Imam Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi are amongst the famous Muhaddithun, apart from Bukhari, Muslim, Al-Nasa’i, Ibn Majah, Imam Malik, Al-Darami, and Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal.
Narrated Sa’id Ibn Zayd: Abdur Rahman Ibn Al-Akhnas said that when he was in the mosque, a man mentioned Ali r.a. So Sa’id got up and said: I bear witness that the Apostle of Allah p.b.u.h. that I heard him say: Ten persons will go to Paradise. The Prophet p.b.u.h. will go to Paradise, Abu Bakr will go to Paradise, Umar will go to Paradise, Uthman will go to Paradise, Ali will go to Paradise, Talhah will go to Paradise, Az-Zubayr Ibn Al-Awwam will go to Paradise, Sa’d Ibn Malik will go to Paradise, and Abdur Rahman Ibn Awf will go to Paradise. If I wish, I can mention the tenth. The People asked: Who is he. So he kept silence. They again asked: Who is he. He replied: He is Sa’id Ibn Zayd. (Abu Dawood)
In another narration by Imam Al-Tirmidhi: Abdul Rahman Bin ‘Awf said: The Prophet p.b.u.h. said: Abu Bakr in Paradise, Omar in Paradise, ‘Uthman in Paradise, Ali in Paradise, Talha in Paradise, Al-Zubair Bin Al-‘Awwam in Paradise, Abdul Rahman Bin ‘Awf in Paradise, Saad Bin Abi Waqqass in Paradise, Saeed Bin Zaid, and Abu ‘Ubaida Bin Al-Jarrah in Paradise.
The sanad of the two hadiths appear to be narrated by different Companions, Sa’id Ibn Zayd and Abdul Rahman Ibn ‘Awf, who are themselves quoted as amongst Ashra Mubashra or the Ten Blessed Companions. In addition, the matn quotes two Companions who differ in the two hadiths, one being Sa’id Ibn Malik while the other is Said Bin Abi Waqqass, with an addition of Abu ‘Ubaida Bin Al-Jarrah.
The books of the Sunnah tells us that one day the Prophet p.b.u.h. was sitting at the well of ‘Ariis, with Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari acting as his gatekeeper. Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq r.a. came and asked permission to see him, and the Messenger p.b.u.h. said: “Let him in, and give him the glad tidings of Paradise.” Then Umar r.a. came and he said, “Let him in and give him the glad tidings of Paradise.” Then ‘Uthman r.a. came and he said, “Let him in, and give him the glad tidings of Paradise because of an affliction that will befall him.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari, Muslim and Tirmidhi). Paradise is guaranteed to the four Caliphs who are believers in the Messenger Muhammad p.b.u.h. and because they are amongst the first who embraced Islam in Mecca.
Ibnu ‘Asakir also reported with a sahih isnad from Ibn Mas’ud that the Prophet p.b.u.h. said: “My successor will be in Paradise, his successor will be in Paradise, and the third and fourth will be in Paradise.” The “successor” refers to the one who would take over the reins of leadership after his death. These four are Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman and ‘Ali r.ah.
Hadith Qudsi or better understood as revelation directly received by Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. without the intermediary of Angel Jibril a.s. detailed the path to Paradise as well as described vividly the ease to be found.
In essence it is to avoid extreme rage or despising the less fortunate, or transgressing boundaries of decorum. The basic foundation is to believe in the very existence of heaven itself. In Paradise, the ease is a reward due to the obedience they gave to Prophet Muhammad (Allah’s blessings be upon him) in the worldly life. Obedience to Him indicates a clear sign of Iman. When this happens, Allah the Glorious loves them as well. This highlights the importance of Sunnah directly modeled by the perfect creation chosen by Allah who will live the revealed Qur’an.
One important goal of every Muslim is to enter Paradise which explains the importance of role modeling the best examplar Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. and to emulate the other Companions who by virtue of emulating him, receive glad tidings of the best reward. There are several hadiths on the nature of Paradise in Hadith Sahih Bukhari narrated by Abu Hurairah r.a. : the Prophet p.b.u.h. said, “A place in Paradise as small as the bow or lash of one of you is better than all the world and whatever is in it.” (4:51); “Paradise and the Hellfire argued and the Hellfire said, “I have been given the privilege of receiving the arrogant and the tyrants.” Paradise said, “What is the matter with me? Why do only the weak and the humble among the people enter me?” On that, Allah said to Paradise, “You are my Mercy which I bestow on whoever I wish of my servants.” Then Allah said to the Hellfire, “You are the means of punishment by which I punish whoever I wish of my slaves. And each of you will have its fill.” As for the Hellfire, it will not be filled till Allah puts His foot over it whereupon it will say, “Qati! Qati!” At that time it will be filled, and it’s different parts will come closer to each other; and Allah will not wrong any of His created beings. As regards Paradise, Allah will create a new creation to fill it with.”
“Ummati. Ummati.” May we be blessed to see Allah’s countenance at Resurrection and Paradise.
“Allahumma ajirna minannar.” May the miracle of Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h.’s splitting of the moon bear witness to his truth.
References
Sahih Bukhari
Wikipedia
