Naturally when thinking about Jannah the thoughts that come to mind would be of peace, tranquillity and pleasure in which we work hard to attain the standard and rulings Allah has bestowed upon us that we must abide. Throughout the quran there are numerous narrations on what we would expect to see, feel, and hear, some evidence to support this are as follows;

﴾وَبَشِّرِ الَّذِين آمَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ الصَّالِحَاتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ كُلَّمَا رُزِقُواْ مِنْهَا مِن ثَمَرَةٍ رِّزْقاً قَالُواْ هَذَا الَّذِي رُزِقْنَا مِن قَبْلُ وَأُتُواْ بِهِ مُتَشَابِهاً وَلَهُمْ فِيهَا أَزْوَاجٌ مُّطَهَّرَةٌ وَهُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ ﴿٢٥

AL-BAQRAH (The Cow) 2:25
But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits there from, they say: “Why, this is what we were fed with before,” for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein companions pure (and holy); and they abide therein (for ever).
Within this verse, the fruits of Jannah will not be exotic in appearance as to be unfamiliar to people. They will resemble the fruits to which human beings are accustomed in this world, though infinitely excelling them in delicacy of taste. In appearance they may resemble, say mangoes, pomegranates and oranges the best of exotic fruits and the people of Jannah will be able to identify them as such. In taste however, there will be no comparison between the fruits we have here and the heavenly fruits. So not only is this something we see and touch but also something we taste, and that of which describes the true differentiating significance. Furthermore to what we see it mentions the heavenly Gardens and rivers that create a natural calming view let alone a feeling to how Jannah can be imagined. Exploration amongst this hadith combined with others show how; gardens of Jannah will not be the gardens we have here. The extravagance and stunning atmospheric surrounding is so great to some extent that we may not even be able to comprehend the beauty that awaits us. Furthermore to the sound of tranquillity and it states the river on how it will provide a soothing touch not only to the ears by which we hear but also with the eyes that we see.

جَنَّاتِ عَدْنٍ الَّتِي وَعَدَ الرَّحْمَنُ عِبَادَهُ بِالْغَيْبِ إِنَّهُ كَانَ وَعْدُهُ مَأْتِيًّا ﴿١٦﴾

MARYAM (Mary) 19:61
Gardens of Eternity, those which (Allah) Most Gracious has promised to His servants in the Unseen: for His promise must (necessarily) come to pass.

لَا يَسْمَعُونَ فِيهَا لَغْوًا إِلَّا سَلَامًا وَلَهُمْ رِزْقُهُمْ فِيهَا بُكْرَةً وَعَشِيًّا ﴿٦٢﴾

MARYAM (Mary) 19:62
They will not there hear any vain discourse, but only salutations of Peace: And they will have therein their sustenance, morning and evening.

تِلْكَ الْجَنَّةُ الَّتِي نُورِثُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا مَن كَانَ تَقِيًّا ﴿٦٣﴾

MARYAM (Mary) 19:63
Such is the Garden which We give as an inheritance to those of Our servants who guard against Evil.

When talking about the Gardens here, it refers to which has been promised to the believers of Allah, Gardens which are beyond the ken of their senses. Again the vast amazing beauty that will be displayed so pleasing to the eye that one can only strive his hardest to attain just by reading and listening about it. Furthermore the word used here ‘salam’ denoted that which is free from all flaws and imperfections. Of numerous blessings bestowed on man in Jannah, some of the prevailing atmospheres in Jannah will be one of elegance and decency and all its inmates will be of people who are possessed of good taste. Hence all those in Jannah will hear only good and decent and not the slander and abuse.

“When you pray ask for Firdaws, for it is in the middle of Jannah and is higher in grade than the Jannah and above Firdaws is Allah’s throne, moreover the rivers of Jannah flow from Firdaws.” (Bukhari)

Above is another narration of which had been mentioned upon the sweet sounding rivers and delicate surrounding and design by which Allah has placed the heavens by those who attain more and better deeds on the dunya, should then be rewarded with the better in the akhira.

