In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
Paradise is of two types, relevant
to both the outward and the inward - the Paradise of the Senses and
the Paradise of the Spirit (the Immaterial). These are related to each
other in the same way that there are two worlds - The world of witnessing
('Alam as Shahadah) and The world of the Unseen ('Alam al Ghayb); The
world of density (kathif) and subtlety (latif); The Phenomenal World
('Alam al Mulk) and The Celestial Realm ('Alam al Malakut).
The Self that does as she has been
commanded (to fulfil the Divine Plan), achieves a degree of felicity
(nai'm) of the things that she loves; spiritual knowledge and the knowledge
of Divinity and Being. She also gains felicity in whatever other desires
she may have. The knowledge that this self possesses creates a particular
type of Paradise for her. The self will be blessed with all that she
desires and whatever has been refrained from in the material world will
be granted to her. This is the Paradise of the Senses. The Paradise
of the Immaterial is the spirit of the Paradise of the Senses.
The Holy One, Sayyidina Ali, the
fourth successor of the Holy Prophet (may the peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him), said "If the veils were removed from my eyes,
it would not increase me in certainty". His knowledge of Allah
was of such a high degree, he witnessed that knowledge while still in
this realm.
There are many different categories
and levels of Paradise and each individual may experience one or more
of these states of bliss, according to their own development.
1. Al Wasila - 'The Means'. This
is the highest state of Paradise. This is reserved exclusively for the
Holy Prophet Muhammad.
2. Al Adan - Eden
3. Jannat al Firdous - the Paradise
of Paradise.
4. Jannat al Khuld - Limitless,
perpetual, eternal Paradise.
5. Jannat un Nai'm - The Paradise
of Bliss.
6. Jannat us Salam - The House
of Peace.
7. Jannat ul Maqam - The Paradise
of rank, position and dignity (or standing).
8. Jannat al Ikhtisaas - The Paradise
of the field of specialisations
9. Jannat ul Mirath - The Paradise
of Inheritance/Escheat - Those unfortunate ones who are not of the people
of Paradise are shown what was to be their place, and then informed
that because of their actions in this world, that place is now forfeit.
It reverts back to its original owner, who gives it to whomever He pleases.
10. Jannat ul 'Amal - The Paradises
of Actions - The Paradise of work, toil and function. These paradises
are in accordance with the 99 Beautiful Names of God. Each Name manifests
as a different type of paradise. They are created from the Divine Happiness
(farah al ilahi).
No one ever feels deprived in any
level of Paradise. Each is in the presence of Allah according to his
or her station and is pleased with their abode. As we mentioned above,
the Paradises are created from the Divine Happiness; from the attributes
of Divine Perfection (kamal). The result of being in that state is the
overwhelming feeling of exhilaration of that happiness and contentment
(ibtihaaj/surur).
Almiraj Sufi & Islamic Study Centre, Inc.
