The Four Rivers of Jannah | Ep. 10 | #JannahSeries with Dr. Omar Suleiman

Summary

The video script explores the concept of rivers in both paradise and the world, highlighting the calming effects of water and the 'blue mind effect.' Drawing from Islamic teachings, it describes how rivers in Jannah, such as the Nile and Euphrates, originate from a heavenly source. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is shown experiencing the heavenly river Kawthar. The script emphasizes the purity and endless bounty of Jannah's rivers, offering believers a glimpse of the beauty and rewards awaiting them, especially those who endure hardship.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Flowing water has a calming psychological and biological effect, known as the blue mind effect.
• 🏞️ In the Qur'an, Allah often describes Jannah as having gardens beneath which rivers flow, enhancing the beauty and serenity of paradise.
• 🌿 The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said that two visible rivers, the Nile and the Euphrates, and two hidden rivers, Sayhaan and Jayhaan, originate from the roots of Sidratul Muntaha in Jannah.
• 💧 Rivers in Jannah flow from the Throne of Allah, and the closer one gets to the source, the purer and more beautiful the rivers become.
• 🍯 The rivers of paradise are categorized into rivers of water, milk, wine, and honey, each purified of any worldly imperfections.
• 🌟 The spring of Kawthar is a special river in Jannah given to the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam), with its banks made of gold and its water sweeter than honey and whiter than snow.
• 🕌 Many prophets, including Musa (Alayhi Salaam), were supported by the rivers of the Nile and Euphrates, adding a divine significance to these rivers.
• 🍃 In Jannah, homes and gardens have rivers flowing through them, providing endless enjoyment and sustenance to their inhabitants.
• 🍇 Various springs in Jannah, such as Kaafoor, Salsabeel, and Tasneem, are described with unique flavors and are reserved for the pious and the closest to Allah.
• 🌺 The story of the woman’s dream highlights that the rivers and rewards of Jannah are precisely prepared for the righteous, including the shuhada (martyrs) who drink from special rivers.

Q & A

What is the 'blue mind effect' mentioned in the script?

The 'blue mind effect' refers to the calming psychological and biological effect that flowing water, such as rivers or oceans, has on humans. It is described as a soothing experience that makes people feel more relaxed when they see or hear running water.

How does the Qur'an describe Jannah in relation to rivers?

In the Qur'an, Jannah (Paradise) is often described as 'gardens beneath which rivers flow,' indicating a serene, lush environment with flowing water. These rivers are a prominent feature of the heavenly abode.

What are the two visible and two hidden rivers mentioned by the Prophet (PBUH)?

The Prophet (PBUH) mentioned that two visible rivers flow from the roots of Sidratul Muntaha in Jannah, which are the Nile and the Euphrates, and two hidden rivers are Sayhaan and Jayhaan, which are exclusive to paradise.

What is the significance of the river Kawthar in Islam?

Kawthar is a special river or stream in Jannah given to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by Allah as a form of comfort and reward. It is described as a river with banks of gold and its water as sweeter than honey and whiter than snow.

What does it mean when the Prophet (PBUH) said the Nile and Euphrates originate from Jannah?

The Prophet (PBUH) indicated that while the Nile and Euphrates have an origin in Jannah, they are not physically connected to it in this world. This reflects a symbolic connection, much like humans originating from Jannah but being in a different form now.

What are the four categories of rivers mentioned in Jannah?

The four categories of rivers in Jannah mentioned in the Qur'an are rivers of fresh water, rivers of milk that never expire, rivers of wine that are pleasant to drink, and rivers of pure honey.

How are the drinks and rivers in Jannah different from those in this world?

In Jannah, the drinks and rivers are free from the impurities and negative effects found in this world. Water never becomes stale, milk doesn’t spoil, wine doesn’t cause intoxication or headaches, and honey remains pure and untainted.

What is the spring of Tasneem, and who is it for?

The spring of Tasneem is a special spring in Jannah reserved for those who are closest to Allah, the Muqarraboon. While the pious (Abraar) enjoy its flavors mixed in their drinks, only the Muqarraboon get to drink from it pure.

What is the significance of rivers flowing through homes in Jannah?

In Jannah, every home has rivers flowing through it, symbolizing abundant blessings. Unlike in this world, where water may be scarce or difficult to access, in Jannah, everyone has equal and endless access to these rivers.

What lesson can be drawn from the story of the woman’s dream about the 12 Sahaba?

