A Guide to the 7 Levels of Heavens in Islam

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A list of the seven heavens in the Quran, and how to reach them
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The 7 heavens described in the Quran represent unique levels of paradise intended for believers. As a practicing Muslim, you can become closer to God with each level you move through. We'll walk you through the name and characteristics of each level, along with where in the Quran the 7 heavens are spoken about.

What are the 7 Muslim heavens?

The first of the 7 heavens is called Jannat-al-Adan (Garden of Eden), followed by Jannat-al-Firdaws (Garden of Delight), Jannat-an-Naim (Garden of Paradise), Jannat-ul-Mawa (Paradise of Delight), Dar-ul-Khuld (Garden of Eternity), Dar-us-Salam (Abode of Peace), and Dar-ul-Maqam, where righteous souls reside.

Section 1 of 7:

7 Heavens Overview

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  1. According to the Quran, the 7 heavens (also called the โ€œ7 skiesโ€) are 7 unique celestial realms. These realms are believed to exist beyond the natural world and are stacked on top of each other. Allah created the 7 heavens for those who have led a virtuous life as a Muslim. Within different levels of the 7 heavens, you may find righteous souls, doers of good deeds, martyrs, angels, Muhammad, or Allah. [1]
    • Islamic tradition teaches that Jannah (โ€œheavenโ€) actually includes 100 levels in an incredibly complex series of realms. The 7 levels of heaven each contain angels that test the believers who enter their realm and ultimately decide whether or not these souls can progress to a higher level. [2]
    • In Arabic, many names of the 7 heavens include the word โ€œjannat,โ€ which means โ€œgardenโ€ or โ€œparadise,โ€ but also translates as โ€œheaven.โ€ The very similar word โ€œjannahโ€ means โ€œheavenโ€ as a generally otherworldly paradise.
    • The 7 heavens represent the power of Allah within the Islamic faith. One example of Quranic text links the concept of the 7 heavens to the Islamic creation story: โ€œDo you not see how Allah has created the seven heavens, one above another, and made the moon therein a light, and made the sun a lamp?โ€ โ€” 71:15-16 [3]
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Section 2 of 7:

What are the seven levels of heaven in Islam?

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  1. The 1st level of heaven is called Jannat-al-Adan, or the eternal place. [4] This level of heaven is often called the โ€œgarden of Edenโ€ and is associated with the prophet Adam, the central figure in the Adam and Eve creation story. [5] Those who reside here live in palaces of pearls, rubies, and emeralds and drink from rivers of wine that donโ€™t intoxicate. Most importantly, those here experience a constant closeness with the creator, along with great spiritual riches. [6]
    • Quran verse : โ€œAllah has promised to the believing men and the believing women gardens, beneath which rivers flow, to abide in them, and goodly dwellings in gardens of perpetual abode; and best of all is Allah's goodly pleasure; that is the grand achievement.โ€ โ€” Surah At-Tawbah 9:72 [7]
  2. The 2nd level is called Jannatโ€“alโ€“Firdaws, and is filled with those who experience the highest level of bliss. Itโ€™s a garden most closely located to Allahโ€™s throne and is where the prophet Muhammad directs his followers to go. The ultimate reward here is communing with and being able to witness Allah. Itโ€™s believed that the light shining over the magnificent gardens of Jannat-al-Firdaws comes directly from Allah. [8]
    • Quran verse : โ€œThese are they who are the heirs who shall inherit the Paradise; they shall abide therein." โ€” Al Muโ€™minun 23:10-11 [9]
  3. This level of heaven is called Jannat-an-Naim, or the โ€œgarden of delight.โ€ This heavenly realm is intended for Muslims who have dedicated their life to pleasing Allah. Itโ€™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. [10]
    • Quran verse : โ€œAll authority on that Day is for Allah alone. He will judge between them. So those who believe and do good will be in the Gardens of Bliss.โ€ โ€” Surah Al-Hajj 22:56 [11]
  4. This level is called Jannat-ul-Mawa and is considered a resting place for righteous souls. Its name means โ€œthe garden of refugeโ€ and is a place to bask in the โ€œeternal joyโ€ of lush greenery and a spiritual existence free from hardship or struggle. [12]
    • Quran verse : โ€œNear which is the garden, the place to be resorted to.โ€ โ€” Surah An-Najm 53:15 [13]
  5. The level of heaven called Jannat-ul-Khuld is called the โ€œgarden of eternity.โ€ Those who dwell in Jannat-ul-Khuld wonโ€™t decay or diminish in any way and will experience eternal life. This realm has no death, sickness, or sorrow, but instead laughter, joy, and souls with purpose. [14]
    • Quran verse : โ€œSay, O Prophet, โ€œSay: Is this better or the abiding garden which those who guard (against evil) are promised? That shall be a reward and a resort for them.โ€ โ€” Surah Al-Furqan 25:15 [15]
  6. The next level of heaven is called Dar-us-Salam, or the โ€œabode of peaceโ€ and is intended for the righteous ones who spread peace on earth. Itโ€™s said that Allahโ€™s angels greet those who arrive here with these words: โ€œPeace be upon you for what you patiently endured. How excellent is the final home.โ€ 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. [16]
    • Quran verse : โ€œAnd Allah invites to the abode of peace and guides whom He pleases into the right path.โ€ โ€” Surah Yunus 10:25 [17]
  7. The final level of paradise is a place for righteous believers where all sufferings vanish. [18] Others believe that this final realm of the 7 heavens is reserved solely for the prophet Muhammad. Muhammadโ€™s presence in Dar-ul-Maqaam signifies his great reward for spreading the Islamic message on earth. [19]
    • Quran verse : There is no direct Quran verse about Dar-ul-Maqaam, but a verse exists that describes the 7 heavens of which Maqaam is the highest: โ€œHe it is who created for you all that is in the earth, and He directed Himself to the heaven, so He made them complete seven heavens, and He knows all things.โ€ โ€” Al-Baqarah 2:29. [20]
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Section 3 of 7:

