Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah) of Masjid Nabawi: Its Virtues and the Meaning of Hadith

Hadith & its Sciences, Questions & Answers 6 Views

Question:

What is the virtue of Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah), and why did the Prophet ﷺ describe it as one of the gardens of Paradise? Does this hadith mean that the Rawdah will literally become part of Paradise, or does it refer to the rewards and blessings associated with worship in this blessed area?

Summary of Answer:

Scholars explained the virtue of Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah) in three ways: it is a place of tranquility and mercy resembling a garden of Paradise, worship performed there is a means of attaining Paradise, or the Rawdah itself will become part of Paradise in the Hereafter. Whatever the interpretation, its special virtue is firmly established, and Muslims are encouraged to pray there while remembering that true success in the Hereafter comes through taqwa and righteous deeds.

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Answer: Praise be to Allah.

Let’s discuss it in detail:

The Hadith About Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah)

The virtue of Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah) is established through one of the mutawaatir hadiths that has been narrated through numerous chains of transmission.

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah have mercy on him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The area between my house and my minbar is one of the gardens of Paradise.” [Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1196) and Muslim (1391)].

This authentic hadith highlights the special status of the blessed area known as Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah) inside Al-Masjid An-Nabawi.

What Is Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah)?

Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah) refers to the area situated between the minbar of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his house in Al-Masjid An-Nabawi. It is among the most virtuous locations in Madinah and is a place where Muslims strive to offer prayer, make dua, recite the Qur’an, and engage in other acts of worship.

Because of the special virtue mentioned in the hadith, many visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque are eager to spend time in this blessed area.

Why is Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah) Called a Garden of Paradise?

The scholars have discussed the meaning of the Prophet’s statement, “The area between my house and my minbar is one of the gardens of Paradise,” and have mentioned several explanations.

1) Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah) Is a Place of Tranquility and Mercy:

According to one interpretation, this area resembles one of the gardens of Paradise because of the tranquility, peace, mercy, and spiritual comfort that descend upon those who gather there for worship and remembrance of Allah.

Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) said: The words “one of the gardens of Paradise” mean: it is like one of the gardens of Paradise with regard to the descent of mercy and attainment of tranquillity that results from attending gatherings of dhikr, especially at the time of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). So it is likening it to a garden of Paradise. [Fath al-Baari 4/100] 1

2. Worship in Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah) Is a Means of Entering Paradise:

Some scholars explained that worship performed in this blessed place is among the deeds that lead a person to Paradise.

This view was favoured by Ibn Hazm in al-Muhalla (7/284). It was also narrated by Ibn Taymiyah from Imam Ahmad that he preferred praying in the Rawdah.

Imam an-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: They mentioned two views as to its meaning: First, that that place itself will be moved to Paradise. Second, that worship in that place leads to Paradise. [Sharh Muslim 9/161-162] 2

3. Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah) May Literally Become Part of Paradise:

A third explanation given by some scholars is that this area will itself become one of the gardens of Paradise in the Hereafter.

Al-Qaadi ‘Iyaad (may Allah have mercy on him) said: The words “one of the gardens of Paradise” may be understood in two ways: First, that worshipping there will be rewarded with Paradise, and that dua (supplication) and prayer in this place deserve that reward, as it is also said that Paradise lies in the shade of the swords. Second, that Allah will move that spot and it will actually be part of Paradise. This was the view of ad-Dawoodi.  End quote. [Ash-Shifa 2/216] 3

Did the Hadith Refer to the Prophet’s House or His Grave?

The scholars discussed the meaning of the phrase “my house” mentioned in the hadith.

Imam an-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated the explanation of Imam at-Tabari: At-Tabari said: With regard to what is meant by “my house” here, there are two views: one view is that it refers to the grave, which was the view of Zayd ibn Aslam, as was narrated in a version that explained what was meant by “my house”, “between my grave and my minbar”; the second view is that what is meant is the house in which he dwelt, as is the apparent meaning.