The woman's dream of 12 Sahaba being martyred and dipped into a special river in Jannah reflects the reality of Allah’s precise and true promise of reward in the afterlife. It highlights how martyrdom in the path of Allah leads to immediate and blissful rewards in paradise.

Outlines

00:00

🌊 Rivers in Paradise and the Blue Mind Effect

The Prophet ﷺ describes the calming and spiritual significance of flowing water, scientifically referred to as the 'blue mind effect.' In the Qur'an, rivers are frequently mentioned as flowing beneath the gardens of Jannah. The Prophet ﷺ shares a vision of rivers in paradise, mentioning that two rivers, Sayhaan and Jayhaan, are exclusive to paradise, while the visible rivers, Nile and Euphrates, also originate from it. This connection illustrates how these rivers have supported prophets, with Musa (AS) associated with the Nile. The Prophet ﷺ is granted the Kawthar, a special river with banks made of pearls and flowing with musk, symbolizing divine comfort. These heavenly rivers reflect the origin of certain earthly elements in Jannah and highlight how prophets were connected to them.

05:01

🍯 Seas of Jannah: Water, Honey, Milk, and Wine

In Jannah, there are seas of water, honey, milk, and wine, from which streams and rivers flow for the inhabitants. These rivers are described as flowing beneath dunes of musk, providing beauty and sustenance to the people of Jannah. Allah distinguishes between the Anhaar (rivers) and Uyoon (springs) in Jannah, offering flowing bodies of water and stationary springs. These four rivers—water, milk, wine, and honey—are purified, free from any negative effects found on Earth, like spoiled milk or intoxicating wine. The rivers and springs symbolize endless blessings in Jannah, with the inhabitants being able to drink and enjoy them freely, and each river is of perfect, unspoiled taste.

10:03

💧 The Springs and Their Eternal Flow in Jannah

Jannah is not only full of rivers but also has springs that gush endlessly. Allah names specific springs like Kaafoor, Salsabeel, and Tasneem in the Qur'an, each offering distinct qualities and blessings. These springs provide drinks mixed with ingredients like camphor and ginger, reserved for the pious and closest to Allah. Tasneem, in particular, is reserved for the Muqarraboon, those closest to Allah, who drink from it pure, while others enjoy it as a mixed drink. Every individual in Jannah will experience a sense of satisfaction and luxury, with no one feeling deprived, as the springs cater to everyone’s joy and closeness to Allah.

Keywords

💡Blue Mind Effect

The Blue Mind Effect refers to the calming and soothing effect that flowing water has on people, both psychologically and biologically. This concept is mentioned in the script to emphasize the unique relaxation that comes from being near water, linking it to the beauty of rivers in Jannah.

💡Jannah

Jannah is the Islamic concept of paradise, where believers are promised eternal happiness. In the script, Jannah is frequently mentioned as a place of peace, with rivers and springs flowing through it, symbolizing spiritual reward and eternal tranquility.

💡Sidratul Muntaha

Sidratul Muntaha refers to the utmost boundary in the heavens, beyond which no creation can pass, situated near the Throne of Allah. In the script, it is said that two visible and two hidden rivers flow from its roots, indicating the divine origin of these rivers.

💡Kawthar

Kawthar is a special stream in Jannah gifted to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The script describes it as having banks of hollow pearls, water flowing with the scent of musk, and being a reward to the Prophet after facing hardship from enemies. It also serves as a promise of divine comfort.

💡Hawd

Hawd refers to a cistern or pool of water, also known as the Pool of Abundance, provided to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the Day of Judgment. Believers will drink from it before entering Jannah, symbolizing purification and a reward for those who remain steadfast in faith.

💡Firdaws

Firdaws is the highest and most elite level of Jannah, described as being directly under the Throne of Allah. It is the source of all the rivers in Jannah, signifying its superior status and the ultimate paradise for believers to aspire to.

💡Sayhaan and Jayhaan

Sayhaan and Jayhaan are two hidden rivers exclusive to Jannah, according to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They represent the unseen rewards reserved for the faithful in the afterlife, distinct from the visible earthly rivers like the Nile and Euphrates.

💡Nile and Euphrates

The Nile and Euphrates are two visible rivers on Earth that, according to the script, originate from Jannah. These rivers have been historically significant, supporting the lives of many prophets, which gives them a spiritual connection to paradise.

💡Al-Baydakh

Al-Baydakh (or Al-Baydah) is a special river in Jannah mentioned in a dream of a woman in the script, where martyred companions are dipped into its waters. This river purifies them, symbolizing the spiritual transformation and reward awaiting the faithful who sacrifice in the path of Allah.

