8 doors of Jannah

The aim of every Muslim in this world is to make it to Jannah in the next life. Before doing anything, we think about its consequences and the possibility of it jeopardizing our entry to Jannah. While all of us want a ticket to paradise, not many of us know much about Jannah. According to a hadith narrated by Ubaadah (RA) the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Whoever bears witness that there is no god but Allah alone, with no partner or associate, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, and that ‘Esa is the slave of Allah and His Messenger, and a word which Allah bestowed on Maryam and a spirit created by Him (cf. al-Nisa’ 4:171), and that Paradise is true and Hell is true, will have the right to be admitted by Allah to Paradise through whichever of the eight gates he wishes, because of his good deeds” (Bukhari 3180).

The entry of Muslims through these gates is contingent upon many factors, most important of which is the fear of Allah Almighty and complete submission to His commands:

“But those who feared their Lord will be driven to Paradise in groups until, when they reach it while its gates have been opened and its keepers say, “Peace be upon you; you have become pure; so enter it to abide eternally therein,” [they will enter]” (Quran 39:73).

The details of the 8 gates are as follows:

1. Baab As-Salaat

This gate will allow those people to enter Paradise who were punctual and attentive in their prayers. Allah promised great rewards for those who prayed with sincerity and faith and this gate will be the fulfillment of this promise:

“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve” (Quran 2:277).

2. Baab Al-Jihad

“Fight them until there is no [more] fitnah and [until] worship is [acknowledged to be] for Allah . But if they cease, then there is to be no aggression except against the oppressors” (Quran 2:193).

Those Muslims who sacrificed their lives in the way of Islam through Jihad will enter Heaven from this gate.

3. Baab As-Sadaqah

This gate allows only those believers to enter who were charitable and gave Sadaqah in the way of Allah.

4. Baab Ar-Rayyaan

The people who kept their fast with sincerity and to attain the blessings of Allah will be allowed to the Heaven through this gate.

Sahl (RA) reported that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

“In Paradise there is a gate called Al-Rayyaan, through which those who used to fast will enter on the Day of Resurrection, and no one but they will enter it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who fasted?’ They will get up, and none will enter it but them. When they have entered, it will be locked, and no one else will enter” (Bukhari 1763).

5. Baab Al-Hajj

Entry through this gate is reserved for those who observe the Hajj Pilgrimage.

6. Baab Al-Kaazimeen Al-Ghaiz Wal Aafina Anin Naas

The people who were able to control and suppress their anger and were forgiving towards their brethren will be lucky enough to enter Paradise through this door.

7. Baab Al-Iman

Entry through this door is for those people who were steadfast in their faith in Allah and trusted His decisions for them and lived a life that was a fulfillment of His commands.

8. Baab Al-Dhikr

The believers who constantly remembered Allah and did Dhikr will be allowed to enter Heaven through Baab Al-Dhikr.

“Gardens of perpetual residence; they will enter them with whoever were righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their descendants. And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, [saying], “Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home”” (Quran 13:23-24)

Allah Almighty has given us many signs and there is no doubt that if we act upon His commandments and live our lives with a firm belief in Allah and His mercy then there is no stopping us from entering the gates of Heaven unless He wills otherwise. So remain steadfast for there are many rewards waiting for those who are true to Allah, His Messenger, and His one true religion.