وَعَدَ اللّهُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا وَمَسَاكِنَ طَيِّبَةً فِي جَنَّاتِ عَدْنٍ وَرِضْوَانٌ مِّنَ اللّهِ أَكْبَرُ ذَلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ ﴿٧٢﴾

AT- TAWBAH (Repentance) 9:72
Allah has promised to Believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever, and beautiful mansions in gardens of ‘And (Eden; Paradise). But the greatest bliss is the good pleasure of Allah that is the supreme success.

Allah describes the joys of eternal delight He has prepared for the believers men and women ‘and beautiful mansions’, built beautifully in good surroundings. We can use this description to comprehend in our minds for aiming to attain the akhira but just by reading this verse it creates a vision of how the senses work to what we will see, smell and feel, enabling us to visualise the outcome for the test we have in this dunya.

مَثَلُ الْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي وُعِدَ الْمُتَّقُونَ فِيهَا أَنْهَارٌ مِّن مَّاء غَيْرِ آسِنٍ وَأَنْهَارٌ مِن لَّبَنٍ لَّمْ يَتَغَيَّرْ طَعْمُهُ وَأَنْهَارٌ مِّنْ خَمْرٍ لَّذَّةٍ لِّلشَّارِبِينَ وَأَنْهَارٌ مِّنْ عَسَلٍ مُّصَفًّى وَلَهُمْ فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ كَمَنْ هُوَ خَالِدٌ فِي النَّارِ وَسُقُوا مَاء حَمِيمًا فَقَطَّعَ أَمْعَاءهُمْ ﴿١٥﴾

MUHAMMED 47:15
(Here is) a Parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised: in it are rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine, a joy to those who drink; and rivers of honey pure and clear. In it there are for them all kinds of fruits; and Grace from their Lord. (Can those in such Bliss) be compared to such as shall dwell for ever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels (to pieces)?
With the verse above, with the sighting of the descriptions would only allow us to dream of actually seeing something so naturally flowing such as water and replaced with the rivers of sweet taste, to see not only a luxurious scene but then once tasted, they will be a flavour of each with the best quality. For example the milk is of the utmost whiteness, sweetness and richness. It has been mentioned in a Hadith from the Prophet SAW ‘The milk did not come out of the udders of cattle.’ And referring to the wine, it does not have bad taste or foul smell like that of the worldly life. Rather, it is good in its appearance, taste, smell and effect as Allah says, ‘it (the wine) has no bad effects, nor does it cause intoxication’. And From which (the wine) they have will have no headache, nor will it be intoxicated.

أُوْلَئِكَ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتُ عَدْنٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهِمُ الْأَنْهَارُ يُحَلَّوْنَ فِيهَا مِنْ أَسَاوِرَ مِن ذَهَبٍ وَيَلْبَسُونَ ثِيَابًا خُضْرًا مِّن سُندُسٍ وَإِسْتَبْرَقٍ مُّتَّكِئِينَ فِيهَا عَلَى الْأَرَائِكِ نِعْمَ الثَّوَابُ وَحَسُنَتْ مُرْتَفَقًا ﴿٣١﴾

AL-KAHF (The Cave) 18:31
For them will be Gardens of Eternity; beneath them rivers will flow; they will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade: They will recline therein on raised thrones. How good the recompense! How beautiful a couch to recline on!

Amongst the past kings used to wear bracelets of gold. This has been mentioned with regard to the people of Paradise to emphasise that the believers will be made to don a royal dress so as to honour them. Thus the situation of the Hereafter will be altogether different from what it is in the present world. The above narration from the Quran shows a few examples of materialistic objects we really don’t need today but how we will gain access to them in the akhira as our reward for what we do today. We’ll see the beautiful garments that we are able to use and how we don’t just get anything but will be aloud to wear the best of quality. Thrones to be sat on with not pride but humbleness as it is one of the gifts from Allah that we strive for when looking to be accepted into Jannah. This is not something we just see though, it is also the way we react with it for example in how it is used and the feeling we get physically but also mentally.

