rest in Paradise, after a life of struggle in this world. The act of reclining is symbolic of the believers no longer having worries or anxieties, a complete contrast to their striving on earth.

💡Gatherings

The video emphasizes gatherings in Jannah, where believers sit together in conversation, reflecting brotherhood and love for one another. These gatherings represent a communal joy and equality among believers, with no one feeling inferior. Everyone in Jannah will be seated according to their spiritual rank, but without envy or pride, as they enjoy the presence of Allah and the company of the righteous.

💡Forgiveness

Forgiveness is highlighted as a key quality that elevates believers in Jannah. Those who forgave others for the sake of Allah will have higher status in Paradise. The act of forgiveness purifies the heart, removing any resentment, and those who practiced it will be seated on elevated thrones, reflecting the spiritual significance of this virtue in Islam.

💡Light

Light is used metaphorically in the video to represent purity, spiritual elevation, and the love between believers. Those who loved each other for the sake of Allah are described as being on pulpits of light, admired by all in Jannah. This light symbolizes their closeness to Allah and their high spiritual rank, surpassing even those who forgave each other.

💡Platforms

Platforms in Jannah signify the ranks and honor given to the righteous. They vary in materials, from light, gold, silver, to pearls, and they are symbolic of the believers’ closeness to Allah. The highest platforms are reserved for those who loved each other for Allah’s sake, reflecting their elevated status compared to others in Paradise.

💡Pulpits of Light

Pulpits of light are a metaphor for the high spiritual status granted to those who loved one another for the sake of Allah. These pulpits shine like stars and are visible to everyone in Jannah, including prophets and martyrs. The imagery underscores the extraordinary value placed on sincere love and brotherhood in Islam, elevating those who practiced it to an exalted rank.

Highlights

Believers do not seek positions of power or prestige in this world but strive for prominence with Allah in paradise.

The believer is not relaxed in this life but has a sense of urgency, fighting with their soul to stay dedicated to worship and striving for Allah's sake.

Couches in Jannah symbolize relaxation after a lifetime of hard work, emphasizing the eternal comfort awaiting believers.

Thrones in Jannah denote honor and reflect the humility of believers who avoided corruption and tyranny on earth.

The palaces of paradise are beautifully furnished with gardens, colorful couches, high beds, silk linings, and luxurious drapes.

Allah describes the furnishings in Jannah: high thrones, cups in hand, cushions set in rows, and rich carpets spread out, indicating eternal availability and comfort.

In Jannah, believers will recline on green cushions and beautiful mattresses, free from anxiety and worldly concerns.

The gatherings in Jannah will reflect the rank of believers, with some sitting on platforms of light, gold, silver, or pearls, and all will see Allah directly.

Everyone in Jannah will have a clear and direct view of Allah, similar to how everyone sees the full moon without obstruction.

The furniture of Jannah, always available and never hidden, signifies that believers can relax and converse at any time.

Believers will gather in Jannah to reflect on their lives, sitting on thrones and facing each other, discussing past events across generations.

Forgiveness raises ranks in Jannah, with those who forgave one another for the sake of Allah sitting on elevated thrones.

Those who love one another for the sake of Allah will sit on pulpits of light, admired by the prophets, martyrs, and the entirety of Jannah.

In Jannah, those who loved one another for Allah’s sake will be seen as shining stars from the lower parts of paradise.

Believers in Jannah will achieve an eternal state of peace and fulfillment, reflecting on their devotion and struggles in this world, rewarded with endless joy and proximity to Allah.

Transcripts

- You know, if you think about

how the believer carries themself in this life,

the believer is not someone who seeks to be on a throne,

or someone who seeks a position of highness.

And the believer is not someone who's relaxed

in the sense that they have a great sense of urgency.

So, they're not laying back

when other people lay back and are heedless.

They're fighting with themselves so that they can pray,

so that they can strive for the sake

of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala.

And while others will do anything that they possibly can

to have power and to have prestige,

the believer seeks to be humble

and instead seeks that prestige

and that place of prominence with Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala,

in a high place in paradise instead of this lowly world.

The furniture of Jannah reflects many

of the themes that are found in the qualities

of the believer, and how the opposite is now true

in terms of your positions in the hereafter.

And so if you think about couches,

you know when people talk about couches in this life,

usually it's speaking about relaxing

after a long day of work.

And so, you have couches in Jannah,

and it shows up in the Quran along the same theme,

people reclining and relaxing with one another

after a long life of hard work,

and the entirety of this life will seem

like a day or part of a day,

once we enter into that eternal bliss insha Allah Ta'ala.

And then you have thrones and thrones denote honor, right?

And many of the thrones in this life, if not all of them,

are usually sought by means of corruption

and then used as means of tyranny.

And the believer is not involved

in either one of those two things.

And so on the day of judgment, they sit on thrones

in the gardens of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala

as they avoided all of those things

that would've corrupted their good deeds

and lowered their position with Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala.

So let's look through some of the categories

of the furniture in Jannah.

So you have the furniture of the homes

and these palaces of paradise have been furnished

in the most beautiful of ways.

They have gardens that you can sit and recline in.

You have beautiful couches of delightful colors.

You have high beds, and the interiors are lined with silk.

You have this magnificent appearance

of the drapes and the various colors.

You have cushions and carpets that are laid out

that match the colors of the gardens.

You have all of these things.