💡Uyoon (Springs)

Uyoon refers to springs in Jannah that either gush forth endlessly or remain in place. These springs provide believers with fresh water and other forms of drink. They are mentioned in the Qur'an, such as the spring of Kaafoor and Tasneem, each representing different spiritual rewards.

Highlights

Flowing water has a calming effect on humans, known as the 'blue mind effect,' which relaxes people psychologically and biologically.

The Qur'an frequently describes Jannah as 'gardens beneath which rivers flow,' symbolizing peace and eternal reward.

The Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) described rivers in Jannah that originate from Sidratul Muntaha, with two visible rivers (Nile and Euphrates) and two hidden rivers exclusive to paradise (Sayhaan and Jayhaan).

The Kawthar is a special river in paradise granted to the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) with water that smells like musk, and its banks are domes of hollow pearls.

Although the Nile and Euphrates originate from Jannah, they are not physically connected to it, much like humans originated from Jannah but exist in a different form now.

The Prophet (SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) taught that on the Day of Judgment, believers would surround the Hawd, a basin outside of paradise, where they would drink from rivers that flow from Jannah.

Rivers in Jannah flow from the Throne of the Most Merciful, starting with large bodies of water like a sea of honey, milk, and wine, and then split into streams for the inhabitants of paradise.

Allah promises rivers in Jannah that are made of fresh water, milk that never spoils, wine without intoxication, and pure honey.

Rivers in Jannah are purified from any worldly detriments, such as water stagnation, milk souring, or wine causing drunkenness.

In Jannah, springs gush forth endlessly, providing joy and refreshment to its inhabitants. Allah mentions specific springs like Kaafoor, Salsabeel, and Tasneem in the Qur'an.

The closest servants to Allah in Jannah will drink from the spring of Tasneem, while others enjoy its mixture in their drinks.

Every home and garden in Jannah has rivers flowing through it, and water is abundant and equally accessible to all, unlike the water inequality in this world.

Rivers in Jannah flow under dunes of musk, enhancing the experience of the believers as they enjoy the gardens of paradise.

The Prophet (SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) described the beautiful scene of 12 Sahaba who had been martyred, being dipped into a special river in paradise, emerging with faces shining like full moons.

Allah’s promise of paradise is true and precise for those who strive for it, as evidenced by the dreams and visions of believers.

Transcripts

So now under the trees you have the rivers,

and flowing water has a calming effect like no other.

And in fact, some scientists call this the blue mind effect.

That it's both psychological and biological

that we become more relaxed

when we see or hear running water.

And the beauty of how Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

speaks about Jannah in the Qur'an

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

rarely mentions the gardens,

if he ever does at all,

without saying something to the effect of

"tajri min taHtihal-anhaar"

"gardens beneath which rivers flow."

Firstly, where do they flow from?

The Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam said,

"from the roots

of Sidratul Muntaha flow two visible rivers

and two hidden rivers."

"Nahrani bathinan wa nahrani zhahiran"

So two of them, we can see, two of them we can't see.

And he asked Jibreel Alayhi Salaam,

"what are these rivers?"

And he said, the hidden rivers,

which are the ones that are exclusive to paradise

are Sayhaan and Jayhaan.

And the visible rivers are the Nile and the Euphrates.

Then the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam continues

to walk in paradise and he says,

"I saw another stream,

the banks of that stream were the domes of hollow pearls.

And then I put my hand in the flowing water

and it was good smelling musk.

And I asked Jibreel Alayhi Salaam, who is this for?"

And he said, "this is your Kawthar,

that Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la has given to you."

So that's to the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam.

Now for us,

what do we experience of these Jannah rivers now,

and what does it even mean when we say rivers from Jannah?

Well, in the same way that we say

that we originated in paradise as human beings

but are in different form now,

the origin of the Nile and the Euphrates is in Jannah,

but that doesn't mean that they're physically connected now,

just like we're not physically connected now.

And it's like when the Prophet

SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam says

that Ajwa dates are from Jannah.

That doesn't mean that we literally pluck them from Jannah,

but there is a resemblance and an origin in Jannah.

And some said that there is another benefit,

in that these rivers are heavenly

because they served prophets.

And if you think about how many prophets were held

and supported in the Nile and the Euphrates.

So the Nile is the river that held Musa Alayhi Salaam,

and the Euphrates is situated between all of the prophets

of Bani Israel, it runs between Africa, ash-Sham and Iraq.

So how many prophets drank from this river?