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُدْخِلُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ يُحَلَّوْنَ فِيهَا مِنْ أَسَاوِرَ مِن ذَهَبٍ وَلُؤْلُؤًا وَلِبَاسُهُمْ فِيهَا حَرِيرٌ ﴿٢٣﴾

AL- HAJJ (The pilgrimage) 22:23
Allah will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds, to Gardens beneath which rivers flow: they shall be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and pearls; and their garments there will be of silk.
This means that these rivers flow throughout its regions, beneath its trees and palaces, and its inhabitants direct them to go wherever they want, which then lead to other areas spreading over the vast lands equally without sound to be heard but something to be felt inside i.e. tranquillity. And the bracelets to be felt with a up beating lift to the inner mind which is worn on their arms, as the Prophet SAW said in the agreed – upon hadith ‘The jewellery of the believer (in Paradise) will reach as far as him wudu reached.’ Then leading onto the garments of paradise by means of which in a sahih, ‘Abdullah bin Zubayr said, ‘Those who do not wear silk in the hereafter are those who will not enter Paradise.’’

إِلَّا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ الْمُخْلَصِينَ ﴿٤٠﴾

AS – SAAFFAT (Those who set the ranks, drawn up in ranks) 37:40
But the sincere (and devoted) Servants of Allah,-

أُوْلَئِكَ لَهُمْ رِزْقٌ مَّعْلُومٌ ﴿٤١﴾

AS – SAAFFAT (Those who set the ranks, drawn up in ranks) 37:41
For them is a Sustenance determined,
Meaning the receiving of Paradise

فَوَاكِهُ وَهُم مُّكْرَمُونَ ﴿٤٢﴾

AS – SAAFFAT (Those who set the ranks, drawn up in ranks) 37:42
Fruits (Delights); and they (shall enjoy) honour and dignity,

Meaning the different kinds and they will be served and will live a life of luxury.

فِي جَنَّاتِ النَّعِيمِ ﴿٤٣﴾

AS – SAAFFAT (Those who set the ranks, drawn up in ranks) 37:43
In Gardens of Felicity,

عَلَى سُرُرٍ مُّتَقَابِلِينَ ﴿٤٤﴾

AS – SAAFFAT (Those who set the ranks, drawn up in ranks) 37:44
Facing each other on Thrones (of Dignity):

Mujahid said, ‘One of them will not look at one another’s backs.’

يُطَافُ عَلَيْهِم بِكَأْسٍ مِن مَّعِينٍ ﴿٤٥﴾

AS – SAAFFAT (Those who set the ranks, drawn up in ranks) 37:45
Round will be passed to them a Cup from a clear-flowing fountain,

بَيْضَاء لَذَّةٍ لِّلشَّارِبِينَ ﴿٤٦﴾

AS – SAAFFAT (Those who set the ranks, drawn up in ranks) 37:46
Crystal-white, of a taste delicious to those who drink (thereof),

لَا فِيهَا غَوْلٌ وَلَا هُمْ عَنْهَا يُنزَفُونَ ﴿٤٧﴾

AS – SAAFFAT (Those who set the ranks, drawn up in ranks) 37:47
Free from headiness; nor will they suffer intoxication there from.

Allah refined the wine of Paradise from the bad effects of the wine of this world, which causes headaches and stomach aches which is the meaning of Ghawl, causing people to loose their minds completely. And then the wine from a flowing stream which they do not fear will ever be cut off or cease. And the white flowing wine is a bright shining colour unlike what is seen today and as good taste.

وَعِنْدَهُمْ قَاصِرَاتُ الطَّرْفِ عِينٌ ﴿٤٨﴾

AS – SAAFFAT (Those who set the ranks, drawn up in ranks) 37:48
And besides them will be chaste women, restraining their glances, with big eyes (of wonder and beauty).

Women who will not look at anyone, other then their husbands and the eyes so beautiful means with beautiful eyes, it was also means their eyes being beautiful and chaste.

