Context and Significance

This profound hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari's "To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)" (Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6546) presents two distinct visions of the Hereafter. The Prophet's ﷺ direct witnessing of Paradise and Hell provides authentic knowledge about their inhabitants, serving as both a warning and glad tidings for the Ummah.

Exposition: The Poor in Paradise

The prevalence of the poor (fuqara) in Paradise indicates their spiritual advantage. Poverty, when borne with patience and gratitude, purifies the soul from worldly attachments. The poor are often more reliant upon Allah, their hearts less distracted by material concerns.

Scholars clarify this does not mean poverty itself is virtuous, but rather the righteous poor who maintained taqwa despite their circumstances. Their minimal worldly share is compensated by eternal bliss, demonstrating Allah's perfect justice.

Exposition: Women in the Fire

This portion requires careful understanding. Scholars explain women's prevalence in the Fire relates to specific spiritual deficiencies common among them, not their essential nature. Primary causes include ingratitude toward husbands and excessive talking that leads to slander.

Imam Ibn Hajar notes this refers to disobedient women, not all women. Many female Companions and righteous women are among the highest ranks of Paradise. The warning serves to encourage rectification of these specific faults.

Balanced Understanding

This hadith presents two independent observations, not a correlation between poverty and gender. Both statements carry separate lessons: encouragement for the patient poor and warning for those—male or female—who neglect their religious obligations.

The ultimate determinant remains taqwa (God-consciousness). As Allah says: "Indeed, the most noble of you before Allah is the most righteous." (Quran 49:13)