Ṣalāh in Riyāḍ al-Jannah
Question
Is there any specific reward for performing two rakʿat ṣalāh in Riyāḍ al-Jannah in Madīnah Munawwarah? Any particular intention that is advised when performing ṣalāh there?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Answer
1) The Prophet ﷺ said, “What is between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Jannah” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 1196; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 1391). This area is accordingly known as Riyāḍ al-Jannah (the garden of Jannah) and is part of the al-Masjid al-Nabawī. Therefore, anyone performing Ṣalāh in this area will attain the reward of performing Ṣalāh in the al-Masjid al-Nabawī.
In addition to this, scholars have a difference of opinion regarding the meaning of this area being a garden of Jannah. 10 meanings of this ḥadīth are outlined in my forthcoming Arabic book: ‘al-ʿIqd al-Thamīn fī Ḥubb al-Nabī al-Amīn ﷺ’. One meaning of this is that undertaking good deeds there will lead a person to Jannah. This meaning has been mentioned by ʿAllāmah Khaṭṭābī (d. 383/993), ʿAllāmah Ibn Baṭṭāl (d. 449/1057), ʿAllāmah Ibn Ḥazm (d. 456/1064) and many others. Another meaning is that this area resembles Jannah in that the special of mercy of Allah Almighty descends therein. This meaning has been mentioned by Ḥāfiẓ Ibn Ḥajar (d. 852/1149). In short, performing good deeds in this area results in attaining the special mercy of Allah and entry into Jannah, Inshā Allah.
2) There is no specific intention required.
Note: Whilst it is commendable to make every effort to reach this area and perform good deeds therein, one must avoid hurting anyone.
عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه مرفوعا: ما بين بيتي ومنبري روضة من رياض الجنة، ومنبري على حوضي، رواه البخاري (۱۱۹٦) ومسلم (۱۳۹۱). ولشرحه انظر الحديث التاسع والعشرين في تأليفي: العقد الثمين في حب النبي الأمين صلى الله عليه وسلم۔
Allah knows best
Yusuf Shabbir
6 Jumādā al-Thāniyah 1441 / 31 January 2020
Approved by: Mufti Shabbir Ahmad and Mufti Muhammad Tahir