Marketplace of Paradise
It is narrated from Hazrat Ali (AS) that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, "In Paradise, there will be a bazaar(market) where there will be no buying and selling. Instead, there will be images of men and women, and whoever likes a particular image will adopt its appearance." (Reference: Jami' al-Tirmidhi, Volume 2, on the bazaar of Paradise). These images will represent the beautiful features of general and specific individuals, including the forms of spiritually perfected beings, crafted in a spiritual dimension. (Reference: "Hazaar Hikmat" by Allama Nasiruddin Nasir Hunzai, R.alina).
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) miraculously hinted at this profound wisdom 1,400 years ago, foretelling advancements in science and technology that we witness today. Alhamdulillah, modern artificial intelligence (AI) technology serves as a clear testimony to this miracle. Reflecting on this blessed hadith, we gain insight into the activities in the bazaar of behisht. What will these images represent? Will they be static pictures, or will they include miraculous, recorded, living movies of the lives of notable individuals? Before understanding these realities, it is essential to grasp the concept of Paradise itself.
Humans are a combination of three realities: body, soul, and intellect. Among these, intellect holds the highest position. Paradise, in its essence, transcends the limited intellects of humans and is superior to both body and soul. In this world, where intellect is utilized, there is happiness, success, and progress. Science and technology thrive in intellectual domains, and the wonders of Paradise reflect in the advancements we see on earth. All worldly inventions are but a small glimpse of the magnificent blessings of Paradise. When the light of Paradise shines, its magnificent realities cast shadows on earthly intellects. If these shadows are so beautiful, what must be the grandeur of the original realities? SubhanAllah!
One of the amazing activities in Paradise will be the presence of a luminous bazaar (noorani marketplace) containing the recorded, living movies of all human lives. These movies will not be lifeless like worldly ones; they will be dynamic and radiant, vividly portraying the lives of every individual from birth to death. If a righteous soul in Paradise wishes to relive their past life, they will be able to do so. As a reward, Allah khuda wand will grant them their "recorded life" in the form of a miraculous living record, also referred to as the "Book of Deeds." (Namaa e aamaal) This divine record, given as a precious gift, will contain all the joys and sorrows of their life. However, khuday e meherbaan will erase all sorrows, replacing them with everlasting happiness. This will mark the beginning of a new, blissful existence in Paradise, free from pain and filled with joy.
The blessed hadith narrated by Hazrat Ali (AS) hints at this profound reality of the bazaar (market) in Paradise, where every person’s "image" or "movie" will exist. These will not be lifeless images but living records of entire lifetimes. If a fortunate individual in Paradise desires to experience the life of a famous personality, they will only need to look at their image. Upon doing so, they will adopt that person's appearance and experience their entire life, gaining insight into their experiences and achievements.
Such are the marvels of Paradise! It is a realm of divine knowledge and unique experiences, devoid of mundane trade or commerce. Paradise represents Khudawand's miraculous technology that astounds human intellect. It is a luminous treasure of divine secrets, as described in the Quran and Hadith.
This article paints a picture of the bazaar of Paradise based on the luminous hadith narrated by Hazrat Ali (AS). Alhamdulillah, we deeply respect and believe in the Quranic and prophetic descriptions of Paradise. In today’s era, the revolution in science and technology, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), reflects the shadows of Paradise’s blessings. We must utilize this technology for the benefit of humanity, as it, too, is a creation of the divine laws of nature. May Allah guide us to use it positively for the betterment of all. Ameen.
Alyas Nasir
March 16, 2025
Human beings deeply value their lives and often think that with the end of youth or beauty, life itself has ended. However, this is not the case. The Merciful God states in Surah Yaseen, "Is He who created the heavens and the earth not capable of creating the likes of them again? Yes, indeed! For He is the Supreme Creator." God possesses the power of "Kun" (hojaa), and when He wills something to exist, it comes into being effortlessly.
Paradise is a manifestation of the Supreme Creator's divine technology, where nothing is impossible. It is a realm of endless possibilities, governed by the divine command of "Kun fa yakoon" (Be, and it is). If a righteous soul enters Paradise and wishes to revisit their previous life, to reunite with loved ones—parents, children, or family members—the grace of Paradise allows them to relive those moments. This renewed experience, however, is a gift from the Merciful Creator, transforming all past sorrows into unparalleled joy, making life an extraordinary experience of happiness.
Indeed, God is the Greatest Creator. Paradise is the fulfillment of human desires—a reality where all virtuous wishes come true. As human beings, we harbor countless aspirations, and their complete fulfillment is only possible in Paradise. Paradise operates under the law of limitless possibilities, where the impossible becomes possible.
Yet, the glory of God extends far beyond Paradise. He is the Creator of even greater realities, a journey that begins after Paradise. All praise belongs to the Merciful Creator.
— Alyas Nasiri, March 17, 2025