"Whoever fasts Ramadan, performs the Salat, performs Hajj to the House" - I do not know whether he mentioned Zakat or not - "except that it is binding on Allah that He forgive him, whether he emigrated in the cause of Allah, or remained in his land in which he was born." Mu'adh said: "Should I not inform the people of this?" The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Leave the people to do deeds, for verily in Paradise there are a hundred levels, what is between every two levels is like what is between the heavens and the earth. Al-Firdaus is the highest of Paradise and its most expansive, and above that is the Throne of Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful), and from it the rivers of Paradise are made to flow forth. So when you ask Allah, ask Him for Al-Firdaus."
Hadith Commentary: The Excellence of Al-Firdaus
This blessed narration from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (2530) contains profound glad tidings for the believers. The initial portion establishes that whoever fulfills the fundamental pillars of Islam - fasting Ramadan, performing the prescribed prayers, and performing Hajj - attains Allah's guaranteed forgiveness, regardless of whether they emigrated or remained in their homeland.
The Hierarchy of Paradise
The Prophet (ﷺ) restrained Mu'adh from immediately publicizing this news, preferring that people continue performing good deeds with sincerity rather than relying solely upon this promise. This demonstrates the wisdom of gradual spiritual instruction.
The description of Paradise's hundred levels, with distances between them comparable to that between heaven and earth, illustrates the vastness of divine reward and the varying degrees of believers' stations based on their piety and deeds.
The Supreme Abode: Al-Firdaus
Al-Firdaus represents the highest and most expansive level of Paradise, situated directly beneath the Divine Throne (Arsh). From this elevated position flow all the rivers of Paradise, indicating its supreme status and proximity to the Divine Presence.
The Prophet's specific instruction to ask for Al-Firdaus teaches us to aspire for the highest spiritual stations, demonstrating that while all Paradise is bliss, there are superior levels that the believer should earnestly seek through righteous actions and sincere supplication.