Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "It will be said to the people of Paradise, 'O people of Paradise! Eternity (for you) and no death,' and to the people of the Fire, 'O people of the Fire, eternity (for you) and no death!"

Hadith Reference

Sahih al-Bukhari 6545 | Book: To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)

Commentary on the Meaning

This profound hadith establishes the eternal nature of both Paradise and Hellfire, affirming that the inhabitants of both abodes shall dwell therein forever without cessation. The declaration "eternity and no death" serves to emphasize the permanence of the final destination, removing any doubt about the temporary nature of either reward or punishment.

For the people of Paradise, this announcement brings ultimate joy and completion of divine promise, as they enter an everlasting state of bliss where every desire is fulfilled and every pleasure perfected. Their eternity is one of increasing delight and proximity to Allah.

For the people of the Fire, this declaration constitutes the ultimate warning and manifestation of divine justice. Their eternity represents perpetual punishment without hope of release or annihilation, serving as the ultimate consequence for disbelief and transgression against the Creator.

Spiritual Lessons

This narration serves to soften hearts (riqaq) by presenting the stark reality of the Hereafter, motivating believers to strive diligently in obedience to Allah while warning against complacency in sin.

The parallel structure of the announcement highlights divine justice - both groups receive what they earned through their beliefs and actions in worldly life.

Scholars note that this eternity is intrinsic to the nature of the Hereafter itself, not merely a prolonged duration, but an existence outside temporal constraints as we understand them in this world.