What are the Doors of Jannah?
Have you ever noticed that every day in Ramadan simply feels peaceful? There is a tranquility in the air that brings peace to our hearts. This is because, in Ramadan, the doors of hell are closed, all the shaiyatins are chained, and the doors of Jannah are opened.
Prophet Muhammed(PBUH) said:
When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of heaven are opened; the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained.”
Sahih Bukhari
This gracious gift is bestowed upon us by the Mercy of the Most Merciful. Yet, how many of us know anything about the doors of Jannah or what they represent?
So, let's learn about them together:
- Baab As-Salaah (The Door of Prayer):
The significance of salah is such that Ramadan is known as the month of salaah and the Quran. It will also be one of the very first things we are asked about when we die. After all, praying five times a day isn’t without its challenges; nor is protecting your salah. Baab As-Salaah is a reminder that by doing so, we will be welcomed through this door into the eternal gardens of Jannah. So, this Ramadan, let us make salaah vital in our lives and use it to form a connection between ourselves and our Creator. For if shahadah is the heartbeat of our iman, then salah is the oxygen that keeps that imaan aliv
2. Baab Al-Jihad (The Door of Struggle):
Baab al-Jihad honors those who faced trials and tribulations in the path of righteousness- this can be literal conflicts, having difficult personal lives, or living in difficult conditions. These people would have also demonstrated unwavering commitment and courage in upholding the principles of Islam. Therefore, their sacrifice is rewarded with unparalleled honor and glory in paradise.
3. Baab Al-Sadaqah (The Door of Charity):
Charity holds immense significance in Islam. And if one is to be described as a month of charity, it is Ramadan. It is the month when we are encouraged to reflect outside of ourselves to show compassion, generosity, and concern for others. From sadaqah-to-sadaqah jariah and zakat, we are given multiple options to give generously. Baab Al-Sadaqah is a reminder that those who were un-hesitantly charitable in their earthly lives to seek Allah's pleasure will find this gate wide open, leading them into the evergreen gardens of Jannah. You can give your charity or zakat to our different projects. Have you yet to calculate your zakat? You can do that with our zakat calculator.
4. Baab Ar-Rayyan (The Door of Fasting):
Ramadan is known as the month of fasting and the month of the Quran. As said in the Quran, fasting has been prescribed to us, as it was prescribed to people before us, so it is not a new concept. Yet fasting is a pillar of Islam, much like salah, charity, hajj, and shahadah. Those who fast faithfully, abstaining from food, drink, and worldly desires for Allah's sake, will find Baab Ar-Rayyan open for them. Wherein their patience and self-discipline are rewarded with refreshment and satisfaction beyond measure. Help provide iftar parcels for thousands across the globe by donating here: Food Parcels. Or give Fidyah of your loved ones' missed fasts here.
Sahl (RA) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“In Paradise there is a gate called Al-Rayyaan, through which those who used to fast will enter on the Day of Resurrection, and no one but they will enter it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who fasted?’ They will get up, and none will enter it but them. When they have entered, it will be locked, and no one else will enter.”
(Bukhari 1763).
5. Baab Al-Hajj (The Door of Pilgrimage):
Hajj is a must- at least once in a lifetime- pilgrimage to Mecca. This is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for able-bodied Muslims. It is an act that allows us to visit the house of Allah and show Him our devotion by enacting the steps we have been taught by Property (PBUH). It is also a way to honor Prophet Ibrahim. Those who perform Hajj with sincerity and reverence will be welcomed through this gate into the gardens of paradise. It symbolizes pilgrims' spiritual journey of purification and submission, culminating in divine acceptance and forgiveness.
6. Baab Al-Kadhemeen Baab Al-Kaazimeen & Al-Ghaiz (The Door of Those Who Suppress Anger and Forgive Others):
Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said, "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger."
(Bukhari)
In Ramadan, controlling your anger is a definitive test. While our bodies get used to not eating or drinking over the span of days, controlling our anger is a test many of us cannot overcome. So, the door of Al-Kadhemeen (those who suppress anger) is an exhibition of the rewards for those who stay patient and restrained in the face of anger and provocation. Those who forgive others for their unjust actions in a moment of anger hold the same value with Allah as those who seek forgiveness of themselves and regret their wrongful actions. By controlling their emotions and seeking forgiveness, they earn their entry into Jannah, where they will be surrounded by peace and tranquility for eternity.
7. Baab Al-Iman (The Door of Faith):
The seventh door Jannah is Baab Al- Iman. Faith is the foundation of Islam, encompassing belief in Allah, His prophets, scriptures, angels, and the Day of Judgment. But faith is also trust. Trusting in Allah to take care of your affairs and get you to the other side of hardships is faith (Iman). Allah (SAW) will guide you to enter through the gate with the same steadfastness that you will hardly notice anything else until you hear Jannah's flowing rivers. Allah loves those whose hearts are steadfast in their faith, no matter how many times they fall, because we as humans will fall and fail, but holding on to sincere belief will lead to the ultimate reward and bliss.
8. Baab Al-Dhikr(The Door of Remembrance of Allah)
Dhikr is a means of remembering Allah. Whether it is reading the Quran, doing tasbih, or being in a crowd where Allah’s dhikr is happening, there are various ways to partake in dhikr. You can also memorize, come to understand, and use in duas the 99 Names of Allah; you can also learn and memorize say morning and evening dhikr, or even keep one word or phrase consistently on your tongue, like saying “astaghfirullah.”
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The Mufarridūn have outdone everyone.” They sahabas asked: “Who are the Mufarridūn?” He (PBUH) replied: “The men and women who frequently remember Allah.”
(Muslim)
The doors of Jannah are means for us to strive to embody the virtues they represent in our daily lives. Because they are not just pillars of Islam; they are doors that will lead us to Jannah.
“Gardens of perpetual residence; they will enter them with whoever was righteous among their fathers, spouses, and descendants. And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, [saying], “Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home.”
(Quran 13:23-24)
And through this hadith, we understand these doors are exclusive. So let us pray this Ramadan that we may be among those who will be welcomed through these gates into the eternal paradise, where every joy and pleasure awaits the righteous believers. Let us strive this Ramadan as never before as inspiration from these doors to work on these specific aspects of our faith. In the face of the challenges of this world, let us keep our eyes firmly set on the ultimate destination of everlasting happiness and fulfillment. As we race towards the last Ten-days of Ramadan learn more about the 5-step Guide on how to give Zakat, and What is the Best Sadaqah Jariyah to plant seeds for your future.
