What is the 7th Heaven in Islam That Appears in the Quran

What are the seven levels of heaven in Islam?

Jannat-al-Adan The 1st level of heaven is called Jannat-al-Adan, or the eternal place. It’s believed that Allah places those who practice Islam by obeying Allah and his prophet Muhammad. This level of heaven is often called the “garden of Eden” and is associated with the prophet Adam, the central figure in the Adam and Eve creation story. Those who reside here live in palaces of pearls, rubies, and emeralds and drink from rivers of wine that don’t intoxicate. Most importantly, those here experience a constant closeness with the creator, along with great spiritual riches. Quran verse: “Allah has promised the believers, both men and women, Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there forever, and splendid homes in the Gardens of Eternity, and—above all—the pleasure of Allah. That is truly the ultimate triumph.” — Surah At-Tawbah 9:72

Jannat-al-Firdaws The 2nd level is called Jannat–al–Firdaws, and is filled with those who experience the highest level of bliss, because of their worship, charity, and good deeds. It’s a garden most closely located to Allah’s throne; the prophet Muhammad directed his followers to try and reach Jannat-al-Firdaws. The ultimate reward here is communing with and being able to witness Allah. It’s believed that the light shining over the magnificent gardens of Jannat-al-Firdaws comes directly from Allah. Quran verse: “These are the ones who will be awarded paradise as their own. They will be there forever.” — Al Mu’minun 23:10-11

Jannat-an-Naim This level of heaven is called Jannat-an-Naim, or the “garden of delight.” This heavenly realm is intended for Muslims who have dedicated their life to pleasing Allah. It’s noted for having unusual fruit trees, along with fantastic rivers of milk, honey, and wine. The residents of Jannat-an-Naim are dressed in fine silk robes and seated upon thrones. They live in gold and silver homes alongside pure, faithful companions and experience unlimited happiness. Quran verse: “All authority on that Day is for Allah ˹alone˺.1 He will judge between them. So those who believe and do good will be in the Gardens of Bliss.” — Surah Al-Hajj 22:56

Jannat-al-Mawa This level is called Jannat-al-Mawa and is considered a resting place for righteous souls. Its name means “the garden of refuge” and is a place for martyrs and virtuous Muslims to bask in the “eternal joy” of lush greenery and a spiritual existence free from hardship or struggle. Quran verse: “near which is the Garden of ˹Eternal˺ Residence.” — Surah An-Najm 53:15

Jannat-al-Khuld The level of heaven called Jannat-al-Khuld is called the “garden of eternity.” Here, devout Muslims experience everlasting rewards in return for having faith and doing good deeds. Eternity refers to the fact that those who dwell in Jannat-al-Khuld won’t decay or diminish in any way and will experience eternal youth and beauty. This realm has no death, sickness, or sorrow, but instead laughter, joy, and souls with purpose. Quran verse: “Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Is this better or the Garden of Eternity which the righteous have been promised, as a reward and ˹an ultimate˺ destination?” — Surah Al-Furqan 25:15

Jannat-al-Salam The next heaven is called Jannat-al-Salam, or the “abode of peace” and is intended for the righteous ones who spread peace on earth. It’s said that Allah’s angels greet those who arrive here with these words: “Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. How excellent is the final home.” This is a realm without pain, conflict, or negativity; only love, kindness, and perfect harmony exist here. The gardens are filled with flowers that live forever. Quran verse: “And Allah invites all to the Home of Peace and guides whoever He wills to the straight path.” — Surah Yunus 10:25

Jannat-al-Maqam The final level of paradise is a place reserved solely for the prophet Muhammad and is also known as al-Wasilah. This realm sits next to Allah’s throne as a place of honor like no other. Muhammad’s presence in Jannat-al-Maqam signifies his great reward for spreading the Islamic message on earth. Quran verse: There is no direct Quran verse about Jannat-al-Maqam, but verse exists that describes the 7 heavens of which Maqam is the highest: “... then He directed Himself to the heaven, so He made them complete seven heavens, and He knows all things.” — Al-Baqarah 2:29.

