The Book of Paradise, its Description, its Bounties and its Inhabitants - Sahih Muslim 2822

"The Paradise is surrounded by hardships and the Hell-Fire is surrounded by temptations."

Exposition of Meaning

This profound hadith reveals the nature of the path to Paradise and Hell. Paradise, being the ultimate reward, requires struggle against one's base desires and patience through trials. These hardships include obedience to Allah, resisting temptations, and enduring difficulties with faith.

Conversely, Hell is surrounded by alluring temptations that appear pleasing to the eye and soul - unlawful pleasures, immediate gratifications, and easy paths that violate divine commandments. These temptations serve as gateways to destruction.

Scholarly Commentary

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali explains that the believer must pass through these hardships as tests of faith, while the disbeliever falls prey to the sweetly wrapped temptations that ultimately lead to eternal punishment.

Al-Nawawi states this hadith contains immense wisdom about the reality of this worldly life and serves as a warning against being deceived by apparent pleasures that conceal eternal suffering.

Practical Implications

The true believer recognizes that the difficult path of obedience, though strenuous, leads to everlasting bliss. The wise person avoids what is immediately appealing if it contradicts divine law, understanding that momentary pleasure may lead to perpetual regret.