The Book of Paradise, its Description, its Bounties and its Inhabitants

Sahih Muslim 2864

Hadith Text

I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: On the Day of Resurrection, the sun would draw so close to the people that there would be left only a distance of one mile. Sulaim b. Amir said: By Allah, I do not know whether he meant by "mile" the mile of the (material) earth or an instrument used for applying collyrium to the eye. (The Prophet is, however, reported to have said): The people would be submerged in perspiration according to their deeds, some up to their knees, some up to the waist and some would have the bridle of perspiration and, while saying this, Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) pointed his hand towards his mouth.

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith describes the tremendous hardship and distress that will befall creation on the Day of Judgment. The proximity of the sun signifies the intensity of the heat and the severity of the situation, demonstrating Allah's absolute power over creation.

The uncertainty regarding the measurement of "mile" indicates the Companions' meticulousness in preserving the Prophet's exact words, while acknowledging that the precise measurement is known only to Allah. What matters is the overwhelming nature of the trial.

The varying levels of perspiration correspond to people's deeds - the righteous will suffer less while sinners will be more severely affected. The "bridle of perspiration" reaching the mouth represents the ultimate level of distress, showing how deeds determine one's condition on that momentous day.

This serves as a powerful reminder to increase in righteous deeds and seek Allah's protection from the horrors of the Day of Judgment.