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Paradise is the ultimate goal of all believing people of all religions. Paradise has been described in the Quran and Hadith as a beautiful and marvelous place where every blessing one can imagine, material and spiritual, exists. In this article on Islam4u, we will explore the description of the high paradise in Islamic sources.
The Different Levels of Paradise
From the perspective of the Holy Quran and Islamic traditions, the inhabitants of Paradise enjoy varying degrees and ranks according to the nature and quality of their deeds. Therefore, Paradise is composed of multiple levels and varying degrees. Imam Sadiq (a) stated: “Allah says Paradise has degrees, some of which are higher than others, and people attain superiority through their actions.”
Now, we turn our attention to Jannat al-‘Aliyyah—the High Paradise, which is another tier of Paradise.
The term ‘Aliyyah originates from the root ‘uluw, meaning height, elevation, and superiority. It signifies exaltation both in rank and location. The Qamoos al-Quran explains that Jannat ‘Aliyyah refers to an elevated and superior position in Paradise in both physical and spiritual aspects (Qamoos al-Quran, Vol. 5, p. 37). It is quite evident that not anyone has the privilege to enjoy such level of Paradise. Only those who were virtuous in the worldly life and come with a clean heart free from every sin enter the High Paradise. A person who attains this level of Paradise enjoys the companionship of Allah’s prophets, Imams, martyrs, and awliya’.
Occurrences of “‘Aliyyah” in the Noble Quran
The word ‘Aliyyah appears twice in the Noble Quran:
- “In a High Paradise” جَنَّةٍ عَالِیةٍ (Surah Al-Haqqah, 22)
- “In a High Paradise” جَنَّةٍ عَالِیةٍ (Surah Al-Ghashiyah, 10)
Additionally, the Quran refers to ‘Illiyyeen in Surah Al-Mutaffifin:
“Indeed, the record of the righteous is in ‘Illiyyeen” كَلاَّ إِنَّ كِتابَ الْأَبْرارِ لَفی عِلِّیینَ (Al-Mutaffifin, 18).
Allah further emphasizes its significance by stating:
“And what will make you know what ‘Illiyyeen is?” وَ ما أَدْراكَ ما عِلِّیونَ (Al-Mutaffifin, 19).
These verses underscore the special status and elevated position of Jannat al-‘Aliyyah. Of course, by high, height and the elevation of Paradise is not necessarily denoted. By High Paradise, Allah most probably means a place that is better than the lower levels of Paradise. A place in the world could be lower but better in terms of climate and material blessings. Some have said that the high and low levels of Paradise does not mean the location is higher or lower. Rather, it means that those who enjoy the High Paradise are in the same place but have access to blessings and privileges that those lower in status do not.
The Inhabitants of the High Paradise
‘Aliyyah refers to an elevated and prestigious place where the inhabitants enjoy pleasures beyond human imagination. As mentioned in Surah Al-Haqqah (21–24):
“So he will be in a pleasant life / In a High Paradise / Its fruits hanging low [for picking] / [It will be said] Eat and drink in satisfaction for what you put forth in the days past.”
The verses describe the “companions of the right hand” (Ashab al-Yameen), those whose records are given in their right hand. Their reward is entry into Jannat al-‘Aliyyah. The word Jannah means garden. Allah depicts Paradise as a lush garden wherein all kinds of fruit, delicious food, and refreshing drinks can be found. Trees, flowers, and fruits exist in a garden and are some of the most beautiful manifestations of Allah’s grandeur. Of course, one must not overlook the fact that Paradise is not just a place where material blessings exist. Love, compassion, joy, energy, peace of mind, relaxation, knowledge, and proximity to Allah and His prophets and Imams are also blessings that you wouldn’t find anywhere in the world.
The Attributes of the High Paradise
The High Paradise is a place of ultimate satisfaction and joy, where:
- Fruits are always within easy reach.
- Eating and drinking are blessed and free of discomfort.
