"An old woman came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, beseech Allah to let me enter the Garden of Paradise!' He replied: 'O Mother of So-and-so, no old woman will enter the Garden of Paradise!' She turned away weeping, so he said: 'Tell her that she will not enter it as an old woman, for Allah says: ‘We have created them a new creation, and made them virgins, loving, equal in age [inna ansha’na-hunna insha’a: fa-ja'alna-hunna abkara 'uruban atraba].’” (Al-Qur'an; 56:35-37)
Hadith Commentary from Ash-Shama'il Al-Muhammadiyah
This narration from Ash-Shama'il Al-Muhammadiyah 239 demonstrates the Prophet's gentle humor and profound wisdom in conveying spiritual truths.
The Nature of Prophetic Humor
The Prophet's initial response appears startling, but this was a pedagogical device to capture attention and deliver deeper wisdom. His humor always maintained truthfulness and never caused genuine harm.
Classical scholars explain that such joking served multiple purposes: it endeared the Prophet to his companions, made religious teachings memorable, and demonstrated that Islam accommodates natural human expressions of joy.
Exegesis of the Quranic Reference
The Quranic verses (56:35-37) cited by the Prophet clarify that inhabitants of Paradise will be transformed into their prime youth, free from earthly imperfections. Scholars interpret "abkara" (virgins) as indicating purity and perfection of creation.
Ibn Kathir explains in his tafsir that "equal in age" (atraba) means all will be of similar youthful age, approximately thirty-three years, eliminating any feelings of inadequacy or aging that exist in worldly life.
Scholarly Insights on the Exchange
Imam al-Nawawi comments that this hadith illustrates the Prophet's compassion in immediately clarifying his statement to prevent misunderstanding and distress.
Al-Qadi 'Iyad notes that the Prophet's quick response to the woman's tears demonstrates his perfect character and concern for the feelings of believers, especially the elderly and vulnerable.
Spiritual Lessons
This incident teaches that Paradise transcends our earthly limitations and perceptions. The transformation promised is comprehensive - physical, spiritual, and emotional.
Scholars emphasize that the Prophet's approach shows how religious teachings can be conveyed with warmth and accessibility while maintaining theological precision.