How many bathed in this river?

And how many even probably traveled upon this river?

And as for al-Kawthar, what the prophet

SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam

put his hand in, this is the special fountain

that Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la has guaranteed

to the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam

as comfort and glad tidings

when his enemies claimed that he was cut off.

And subhanallah, there's something very beautiful here

that many of the ayat where Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

talks about rivers and springs for the believers,

they come after ayat that talk about our hardship,

as if to say that just like how Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

gave the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam Kawthar

when his enemies claimed he was cut off,

if your enemies cut you off here,

your flowing rivers of Jannah, o believers,

are just extended by that.

So before we enter into Jannah,

on the day of judgment in sha'allah,

we're already surrounding what?

We're already surrounding the Hawd outside of paradise.

And the Hawd flows from inside of paradise

to the believers that are waiting outside its gates.

May Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la allow us to arrive

and find the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam

waiting for us at that Hawd with that drink.

Allahuma ameen

But now in Jannah, you get to actually drink

from Kawthar at the source.

And the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam said,

Kawthar is a stream in paradise, the banks of which are gold

and it flows upon pearl and ruby,

he said, its base is musk

and it's water is sweeter than honey and whiter than snow.

So, subhanAllah, what you experience of the Kawthar

on the outside of the gates

is even better when you get inside the gates.

This too is true for the shuh'hada.

They're drinking from some of the river banks right now,

outside of the gates of al-Jannah.

But once they fully enter inside, it's even more beautiful.

Now you'll notice there's this common theme

of rivers that start in paradise

and then they flow outside of paradise.

And then in Jannah as well,

you have rivers that flow throughout,

and every time they're described

in the Qur'an and the Sunnah,

the closer you get to the source, the better it becomes.

So essentially, as Ibn Qayyim Rahimahullah,

he says that all rivers in paradise

start with a large body of water and then a waterfall.

And the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam said,

when you ask Allah, ask him for al-Firdaws,

because it is the best of paradise, the highest of it.

And he said, above it is the Throne of the Most Merciful,

and from the Arch, from the Throne,

all of the rivers of paradise flow.

So just like the light comes from there,

the water comes from there as well.

And Rasullullah SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam

said specifically,

that in Jannah there is a sea of water

and then there is a sea of honey,

like a large body of honey.

And then there is a large body of milk,

and then a large body of wine.

And then from those large bodies of water, honey,

milk and wine, the rivers split off afterwards

and then they go into many streams

so that everyone in Jannah can enjoy their portion.

And how do they reach you?

They flow under dunes of musk.

So you see them coming out under dunes of musk,

through your gardens and into your home,

and you can drink from it and enjoy it in any way.

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

breaks them down into two more categories.

You have those that flow, which are the Anhaar,

the rivers, and then you have the Uyoon,

which are the springs.

And the springs continue to burst in one place.

So let's break them down in sha'Allah ta'la.

Let's start with the Anhaar.

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

Mathalu aljannati allatee wuAAidaalmuttaqoona

feeha anharun min ma-in ghayri asinin

waanharun min labanin lam yataghayyar taAAmuhu

waanharun min khamrin laththatin lishsharibeen

waanharun min AAasalin musaffa

Allah says that the description of the garden

that he has promised to the believers,

is that in it are rivers of fresh water,

rivers of milk that never expire,

rivers of wine that are delicious to drink,

and rivers of pure honey.

So these rivers in Jannah, you don't just admire them

but you can drink from all of them as you please.

And Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la mentions four categories

of rivers: water, milk, wine, and honey.

And then Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la mentions how he removed

from them anything that would make them unpleasant

in this world.

So if you think about water,

the detriment of water is that water can change its taste

if it mixes in with other things,

or if it sits in one place for a long time.

If you think about milk,

milk of course can spoil and becomes sour and undrinkable.

And then if you think about wine,

well Ibn Abbas radiAllahu Anhuma said,

what does wine give you in this world?

It gives you drunkenness, it gives you a headache

it makes you vomit and it makes you urinate.

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

mentions the wine of paradise,

he's purified it of all of those things.

And then the corruption of honey is impurity in this world.

But here in Jannah,

everything stays fully pure in those rivers.

And subhanallah, you might want, you know,

something else from those rivers.

Maybe you want a chocolate river,

maybe you want a Kool-aid river, whatever it is.

The point is is that in Jannah,

the rivers are for drinking and admiring

and they flow without any type of limit

and they're removed from anything

that would spoil their perfect taste

or give them any type of negative effect.