- The inhabitants experience no fatigue or nausea from consuming its provisions.
The High Paradise is a perfect place. No defect, imperfection, or flaw can be found in it. Everything edible or drinkable is free of harm and brings immense joy and ecstasy to those who consume it. The inhabitants of Paradise never get bored and never desire any change in their lives in Paradise because it is so colorful and diverse, that nothing can replace it:
خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا لَا يَبْغُونَ عَنْهَا حِوَلًا ﴿١٠٨﴾
[They] remain in them [forever]; they will not seek to leave it for another place. (108)
In Surah Al-Ghashiyah (10–16), six unique qualities of Jannat al-‘Aliyyah are mentioned:
- No vain or meaningless speech is heard.
- Flowing springs are abundant.
- Majestic thrones are provided for relaxation.
- Goblets are set and filled with delicious beverages.
- Cushions are arranged for comfort.
- Luxurious carpets are spread across its vast expanse.
These descriptions merely scratch the surface of what truly the High Paradise is.
The Concept of ‘Aliyyah and ‘Uluw According to Scholars
Scholars interpret ‘Aliyyah as referring to a specific and exalted level of Paradise. ‘Illiyyeen is the plural of ‘Ali, which denotes an elevated position or individuals residing in higher realms. Some scholars describe ‘Illiyyeen as “the highest place in the heavens,” while others interpret it as “the pinnacle of Paradise” (Tafsir al-Namunah, Vol. 26, p. 270). This level of Paradise is very high. Whether other high levels lower than the highest level exist seems evident. Paradise is composed of several levels. Those who are more righteous will be admitted to higher levels of Paradise. Of course, once again, high does not necessarily mean height, in the sense that the higher levels are of higher elevation than the lower ones.
To make a tangible analogy, imagine a university with many facilities. Better facilities are provided for the better students. However, the university is the same, and those who don’t enjoy better facilities still get to see, talk, and interact with those who do. Paradise is quite similar. You will still be able to meet with people of higher and lower ranks of paradise, but you may not enjoy the same privileges as them.
Nevertheless, we do have narrations that the High Paradise is closest to the divine throne. For example, the Prophet Muhammad (s) explained that ‘Illiyyeen refers to a station higher than the seventh heaven and beneath the Divine Throne (Arsh) (Al-Jami‘ Li Ahkam al-Quran, Vol. 19, p. 262). Still, Paradise having different levels where only specific people can interact with specific people and others are deprived of communicating with them cannot be justified. These hadiths must always be interpreted with a figurative sense in mind.
Allah highlights its importance:
“And what will make you know what ‘Illiyyeen is?” This rhetorical question emphasizes that ‘Illiyyeen is a station beyond human perception, imagination, or comprehension (Tafsir al-Namunah, Vol. 26, p. 272).
Two Interpretations of ‘Aliyyah
Scholars propose two main interpretations for the elevation of Jannat al-‘Aliyyah:
- Elevation in Honor and Dignity: The High Paradise signifies supreme honor and spiritual superiority.
- Elevation in Location and Rank: It refers to physical elevation as well as a position overseeing all other blessings in Paradise.
The second interpretation seems likelier because Paradise being composed of separate floors or stories is far from logic. In any case, this tier of Paradise is reserved for the companions of the right hand (Ashab al-Yameen), who will enjoy its exclusive rewards and divine blessings (Majma‘ al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran, Vol. 10, p. 337). To be one of the companions of the right hand, one must serve Allah in the best way and submit to Him utterly by obeying all His commands and avoiding all sins.
Conclusion
Regardless of its interpretations, Jannat al-‘Aliyyah remains a place of extraordinary honor and rank. It is the reward for those who lead righteous lives, performing noble deeds and striving to gain Allah’s satisfaction. The High Paradise encompasses blessings and delights unparalleled by anything the human eye has seen, the ear has heard, or the mind has conceived.