What is Heaven in Islam?

Throughout our lives, Muslims strive to believe in and serve Allah, with the ultimate goal of being admitted to heaven (jannah). They hope that their eternal lives will be spent there, so of course, people are curious about what it is like. Only Allah knows for certain, but heaven is described in the Quran. What will heaven be like?

Pleasure of Allah

Steve Allen

Of course, the greatest reward in Heaven is receiving Allah's pleasure and mercy. This honor is saved for those who believe in Allah and strive to live in accordance with His guidance. The Quran says:

"Say: Shall I give you glad tidings of things Far better than those? For the righteous are Gardens in nearness to their Lord... and the good pleasure of Allah. For in Allah's sight are (all) His servants" (3:15).
"Allah will say: This is a day in which the truthful will profit from their truth. Theirs are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath - their eternal Home. Allah is well-pleased with them, and they with Allah. That is the great salvation" (5:119).

Greetings of "Peace!"

Those who enter Heaven will be greeted by angels with words of peace. In Heaven, one will have only positive emotions and experiences; there will be no hatred, anger, or upset of any kind.

"And We shall remove from their breasts any hatred or sense of injury" (Quran 7:43).
"Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring. Angels shall enter from every gate (with the salutation): 'Peace be with you, that you persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final home!" (Quran 13:23–24).
“They will not hear therein ill speech or commission of sin. But only the saying of: 'Peace! Peace!'" (Quran 56:25–26).

Gardens

The most significant description of heaven is a beautiful garden, filled with greenery and flowing water. In fact, the Arabic word, jannah, means "garden."

"But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is gardens, beneath which rivers flow" (2:25).
"Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous" (3:133)
"Allah hath promised to Believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the good pleasure of Allah. That is the supreme felicity" (9:72).

Family / Companions

Both men and women will be admitted to Heaven, and many families will reunite.

"... Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female. You are members, one of another..." (3:195).
"Gardens of perpetual bliss: They shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring. Angels shall enter to them from every gate (with the salutation): 'Peace be with you because you persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final home!'" (13:23–24)
"And whoever obeys God and the Messenger—those will be with the ones upon whom God has bestowed favor—of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions!" (Quran 4:69).

Thrones of Dignity

In Heaven, every comfort will be afforded. The Quran describes:

"They will recline (with ease) on Thrones (of dignity) arranged in ranks..." (52:20).
"They and their associates will be in groves of (cool) shade, reclining on Thrones (of dignity). Every fruit (enjoyment) will be there for them; they shall have whatever they call for" (36:56–57).
"In a lofty Paradise, where they shall neither hear harmful speech nor falsehood. Therein will be a running spring. Therein will be thrones raised high, and cups set at hand. And cushions set in rows, and rich carpets (all) spread out" (88:10–16).

Food / Drink

The Quran's description of Heaven includes plentiful food and drink, without any feelings of satiation or intoxication.

"…Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom, they say: 'Why, this is what we were fed before,' for they are given things in similitude…" (2:25).
"Therein you shall have (all) that your inner‑selves desire, and therein you shall have all for which you ask. An entertainment from Allah, the Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” (41:31–32).
“Eat and drink at ease for that which you have sent forth (good deeds) in days past!” (69:24).
“…rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes…” (Quran 47:15).

Eternal Home

In Islam, Heaven is understood to be a place of everlasting life.

"But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the garden. Therein shall they abide forever" (2:82).
"For such the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath—an eternal dwelling. How excellent a recompense for those who work (and strive)!" (3:136).