Hadith Text

"Indeed in Paradise there is a sea of water, and a sea of honey, and a sea of milk, and a sea of wine, then the rivers shall split off afterwards."

Source Reference

Book: Chapters on the description of Paradise

Author: Jami' at-Tirmidhi

Hadith: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2571

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith describes the magnificent rivers and seas that Allah has prepared for the believers in Paradise. The mention of four distinct seas - water, honey, milk, and wine - signifies the variety and perfection of delights awaiting the righteous.

The "sea of wine" mentioned here refers to the pure, non-intoxicating wine of Paradise, entirely different from the worldly wine which Islam prohibits. As Allah says in the Quran: "A cup [of wine] from which there will be no ill speech nor inclination to sin" (52:23).

The phrase "then the rivers shall split off afterwards" indicates that these primary seas will be the sources from which numerous rivers will flow throughout Paradise, providing continuous abundance and pleasure for its inhabitants without any diminishment.

This description serves to strengthen the believers' longing for Paradise and their resolve to perform righteous deeds, knowing that such eternal bliss awaits those who remain steadfast in faith and obedience to Allah.