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

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  1. 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 works while practicing kindness, charity, and love toward their neighbor. These virtuous acts can help erase any minor sins theyโ€™ve committed and make up for areas in their spiritual life where they fell short. [21]
    • How to get to Jannat-al-Adan : Itโ€™s believed those who practice Islam by obeying Allah and his prophet Muhammad can enter this realm. They also end up here once they repent and face any punishments for sins theyโ€™ve committed. [22]
    • How to get to Jannat-al-Firdaws : As with Jannat-al-Adan, believers can enter this higher realm because of their worship and devotion to Allah, along with good deeds and charity they take part in during their lives. [23]
    • How to get to Jannat-an-Naim : People who have strong faith in Allah and do good works in their lives can reach Jannat-an-Naim. Others who have powerful convictions to remain virtuous throughout their life can also end up here. [24]
    • How to get to Jannat-ul-Mawa : Jannat-ul-Mawa is a place meant for devotees and martyrs of the purest kind. A martyr is someone who gives their life to defend their faith. [25]
    • How to get to Jannat-ul-Khuld : This level is intended for those who follow their religious path with the highest level of devotion and do not leave the path or transgress. Jannat-ul-Khuld also makes up for any hardship and loss that believers meet during their lives. [26]
    • How to get to Dar-us-Salam : Those in Dar-us-Salam must live a righteous life, perform all good deeds and religious duties, follow Islamโ€™s teachings, and ask for forgiveness from Allah for any sins. [27] Essentially, those at this level have walked the โ€œstraight path.โ€ [28]
    • How to get to Dar-ul-Maqaam : If youโ€™re not the prophet Muhammad, you can reach Dar-ul-Maqaam when your soul is considered the most righteous it can be.
  2. Sinners can be held at the door to paradise for 100 years per sin committed. These major sins are as follows: [29]
    • Associating other gods with Allah
    • Highway robbery
    • Arrogance
    • Unpaid or unforgiven debt
    • Mischief on your neighbor
    • Wronging or oppressing someone
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Section 4 of 7:

Is 7 a significant number in the Quran?

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  1. It often shows up in repetitive patterns to represent certain Islamic beliefs and ideas. For example, there are 7 heavens, 7 hells, 7 lands, and 7 seas. There are also 7 days of the week (called the โ€œ7 days of Godโ€), along with the 7 horses and 7 sabers of the prophet Muhammad. [30] There are 112 chapters (called โ€œsurasโ€) in the Quran, which is a multiple of seven. There are a total of 6,223 verses, which is also a multiple of seven. [31]
Section 5 of 7:

What are the 7 hells in Islam?

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  1. Each level of Jahannam (meaning โ€œhellโ€) is designated for a particular kind of sinner. Itโ€™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 Allahโ€™s teachings and the rules of Islam . [32]
    • Jahannam : For sinful Muslims who still believe in Allah.
    • Ladah : For those who deny Allahโ€™s existence.
    • Saqar : For Muslims who donโ€™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.
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Section 6 of 7:

7 Heavens FAQs

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  1. 1
    What is the 8th level of heaven? Some refer to Illiyyun as the 8th level of heaven in Islam, or one that exists beyond the 7th level. Illiyyun is also called โ€œthe highest place,โ€ which may have led to the idea of Illiyyun being thought of as the 8th level of heaven. Most agree that Illiyyun more closely refers to a record of the deeds of the righteous where the highest rewards are kept. Angels of Hafaza (meaning โ€œprotectionโ€) are said to await the virtuous deeds of true believers to arrive in the Islamic record of good deeds. [33]
  2. 2
    Can a faithful Muslim in hell go to heaven? Just a Muslim can progress through the 7 levels of heaven, itโ€™s believed they can reach heaven from the 7 hells. It has to do with performing righteous deeds, living according to Allahโ€™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 against sin. [34]
  3. 3
    What is Barzakh? Barzakh is called the โ€œwaiting room of paradiseโ€ 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. [35]
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Section 7 of 7:

Are the 7 heavens mentioned in the Christian Bible?

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  1. The only instance where more than one heaven is referenced includes an except when Paul mentions a โ€œthird heavenโ€ in 2 Corinthians 12:2. The Bible does refer to the word โ€œheavensโ€ on occasion, but isnโ€™t meant to mean a multilayered idea of the heavens created by God. #*Outside of the Bible, Danteโ€™s Divine Comedy discusses more than 1 heaven in Paradiso . [36] The verse reads, โ€œNow the pilgrim sees the two courts of heaven made manifest, as the river's sparks transform into angels and the riverbank's flowers into saints.โ€ The text refers to โ€œtwo courts of heaven,โ€ one human and one angelic. [37]
    • The term โ€œ7th heavenโ€ in English means to be โ€œextremely happyโ€ about something. Itโ€™s based on the Islamic (and ancient Jewish) concept of 7 heavens and is an expression thatโ€™s been used since the 19th century. [38]

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