‘Abdallah b. ‘Umar reported God’s messenger as saying, “When one of you dies, his abode among the inhabitants of paradise will be shown him morning and evening if he is to be one of them; but if he is to be one of the inhabitants of hell, his abode among them will be shown him. He will be told that this is his abode to which God will finally raise him on the day of resurrection.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Vision of the Final Abode
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, as recorded in Mishkat al-Masabih 127, reveals a profound reality concerning the state of the deceased soul between death and resurrection. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) informs us that every soul is shown its ultimate destination in the Hereafter—either Paradise or Hell—each morning and evening.
Scholarly Commentary on the Soul's Journey
Imam al-Nawawi explains that this vision occurs in the intermediate state (barzakh) where the soul experiences either comfort or punishment. The repeated showing serves as a reminder of divine justice and the inevitable consequence of one's earthly deeds.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani elaborates that this manifestation strengthens the believer's joy and the disbeliever's remorse, creating an appropriate prelude to their eternal state. The vision isn't merely symbolic but represents the actual preparation of one's abode based on their spiritual state.
Theological Significance
This teaching emphasizes that our ultimate destination is determined by our faith and actions, not arbitrary divine decree. The continuous vision maintains the soul's connection to its final outcome until the Day of Resurrection.
Scholars note this demonstrates God's mercy—even in the grave, believers receive glad tidings of Paradise, while disbelievers face the consequence of their rejection, all preceding the final judgment.