Question: Imam Ibn al-Jawzi (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates that when Hafiz Abu Ali Hamadani (may Allah have mercy on him) passed away, someone saw him in a dream sitting in a city where every wall was made of books, and countless books were scattered around him. He was sitting in the middle, studying. When asked why there were so many books around him, he replied that he had expressed his desire to Allah that he be granted in the Hereafter what he loved most in the world and what occupied his nights. Allah fulfilled his wish and granted him these books, so he remains engaged in study even here (Tabqat al-Hanabilah by Ibn Rajab).
Is it correct to say based on a dream that “there will be a love for books in Paradise”? And is there any possibility of studying in Paradise? If there is any evidence regarding this, please guide.
Answer: Matters of Paradise are from the unseen, and it is not correct to base any statement on a mere dream. Without explicit textual evidence, nothing can be stated about the unseen. There is no explicit mention of believers reading in Paradise, although there is an indication of reading, as in this narration. Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"I entered Paradise and heard a recitation. I asked, 'Who is this?' They said, 'Haritha bin al-Nu'man.' This is the reward for righteousness, this is the reward for righteousness (and he was the most righteous towards his mother)" (Silsilah al-Saheehah: 913).
Therefore, it cannot be explicitly stated that all believers will read in Paradise, nor can it be stated based on someone’s dream that there will be a love for books in Paradise. Generally, it is mentioned that whatever a believer desires in Paradise will be granted, but to specify something, explicit evidence from the Quran and Sunnah is required. Allah says:
"Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness. Trays of gold and cups will be passed around them; there will be whatever the souls desire and the eyes delight in, and you will abide therein forever" (Az-Zukhruf: 70-71).
Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (may Allah preserve him) ❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫
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