Another version says “between my chamber and my minbar”. At-Tabari said: The two views are close in meaning, because his grave in his apartment, which is his house. End quote. [Sharh Muslim 9/161-162] 2

Thus, whether one understands the wording as referring to the Prophet’s house or to the chamber that contains his grave, the practical meaning remains very similar because his grave is located within the apartment in which he lived.

How Did Scholars Explain Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah)?

Explanation of Al-Qaadi ‘Iyaad:

Al-Qaadi ‘Iyaad (may Allah have mercy on him) explained that the hadith may be understood in two ways. The first is that worship and supplication performed there are deeds that lead to Paradise. The second is that Allah will literally transfer that place to Paradise in the Hereafter. 3

Explanation of Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr:

Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Some said that what is meant is that this spot will be taken up on the Day of Resurrection and will become a garden in Paradise. Others said that this is by way of a metaphor. It is as if they mean that when he [the Prophet (ﷺ)] sat there and the people sat with him to learn the Qur’an and matters of faith and religion, that spot became like a garden, because of the noble harvest of knowledge that they attained there, and it was connected to Paradise because these things lead to Paradise. That is similar to what the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Paradise lies in the shade of the swords” meaning that it (jihad) is an action that leads to Paradise. And it is similar to the idea that the mother is one of the gates of Paradise, meaning that honoring her will lead the Muslim to Paradise if he fulfils the obligatory duties. This is possible and is in accordance with Arabic usage. And Allah knows best what he meant by that. End quote. [At-Tamheed 2/287]

Explanation of Imam An-Nawawi:

Imam an-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) summarized the two primary interpretations of the hadith: either the place itself will become part of Paradise, or worship performed there is a means of entering Paradise.

Explanation of Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar:

Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) brought together the various scholarly explanations and stated: Or it may mean that worship in that place leads to Paradise, so it is a metaphor. Or it may be taken as it appears to mean, and that what is meant is that it is indeed a garden in a real sense, and that that place will itself be moved in the Hereafter to Paradise. This is a summary of the ways in which the scholars interpreted this hadeeth, and they are given in order of strength. End quote. [Fath al-Baari 4/100] 1

Should Muslims Pray in Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah)?

The virtue of Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah) is firmly established in authentic narrations. Therefore, if a Muslim is able to pray there without harming others or causing unnecessary hardship, it is recommended to take advantage of this blessed opportunity.

Many scholars regarded prayer, remembrance of Allah, recitation of the Qur’an, and supplication in this area as virtuous acts because of the special merit attached to the Rawdah.

At the same time, believers should remember that entry into Paradise depends upon sincere faith, righteous deeds, and taqwa. Merely being present in Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah) is not enough without obedience to Allah and adherence to His commands.

Conclusion

The hadith describing Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah) as “one of the gardens of Paradise” is among the authentic and widely transmitted narrations of Islam. Scholars have explained this virtue in several ways: some understood it as a place where mercy and tranquillity descend, others viewed worship there as a means of attaining Paradise, and some held that the area itself will become part of Paradise in the Hereafter.

The exact reason why Allah singled out Riyazul Jannah (Rawdah) for this unique virtue has not been explicitly explained in the Islamic texts.

As this is a matter connected to worship and sacred virtue, Muslims accept it as it has come in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Allah, Glorified and Exalted, grants special virtues to certain places, times, and individuals according to His perfect wisdom.

Although we may not fully comprehend every aspect of that wisdom, we believe that there is profound divine knowledge behind every distinction that Allah chooses to bestow.

Wallahualam (and Allah knows best)!

Footnotes:

  1. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Fatḥ al-Bari Sharḥ Ṣaḥiḥ al-Bukhari, vol. 4, p. 100. (https://shamela.ws/book/1673/2390)
  2. Al-Nawawi, Al-Minhaj Sharh Ṣahih Muslim, vol. 9, pp. 161–162. (https://shamela.ws/book/1711/2040).
  3. Al-Qaḍi Iyaḍ, Ash-Shifa bi-Tarif Ḥuquq al-Muṣṭafa, vol. 2, p. 92. (https://shamela.ws/book/23645/953)