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

Feehaa sururum marfoo'ah Wa akwaabum mawdoo'ah

Wa namaariqu masfoofah Wa zaraabiyyu mabthoothah

Right? So you have thrones raised high

and cups in your hands and cushions that are set

in rows and rich carpets spread out, and he says

Muttaki-eena 'alaa rafrafin khudrin wa 'abqariyyin hisaan

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

reclining on green cushions

and rich, beautiful mattresses.

So you have the relaxation of Jannah

and that is a common theme. And when you read these ayaat,

it refers to the loss of hem, the loss of anxiety, right?

You're not really worried about anything in Jannah anymore.

And so the reclining position is spoken about to reflect

that the soul is now at rest, whereas in this life

you were fighting with your body because

the soul was not at rest, and you were seeking that comfort

in Jannah and forsaking the comfort of this dunyaa.

And then you have the gatherings

of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala in al-Jannah.

So this is one theme of gatherings

and these are the people that are sitting

on platforms of light, and they are the highest people.

You have people that are sitting on platforms of gold.

You have people that are sitting on platforms of silver,

and you have the lowest person in the gathering

that's sitting on a sheet of pearl.

But the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam said that

"No one's going to think that anyone is higher than them."

And this is when Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala

addresses the people of Jannah.

So the people gather and everyone sits

on their allotted throne or platform

or sheet or whatever it may be.

And the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam said that

"Everyone is going to see Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala."

In the same way that when you look at the full moon

you don't have to crowd each other.

You don't have to push anyone away.

Everyone sees the full moon clearly.

Likewise, everyone in Jannah will look up

and they will see Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala

and Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala

will address everyone directly.

So this is one theme of the gatherings

and the furniture of al-Jannah that you sit

on something that represents your rank

with Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala.

And then ibn al Qayyim rahimahullah he says

the description of the cushions

and carpets being lined up and spread

shows that they are always available

for you to recline and sit on them.

And they're never hidden

and they're never taken away from you.

They're never put away.

And if you think about, you know

if you go to a resort in this life

they always put the beach chairs away at some point, right?

They always put the furniture away.

But the idea of all of these couches, all of these thrones

all of these places to relax, always being out there

shows you that in Jannah

you can do whatever you want, whenever you want.

And so this represents this theme of relaxation

but as we said, when we relax, we're in conversation.

And the best type of conversation is

when we are in glory with one another.

So Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala mentions to us

this glorious gathering when generations come together.

So Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala says,

Thullatum minal awwaleen Wa qaleelum minal aakhireen

'Alaa sururim mawdoonah Muttaki-eena 'alayhaa mutaqaabileen

Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la says, "Imagine this gathering."

You have a multitude of those from the first generations

those who embraced Islam first.

And then you have a few of those who

came from the later generations

and they're all sitting on thrones that are woven

with these precious stones and gold, and they're reclining

on these thrones together face-to-face.

Think about being in a gathering where

you're sitting with Sahaabah,

where you're sitting with Taabi'een,

where you're sitting with great people

that have come before you.

And while the majority that would be

in that particular gathering would be

from the earlier generations

there would be some of those that came later on

but that follow them in righteousness.

And you're sitting around and you're having conversations

and you're talking about what happened

in your generation versus their generation.

You're clarifying moments of history with them.

But you're all on the same thrones facing one another

as brothers, as equals who love each other for the sake

of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala and who are now

enjoying the bliss from Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala together.

So that's one category.

Then you have those who forgave each other.

And Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala mentions

Wa naza'naa maa fee sudoorihim min ghillin

ikhwaanan 'alaa sururim mutaqaabileen

They are the people who we said Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala

removes from their chest, any type of injury

any type of harm that they had towards one another.

And now they are brothers facing each other on thrones.

And so, people that forgave each other

for the sake of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala

And SubanAllah forgiveness, raises ranks.

So you're higher in Jannah because you forgave someone.

And this is something that's very special

because we know that the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam

spoke about people that loved one another

for the sake of Allah, and those that loved one another

for the sake of Allah are even higher

than those who forgave one another for the sake of Allah.

So when Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala

talks about those who forgave one another

for the sake of Allah, they're on thrones that are elevated.

But when Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala talks about those who

love one another for the sake of Allah

they are on these pulpits of lights that look

like stars even to those that are on the thrones.

And I want you to think about this.

Ka'b radiAllahu ta'ala 'Anhu

He said that the people that love each other for the sake

of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala,

they're so high in the ghuraf,

they're so high in these rooms and these platforms

of light in Jannah, just as they were on the day

of judgment, that people in the lower parts of Jannah,

they see these shining stars, and they comment,

Haadhaa rajul minal mutahaabbeena fillah

This must be one of those people who loves someone else

for the sake of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala.

Think about the way that those people were

on pulpits of light, on the day of judgment

and they were admired even by the prophets and the martyrs.

And now, they're admired by the entirety

of Jannah for loving one another for the sake of Allah

And they have furniture that can't even

be seen by other people in Jannah.

So how many people do you love for Allah that are

from the shining stars of the earlier generations?

And how will you be a star for generations after you

to follow in your example?

Yaaa ayyatuhan

Nafsul mutma-innah

Irji'eee ilaa Rabbiki

raadiyatam mardiyyah

Fadkhulee fee 'ibaadee

Wadkhulee jannatee

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