Summary
Highlights
The gardens of Jannah (Paradise) in this world refer to places where Allah is remembered, such as circles of knowledge, and acts of kindness done for His sake. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated that circles of knowledge are gardens of paradise. Visiting the sick is also considered a garden of paradise, with 70,000 angels accompanying you and Allah granting you a garden in Jannah.
Besides personal palaces, believers in Jannah will own other beautiful structures, including Khiyam (tents or pavilions). These serve primarily as guest houses and places for enjoyment, located in gardens, on beaches, and riverfronts. Heavenly creatures and maidens (Hoorun 'een) reside in these Khiyam, while palaces are exclusively for believers. Angels constantly attend to the believer's needs, and the Khiyam are also where friends are received for gatherings, emphasizing privacy. The Prophet (PBUH) mentioned tents made from hollowed-out pearls, 60 miles long, where individuals can visit families and guests without others seeing them. These Khiyam will have thousands of golden doors, with angels entering each with gifts from Allah. Inside, there are day beds, green cushions, fine carpets, and fruits within reach.
The ground of Jannah is described as being made of pearl and ruby, with soil of saffron and musk. Ibn Al-Qayyim reconciled these descriptions by stating that the color is saffron, and the fragrance is musk, with Jannah having variety. Some narrations mention pure white musk, and others describe fine-grained white musk plains, similar to sandy white beaches but with a beautiful fragrance. The Prophet (PBUH) described that when Gabriel (AS) struck the ground in paradise, a fragrance would emanate. There are also hills and dunes of camphor where people gather, and Allah sends breezes of mercy, diffusing the musk's fragrance.
The companions of the Prophet (PBUH) understood that worldly gardens were insignificant compared to those in Jannah. Abu Talha (RA) donated his most prized garden in Medina, Bir Rooha, to charity after hearing the verse about spending what you love most to achieve righteousness. Similarly, Abu Dehdah (RA) gave away his garden with 600 palm trees for a garden in Jannah, and his wife eagerly supported his decision, calling it a profitable trade. These examples demonstrate the immense value placed on investing in the afterlife through charitable deeds.