Anas reported God’s Messenger as saying, “When a woman observes the five times of prayer, fasts during Ramadan, preserves her chastity and obeys her husband, she may enter by any of the gates of paradise she wishes.”** A way of saying nothing will prevent her from entering paradise. Abu Nu'aim transmitted it in al-Hilya.
Exposition of the Hadith
This noble tradition from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) outlines four fundamental pillars that guarantee a woman's entry into Paradise. The five daily prayers represent the foundation of Islamic worship, Ramadan fasting demonstrates devotion and self-restraint, preserving chastity maintains moral integrity, and obedience to one's husband fulfills the marital covenant as ordained by Allah.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that these four conditions encompass the complete spectrum of religious obligations: duties toward Allah (prayer and fasting) and duties toward creation (marital relations). The preservation of chastity refers not only to physical purity but also to guarding one's gaze, speech, and conduct from all forms of immorality.
The obedience to husband mentioned is conditional upon his commands not contradicting Islamic law. Scholars emphasize that this obedience is within the framework of mutual respect and kindness prescribed by Shariah. When a woman fulfills these comprehensive obligations, she becomes deserving of the highest reward - unrestricted entry into Paradise through any gate she chooses.
Spiritual Significance
The permission to enter through any gate of Paradise indicates the elevated status such a woman attains. Each gate of Paradise is traditionally understood to be designated for specific types of worshippers, but this woman achieves such comprehensive excellence that she transcends these categories. This reflects the completeness of her devotion and the perfection of her faith manifested through both spiritual and social obligations.