كَأَنَّهُنَّ بَيْضٌ مَّكْنُونٌ ﴿٤٩﴾

AS – SAAFFAT (Those who set the ranks, drawn up in ranks) 37:49
As if they were (delicate) eggs closely guarded.

Another word for this would be hidden pearls meaning as they would never be touched by any hands.

لَكِنِ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا رَبَّهُمْ لَهُمْ غُرَفٌ مِّن فَوْقِهَا غُرَفٌ مَّبْنِيَّةٌ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ لَا يُخْلِفُ اللَّهُ الْمِيعَادَ ﴿٢٠﴾

AZ – ZUMAR (The troops, throngs) 39:20
But it is for those who fear their Lord. That lofty mansions, one above another, have been built: beneath them flow rivers (of delight): (such is) the Promise of Allah. Never doth Allah fail in (His) promise.

This addresses that whoever is to be lead astray then that is what Allah has decreed for that person but at the same time Allah tells us that has blessed servants will have lofty rooms in Paradise, story upon story, i.e. solidly constructed adorned and high.

قِيلَ ادْخُلُوا أَبْوَابَ جَهَنَّمَ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا فَبِئْسَ مَثْوَى الْمُتَكَبِّرِينَ ﴿٧٢﴾

AZ – ZUMAR (The troops, throngs) 39:72
(To them) will be said: “Enter ye the gates of Hell, to dwell therein: and evil is (this) Abode of the Arrogant!”

وَسِيقَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا رَبَّهُمْ إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ زُمَرًا حَتَّى إِذَا جَاؤُوهَا وَفُتِحَتْ أَبْوَابُهَا وَقَالَ لَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَا سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ طِبْتُمْ فَادْخُلُوهَا خَالِدِينَ ﴿٧٣﴾

AZ – ZUMAR (The troops, throngs) 39:73
And those who feared their Lord will be led to the Garden in crowds: until behold, they arrive there; its gates will be opened; and its keepers will say: “Peace be upon you! Well have ye done! Enter ye here, to dwell therein.”

وَقَالُوا الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي صَدَقَنَا وَعْدَهُ وَأَوْرَثَنَا الْأَرْضَ نَتَبَوَّأُ مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ حَيْثُ نَشَاء فَنِعْمَ أَجْرُ الْعَامِلِينَ ﴿٧٤﴾

AZ – ZUMAR (The troops, throngs) 39:74
They will say: “Praise be to Allah, Who has truly fulfilled His Promise to us, and has given us (this) land in heritage: We can dwell in the Garden as we will: how excellent a reward for those who work (righteousness)!”

Here Allah tells us about the blessed believers who will be taken to paradise in groups, one group after another, starting with the ones who are closest to Allah, so on and so forth. Then they will arrive at the gates passing over the Sirat. ‘They will be discussing amongst, Muhammed SAW, Adam, Nuh, Musa, Ibrahim and Isa on who is to enter in what and to what stage they pass their judgments.’

وَتَرَى الْمَلَائِكَةَ حَافِّينَ مِنْ حَوْلِ الْعَرْشِ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُم بِالْحَقِّ وَقِيلَ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿٧٥﴾

AZ – ZUMAR (The troops, throngs) 39:75
And thou wilt see the angels surrounding the Throne (Divine) on all sides, singing Glory and Praise to their Lord. The Decision between them (at Judgment) will be in (perfect) justice, and the cry (on all sides) will be, “Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds!”

This is where Allah is telling us is how he will split the people of hell and paradise in judgment in justice suited to each individual and how the angles surround his magic Throne, glorifying and praising Allah to pass judgment in the fairest of ways. ‘And they will be judged’ meaning all of creation.

By Farhan Noor

JazakAllah for reading i hope it helped and you were able to benefit inshAllah. Its just nice to see and reflect on what we should do and try our hardest to strive for.

May Allah accept all of us into Jannah inshAllah

wasalaams