Everything You Need To Know About The 8 Doors of Jannah

Jihad is a system of not only self-defense against external threats to our beliefs and values but most importantly the threats that are more internal and are born from one’s desires and pleasures. It also has a communal element to it where one Muslim believer can strive against the prevalent unIslamic practices in society and inspire goodness.

Baab As-Sadaqah

This gate is for those who are steadfast in paying charity to the needy and troubled. Sadaqah, which in Islamic teachings means charity, is among the core tenants of Islam. It builds on the strong precedent left by the life, teachings, and practice of the Prophet PBUH and the Sahabah RA. Sadaqah is the act of giving in the way of Allah SWT. It is done not only to help those in need but also to purify one’s soul of greed and lust, and invoke empathy and compassion. This makes it a spiritual exercise, therefore, all charity is not sadaqah.

Baab Ar-Rayyan

This gate is for the Muslims who practiced self-restraint in the holy month of Ramadan and beyond, through the practice of fasting from dawn to dusk. The purpose of Ramadan and fasting is to grow spiritually. This is done by abstaining from food, sex, drink, foul tall, e.t.c. All the while engaging in prayers, worship, and dhikr.

This is a time of reflecting and engaging with the soul and disengaging with material and worldly desires and thoughts. However, fasting is not limited to only Ramadhan but can be practiced all through the year except for the two Eids, as shown by the practice of Prophet PBUH.

Baab Al-Hajj

Baab Al-hajj is reserved for the believers that fulfilled the duty of hajj, the holy pilgrimage. Hajj is the annual pilgrimage and tawaf of the Ka’bah. All able Muslims must perform at least once, however, multiple pilgrimages are allowed. It is a five-day event performed in the last month of the Islamic calendar.

It is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is in essence a symbolic journey and a part of the life and practices of Prophet Ibrahim AS. The hajj pilgrims in the state of Ihram have certain limits and restrictions imposed on them that they have to observe. The purpose of these restrictions and duties of hajj is to purify the believers. They from start to end have more than likely been touched in some way during the ordeal as their hardships purpose was strict to please their Lord.

Baab Al-Kaazimeen Al-Ghaiz Wal Aafina Anin Naas

This gate is for those who swallow their anger and forgive their Muslim brethren. Anger and forgiveness are both qualities and characteristics of Allah SWT. However, the mercy of Allah exceeds His Anger and forgives His creation when they turn to Him.

This is, therefore, the practice and teaching of Allah directly. For us, the practice of swallowing anger and practicing forgiveness is a humbling experience. Our humility and the acceptance of Allah’s Majesty and Excellence is what is most beloved by Allah.

Baab Al-Iman

This gate is reserved for the Mumineen or the one with most trust and faith in Allah SWT and strives in His way because. The Mu’min is closer to Allah as the message and teachings of Islam have not only been understood by him but are now the very essence of his thought and actions.

Baab Al-Dhikr

This is the gate for the one that made the most effort in engaging in the remembrance of Allah SWT and His Glory. The practice of dhikr is not merely the vocal remembrance of Allah but remembering HIm in your heart and being mindful of His presence because He is Al-Basir (All-Seeing) and AL-‘ALEEM (All-Knowing). This is the highest level of connection with Allah.

Takeaway

Heaven and Hell are both creations of Allah and both are significant in their respective ways as part of Allah’s Hikmat (wisdom). The gates of heaven show not only the deeds and characteristics closest to Allah SWT but also how simple and easy He has made the religion for us by expanding the avenues for us through His bounty.