Beginning of Creation - Sahih al-Bukhari 3241

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I looked at Paradise and found poor people forming the majority of its inhabitants; and I looked at Hell and saw that the majority of its inhabitants were women."

Commentary on the Majority of Paradise Dwellers

The poor forming the majority of Paradise inhabitants indicates that worldly poverty, when accompanied by patience and gratitude, becomes a means of spiritual elevation. The wealthy are tested by their wealth, while the poor are tested by their poverty. Those who remain content with Allah's decree and focus on the Hereafter find their reward multiplied.

This does not mean wealth is condemned, for many prophets and righteous people were wealthy. Rather, it emphasizes that detachment from worldly possessions often leads to greater spiritual focus and reliance upon Allah, making the path to Paradise easier for the poor who remain righteous.

Commentary on the Majority of Hell's Inhabitants

The scholars explain that women forming the majority in Hell refers to those who are ungrateful to their husbands and reject Allah's blessings. The primary causes mentioned in other narrations include disbelief, ingratitude, and frequent cursing.

This hadith serves as a warning, not a condemnation of all women. Many women among the Prophet's companions attained the highest ranks of Paradise. The majority status refers to statistical reality based on specific spiritual weaknesses that require vigilance and rectification through faith and good deeds.

Scholars emphasize this hadith motivates self-reformation rather than gender criticism. Both men and women are equally capable of attaining Paradise through obedience to Allah and following the Prophet's guidance.