"Indeed the first batch to enter Paradise will appear like the moon of a night that is full. The second will appear like the color of the most beautiful (brightest) star in the sky. Each man among them shall have two wives, each wife wearing seventy bracelets, with the marrow of their shins being visible from behind them." (Another chain) from Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri who narrated that theProphet SAW said: "The first batch toenter Paradise will appear like themoon of a night that it is full. Thesecond will appear like the color ofthe most beautiful (brightest) starin the sky. Each man among themshall have two wives, each wifewearing seventy bracelets, with themarrow of their shins being visiblefrom behind them."
Hadith Text & Source
"Indeed the first batch to enter Paradise will appear like the moon of a night that is full. The second will appear like the color of the most beautiful (brightest) star in the sky. Each man among them shall have two wives, each wife wearing seventy bracelets, with the marrow of their shins being visible from behind them."
Source: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2735 | Book: Chapters on the description of Paradise | Author: Jami' at-Tirmidhi
Commentary on the Radiance
The comparison of the believers to the full moon and the brightest star signifies their luminous state in Paradise, purified from worldly imperfections. This radiance is a manifestation of their faith (Iman) and righteous deeds, a light that emanates from their very beings as promised in the Quran.
The distinction between the first and second batches reflects their differing ranks based on the strength of their belief and piety. The full moon represents a more perfect and complete light, indicating the superior station of the foremost in faith (as-Sabiqun).
Commentary on the Wives & Adornments
The mention of two wives for each man is among the specific delights of Paradise, indicating the abundance of blessings and the fulfillment of pure, chaste desires in a manner far surpassing worldly pleasures. These spouses are from the pure, beautiful creations of Paradise (Al-Hur al-'Ayn).
The seventy bracelets signify immense wealth, beauty, and honor. In classical understanding, such descriptions are not to be taken in a literal, worldly sense but point towards realities in the Hereafter that are beyond our earthly comprehension, yet described in terms we can appreciate.
Commentary on Physical Perfection
The phrase "the marrow of their shins being visible from behind them" is a classical Arabic idiom describing extreme beauty, purity, and translucency of the skin. It denotes a state of perfect health and exquisite form, free from any blemish, where the inner beauty and purity of the individual shines through their outer form.
This description emphasizes that the inhabitants of Paradise will be re-created in the most perfect and beautiful forms, far removed from the frailties and imperfections of the earthly body, in a realm where beauty is absolute.
Spiritual Significance
This hadith, in its entirety, serves to motivate the believers towards righteousness by giving a glimpse of the magnificent rewards that await the pious. It affirms the reality of the Hereafter and the concrete nature of its blessings, which are both spiritual and physical, catering to the perfected human soul and body.
The ultimate goal behind these descriptions is to instill a longing for Paradise and to strive diligently in worship and good character to attain the pleasure of Allah and His eternal reward.