Then Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la mentions the springs,

Fi dhilalin wa uyoon, that in shade and springs.

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

in surah Ar-Rahman,

there are springs that are gushing endlessly,

and then there are springs

with which the water remains in place.

So the types of bodies of water are different

throughout paradise, all for your joy.

And Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la names some of these springs

in the Qur'an, so Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la says,

"Inna al-abrara yashraboona min ka'sinkana mizajuha kafoora"

that verily the pious shall drink a cup mixed with water

from a spring in paradise called Kaafoora, camfer.

AAaynan yashrabu biha AAibaduAllahi yufajjiroonaha tafjeera

This is the spring

wherefrom the servants of Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

will drink, causing it to gush forth abundantly.

So that's one, Kaafoor, which is a spring in paradise

that the scholars say flavors the drinks.

Then Allah mentions

Salsabeel

Wayusqawna feeha ka'san kanamizajuha zanjabeela

AAaynan feeha tusamma salsabeela

And then they're given to drink a cup of wine

that is mixed with zanjabeel, ginger.

And he said that spring is called Salsabeel.

So this spring again is a spring of wine

but this spring is wine mixed with ginger.

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

the spring of Tasneem.

And this is the one

that is for the closest to Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la.

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

Wamizajuhu min tasneemin

AAaynan yashrabu biha almuqarraboon

that in there, there will be wine mixed with tasneem,

a spring that is for those who are the Muqarraboon,

that are nearest to Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

to drink from.

So many of the scholars, they said that everyone in Jannah

has flavoring from the spring of Tasneem,

but the Muqarraboon,

who are the closest to Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

they get to drink it pure.

And the Abraar, being the pious of the next degree,

they have it mixed in with their drinks.

But no one feels deprived at any point,

just those that are closer to Allah Subh'anahu Wa Ta-A'la

recognize that they have an added gift.

And one of the things that the scholars mention,

is that every home doesn't just have a faucet

with clean water.

You don't have sinks in your homes in Jannah.

But every home in Jannah has rivers that flow through it.

Subhanallah, in your home, in your gardens,

in wherever it may be.

And so every person in Jannah has access to its water

and its bodies of whatever it is,

in terms of rivers and springs.

And you think about water inequality

in this dunya, despite its abundance,

and all that it does to cause harm to people.

And in Jannah it's everywhere, every home, every garden.

Now, subhanAllah, if you could see the pictures

of that Jannah right now, like I want you to imagine

if you could go to a booking site

and you could see the pictures of that Jannah,

and then you could taste its water right now,

how much would you crave Jannah?

And there's one incredible narration,

that Anas radiAllahu Anhu says that this woman

came to the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam

and she said,

"Ya Rasulullah

I had this really strange dream."

She said, "Ya Rasulullah

"ra'aytu ka'an'ni dakhaltul-jannah

"I saw myself in a dream entering into Jannah.

And then I heard this noise in Jannah,

like some sort of commotion.

And it was that the gate of Jannah had opened."

So she says, "I went and I saw these people coming in,

and it was this person and this person and this person,

and she named 12

of the Sahaba of the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam.

And she said they were brought forth

and they had clothes of the finest silk,

but their wounds were open

and they were running forth with blood.

And an angel comes and says, take them to the river of

al-Baydakh or al-Baydah,

and they're dipped in this special river,

and they come out with their faces shining like full moons.

And then they sit and they're served with a plate of gold.

And in those plates of gold you have dates.

And they ate from those dates as much as they wanted.

And then I went and I joined them

and I started to eat with them."

And she said, "I woke up."

So, subhanAllah, the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam,

is listening to her.

And little did she know that the 12 people she saw

in her dream dipped into the special river

in paradise and eating from its fruits,

were 12 companions that the Prophet

SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam

sent on an expedition that very same day.

And so she finishes narrating her dream,

and she leaves, and right when she leaves,

a messenger arrives and says to the Prophet

SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam

so-and-so has been killed, so-and-so has been killed,

so-and-so has been killed,

until he named the exact same 12 people

that the woman saw in her dream.

And Rasulullah SallAllahu 'Alaihi Wasallam

sent back for the woman,

and told her to relate her dream to everyone else,

and said everything happened exactly as she said.

Subhanallah, Allah's promise is true,

and it's precise for those who strive for it.

Ya ayyatuha annafsualmutma-inna

IrjiAAee ila rabbiki radiyatanmardiyya

Fadkhulee fee Aaibadee

Wadkhulee jannatee

Captioning provided by MUHSEN (www.muhsen.org)