The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The first batch (of people) who will enter Paradise will be (glittering) like the full moon, and the batch next to them will be (glittering) like the most brilliant star in the sky. Their hearts will be as if the heart of a single man, for they will have neither enmity nor jealousy amongst themselves; everyone will have two wives from the houris, (who will be so beautiful, pure and transparent that) the marrow of the bones of their legs will be seen through the bones and the flesh."
Beginning of Creation - Sahih al-Bukhari 3254
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The first batch (of people) who will enter Paradise will be (glittering) like the full moon, and the batch next to them will be (glittering) like the most brilliant star in the sky. Their hearts will be as if the heart of a single man, for they will have neither enmity nor jealousy amongst themselves; everyone will have two wives from the houris, (who will be so beautiful, pure and transparent that) the marrow of the bones of their legs will be seen through the bones and the flesh."
Commentary on the Excellence of the First Entrants to Paradise
This noble hadith describes the sublime state of the foremost believers who will enter Paradise. Their resemblance to the full moon and brilliant stars indicates their radiant purity and magnificent appearance, free from any imperfections that characterized their earthly forms.
The comparison to celestial bodies signifies varying degrees of excellence among the righteous, with the first batch attaining the highest station, followed by others in descending order of merit according to their deeds and faith.
Unity of Hearts and Elimination of Negative Traits
"Their hearts will be as if the heart of a single man" signifies the complete harmony and unity that will prevail among the people of Paradise. All causes of discord—enmity, jealousy, malice, and hatred—will be removed from their breasts, as promised in the Quran: "And We will remove whatever is in their breasts of resentment, [so they will be] brothers, on thrones facing each other" (15:47).
This spiritual purification represents the ultimate fulfillment of the Islamic objective to purify souls from base characteristics that cause social discord.
The Houris and Their Extraordinary Beauty
The description of the houris—their transparency revealing the marrow through bones and flesh—illustrates their supreme purity and exquisite beauty beyond human comprehension. This imagery conveys the perfection of these heavenly companions, created by Allah specifically for the people of Paradise.
Scholars explain that such descriptions, while beyond our worldly experience, provide glimpses of the unimaginable delights awaiting the believers, encouraging them to strive for righteousness and patience in fulfilling religious obligations.
Spiritual and Moral Lessons
This hadith serves as powerful motivation for believers to excel in good deeds to attain these high stations. It reminds us that the ultimate reward corresponds to one's faith and actions, with the earliest and most devoted Muslims receiving the highest honors.
The elimination of negative emotions in Paradise teaches us to purify our hearts in this world, as the Hereafter merely manifests what we cultivated in our earthly lives. The promise of such magnificent rewards should inspire increased devotion and gratitude to Allah.