The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Paradise has eight gates, and one of them is called Ar-Raiyan through which none will enter but those who observe fasting."
Hadith Text & Reference
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Paradise has eight gates, and one of them is called Ar-Raiyan through which none will enter but those who observe fasting."
Source: Beginning of Creation, Sahih al-Bukhari 3257
Meaning of Ar-Raiyan
The name "Ar-Raiyan" linguistically denotes abundance and satisfaction, derived from the root "ra-wa-ya" meaning to be quenched or fully satiated. This gate is exclusively designated for those who faithfully observed fasting in this worldly life.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this name signifies the spiritual satisfaction and abundant reward awaiting fasting believers, contrasting with the physical thirst they endured during fasting hours.
Exclusive Entry & Spiritual Significance
The exclusivity mentioned - "none will enter but those who observe fasting" - refers specifically to the complete and accepted fasts performed with proper intention and in accordance with Islamic law. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this includes both the obligatory fast of Ramadan and voluntary fasts.
Imam an-Nawawi comments in Sharh Sahih Muslim that this special gate demonstrates Allah's honor for the act of fasting, which is uniquely between the servant and His Lord, as mentioned in the Hadith Qudsi: "Every deed of the son of Adam is for himself except fasting, for it is for Me and I shall reward it."
The Eight Gates of Paradise
Scholars mention that each gate of Paradise corresponds to specific righteous deeds. Besides Ar-Raiyan for those who fast, other gates include one for those who excel in prayer, another for those who give charity, and one for those who strive in jihad.
Ibn al-Qayyim explains in Hadi al-Arwah that this differentiation in gates reflects the diversity of worship and Allah's comprehensive mercy, where every believer enters through the gate corresponding to their most perfected act of worship.
Practical Implications for Believers
This hadith serves as immense encouragement for Muslims to preserve and perfect their fasting, knowing it grants them exclusive entry through this special gate. It reminds believers that every moment of hunger and thirst endured for Allah's sake is recorded and will be magnificently compensated.
The scholars conclude that this exclusive entry through Ar-Raiyan occurs on the Day of Judgment, after which the gate will be closed, and those who entered through it will enjoy eternal satisfaction in the presence of their Lord.