Advanced search
Visit
13731
Last Updated: 2006/09/19
Summary of question
Are there laws in heaven? If so, what kind?
question
Are there laws in heaven? If so, what kind?
Concise answer
This question does not have a Brief Answer. Click "continue" to view Detailed Answer.
Detailed Answer

The point must be noted that information on issues regarding the hereafter, the conditions of Heaven and Hell, can only be obtained through revelation and the words of the infallible religious leaders.

The answer to the above question has not been clearly given in religious sources, but it can be stated (from the points that will be mentioned) that there are no special rulings in Heaven, and if there are they are different than religious rulings. The reason behind this is that the philosophy behind the rules that Allah legislated and forced man to follow is the growth and perfection of man which is obtained through following these rules. The levels of paradise that are given to man are obtained through righteous deeds performed in this world before death or through righteous children or other believers who give the rewards of righteous deeds to his soul. In more precise words; Heaven and Hell are the realities of actions that were performed in the world. This has been mentioned in many traditions which state: “Today is the day of action where there is no accountability and tomorrow is the day of accountability where there is no action.”[1] So, in the hereafter there is no action which would cause a need for accountability and have a ‘reality’ which would appear in another place.

In addition to this, religious rulings are normally legislated in places where the rights of others can be transgressed on, or at least the possibility is there. But, this is not the case in Heaven because:

1. There is no groundwork or basis for transgression or oppression; crime usually happens in places where there is a small amount of goods and services and where the demand is greater than the supply. There is so insufficiency in Heaven and according to the words of the Quran whatever the people of Heaven desire or see will be is given them.[2]

2. Another reason for the need of law is when man can be influenced by Satan, carnal desires, or spiritual sicknesses, such as envy, to commit unsuitable actions and oppress oneself or others. These issues are not in Heaven either because those who reach Heaven are pure people who were able to control their carnal desires and spiritual sicknesses in the world. In addition to this, the Quran says: “All forms of ‘spiritual defects’ will be taken out of the hearts of those in Heaven; everyone will be brothers to one another.[3] All words spoken in Heaven will be rejected except words of peace.[4]

Therefore, it seems that there is no opportunity for transgression in Heaven and the possibility of fighting is out of the question, hence there is no need for the legislation of laws. Quranic verses can be used to show that the people of Heaven to not have evil inclinations and that they have reached the highest levels of humanity and perfection, in such a way that they do not like something unless it is really likeable[5] and they do not like anything unless Allah likes it.[6] In conclusion, there is no need for the legislation of laws.

Some commentators on the Quran have raised the following question regarding the verse, “Gold dishes and cups will be passed amongst those in Heaven and they will take pleasure in whatever they desire and whatever they see,[7] that does the generality of this verse include things that were forbidden in this world as well? If a person in Heaven wants a forbidden item would it be given to him? They answered these questions in the following way: these questions are asked without paying attention to the point that forbidden food, for example, in reality, is food that is unsuitable for man’s spirit and a healthy spirit would not have an appetite for such a food. Sick spirits are those that go after unsuitable food, or even poison, from time to time. There are some sicknesses where one feels the urge to eat dirt, but when cured the false urge disappears. People in Heaven never have desires for such unclean items because their spirit is being taken in the direction of purity and overall goodness.[8]



[1] Al-Kāfī, v.8, p.58

[2] Quran, 15: 47

[3] Quran, 15:47

[4] Quran, 56:26

[5] Al-Mīzān (Farsi edition), v.29, p.272

[6] Ibid, v.34, p.154

[7] Quran, 43:71

[8] Tafsīr Namūnah, v.21, p.116

Question translations in other languages
Comments
Number of comments 0
Please enter the value
Example : Yourname@YourDomane.ext
Please enter the value
Please enter the value

Thematic Category

Random questions

  • What is the veracity of the supplication “Allahumma kun li-waliyyik al-Hujjatibnil Hasan… and how do we know that it is authentic?
    12403 Contextual study 2017/05/22
    This holy supplication has been reported with some variation in different Shia sources including the book of Al-Kafi. It is good to recite this dua for the wellbeing of Imam of Time, may Allah hasten his reappearance. Generally speaking, the different parts of this dua indicate the ...
  • Is it true that every human being has a twin or an associate?
    11775 Contextual study 2015/06/09
    As for whether human beings have twins or not, there are a few narrations. It has been reported that God, the Exalted, told Iblis: I will not give Adam a child except that I will give the like of it to you. Every human being has a ...
  • Was the Prophet of Islam (S) a prophet at birth?
    7536 وحی، نبوت و عصمت 2018/10/22
    The prophethood of the Prophet of Islam (S) can be considered as having two aspects: 1. The first aspect of prophethood is tantamount to prophetic mission and the beginning of a procedure which involved promulgation and propagation of the religion as well as the establishment of the ...
  • Is it possible to see God? If so, then how?
    9594 Traditional 2010/04/08
    According to both Islamic sources and the intellect, God cannot be seen by the physical eye neither in this life nor in the next. However He can be seen through the eyes of the heart. Up to each given individual’s capacity, after purifying their souls, and engaging in prayers and ...
  • What is the Islamic law about pictures ascribed to the Imams (a.s.)?
    9563 Laws and Jurisprudence 2011/10/29
    What follows are answers given to the above question by the religious authorities (grand jurists):Grand Ayatollah Khamenei (may Allah grant him long life): As per the Islamic law, there is no problem in it by itself provided that it is ...
  • What is the Maqam Ibrahim? What is its purpose?
    41598 Traditional 2010/02/14
    One of the clear signs in Makkah (as a verse in the Quran tells us) is the Maqam Ibrahim where Prophet Ibrahim stood.Regarding the meaning and interpretation of “Maqam Ibrahim”, some believe that it is equal to all of Hajj. Others ...
  • Are the punishments for some sins harsher and greater by many folds than the punishments for some other sins?
    7273 Theoretical 2012/01/04
    It is inferred from the Holy Qur'an and traditions of the Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.) that there are different degrees of torments in hell, proportioned to the different degrees of sins on earth. The Quran considers associating partners with God (shirk) as the greatest sin. Also, God warns to punish the sinners ...
  • Why does the verdict of a marja become invalid after his death?
    8184 Philosophy of Religion and Law 2007/04/08
    It must be known that ijtihad has different elements: some are firm (ex. Quran, prophetic traditions, intellect…) and others are changeable (ex. Subjects and their conditions, knowledge and the understanding of the marja himself). A mujtahid must always be aware of the changeable elements. Hence, it ...
  • What is Islam’s ruling on listening to music?
    14879 Laws and Jurisprudence 2010/11/21
    Music is essentially sound, and watching it (without listening) has no ruling; the only ruling there is, has to do with producing and the sale of instruments, teaching and learning, playing, and listening to it. Most scholars consider listening to and producing lahwi music to be haram and ...
  • How come although all of us gave an oath in the Alame-Arwah, there are still people who have religions other than Islam?
    30866 Traditional 2009/03/14
    In our religious texts and scriptures, a realm or world by the name of Dharr has been spoken of. There are differences between the scholars regarding what this realm exactly is. Nevertheless, the viewpoint which seems to be the best of all is the one that says Allah ...

Popular