Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whoever gives two kinds (of things or property) in charity for Allah's Cause, will be called from the gates of Paradise and will be addressed, 'O slaves of Allah! Here is prosperity.' So, whoever was amongst the people who used to offer their prayers, will be called from the gate of the prayer; and whoever was amongst the people who used to participate in Jihad, will be called from the gate of Jihad; and whoever was amongst those who used to observe fasts, will be called from the gate of Ar-Raiyan; whoever was amongst those who used to give in charity, will be called from the gate of charity." Abu Bakr said, "Let my parents be sacrificed for you, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! No distress or need will befall him who will be called from those gates. Will there be any one who will be called from all these gates?" The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "Yes, and I hope you will be one of them."
The Excellence of Multiple Acts of Worship
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 1897 illustrates the magnificent reward for those who combine various acts of worship. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) describes how believers will be summoned from specific gates of Paradise according to their predominant righteous deeds.
The Special Gate for Those Who Fast
The gate of Ar-Raiyan is exclusively reserved for those who regularly observed fasting. This name signifies "quenched thirst" - indicating that those who endured thirst and hunger for Allah's sake will have their spiritual thirst eternally quenched in Paradise.
Fasting holds such elevated status that it merits a dedicated entrance to Paradise, demonstrating its special place in Islamic worship and the unique compensation for its hardships.
The Comprehensive Reward
Abu Bakr's (RA) insightful question reveals the ultimate aspiration: to be called from all gates. The Prophet's affirmative response and special hope for Abu Bakr indicates that combining all these virtues - prayer, jihad, fasting, and charity - leads to the highest stations in the Hereafter.
This teaches us the importance of comprehensive worship rather than focusing on a single act, encouraging balance in our spiritual practice while striving for excellence in all forms of obedience to Allah.
Scholarly Commentary on the Gates
Classical scholars explain that these gates correspond to the major pillars and virtues of Islam. Each gate represents the culmination of consistent practice in that particular act of worship.
The fact that these are separate gates indicates the distinct nature of each worship's reward, while the possibility of being called from all gates shows the comprehensiveness of Allah's mercy toward those who excel in multiple forms of obedience.