Origins of the 7 Heavens in Islam

Muslims believe in 7 heavens or levels of paradise. In Islam, the 7 heavens are Muslim symbols of the vastness of the universe and the power of Allah. The 7 heavens (also called the 7 skies) suggest the complexity found within the spiritual realms beyond the natural world. The 7 heavens exist above each other and have a specific prophet associated with each level. These celestial realms can be populated by God, angels, and martyrs, depending on the specific level. It’s believed that Jannah includes 100 levels in an incredibly complex series of realms. The 7 levels of heaven represent the main areas believers can move through on their spiritual journey. The Quran states, “And We have built above you seven strong (heavens).” — Al-Nabaa 78:12. When reciting the Quran, you’ll see that the number 7 appears multiple times in repetitive patterns. Seven is used to represent the following Islamic beliefs and ideas: 7 heavens, 7 lands, 7 seas, 7 hells. It also refers to the 7 days of the week (called the “7 days of God”), along with the 7 horses and 7 sabers of the prophet Muhammad.

How do you reach the 7 levels of heaven in Islam?

Living righteously by good deeds can help believers reach paradise. By turning away from sinful acts, believers can more closely align themselves with righteousness and the promise of the 7 heavens. They can voluntarily perform good deeds and practice kindness, charity, and love toward their neighbor. These acts can help ease areas where they fall short in their spiritual life and help erase minor sins.

Some major sins prevent believers from reaching Muslim heaven. Sinners can be held at the door to paradise for 100 years per sin committed. These major sins are as follows: Associating other gods with Allah Highway robbery Arrogance Unpaid or unforgiven debt Mischief on your neighbor Wronging or oppressing someone

What are the 7 hells in Islam?

There are also 7 hells in Islam called “Jahannam.” Each level of Jahannam (meaning “hell”) is designated for a particular kind of sinner. It’s considered a complex network of levels with a single purpose: dispensing justice against sinful deeds. Jahannam is used in Islam to encourage believers to follow Allah’s teachings and the rules of Islam. Jahannam: For sinful Muslims who still believe in Allah. Ladah: For those who deny Allah’s existence. Saqar: For Muslims who don’t pray in Islam, ignore the poor, and gossip. Al-Hutamah: For those who consume false wealth and cause strife to others. Jaheem: For disbelievers who lead others to turn away from Allah. Saeer: For serious sinners including those who commit murder and spread lies. Al-Hawwiyah: For hypocrites and those who divide the Muslim community.

7 Heavens FAQs

What is the 8th level of heaven? While some refer to Illiyyun as the 8th level of heaven in Islam, it’s often thought of as a realm about the 7th heaven. Also called “the highest place,” Illiyyun is believed to be a record of the deeds of the righteous where the highest rewards are kept. Angels of Hafaza (meaning “protection”) reside in Illiyyun and await the virtuous deeds of true believers to arrive.

Are the 7 heavens mentioned in the Bible? There is no mention of 7 heavens or realms in the Bible, except when Paul mentions a “third heaven” in 2 Corinthians 12:2. It does refer to “heavens” on occasion, but isn’t meant to mean a multilayered heavens created by God. Outside of the Bible, Dante’s Divine Comedy discusses more than 1 heaven in Paradiso.

Can a faithful Muslim in hell go to heaven? Just a Muslim can progress through the 7 levels of heaven, it’s believed they can reach heaven from the 7 hells. It has to do with performing righteous deeds, living according to Allah’s teachings, and not committing the major sins. Their soul can exist temporarily in the 7 hells only to move into the realms of heaven. You can also perform a dua for protection (similar to a prayer) against sin.

What is Barzakh? Barzakh is called the “waiting room of paradise” in Islam. It occurs after death and before resurrection. This spiritual waiting ground is where Islamic souls await their day of judgment. It can be a place filled with reflection upon your life, suffering for sins, or a heavenly experience.