What is Jannah?

Yes, it's simple: Jannah is the Islamic word for Paradise, or heaven. It literally means "garden" in Arabic. Muslims believe it is the eternal home God has prepared for those who believed and did good, a place of peace, joy and closeness to God, with no pain, sadness or death.

What the word means

"Jannah" comes from an Arabic root meaning hidden or covered, the way a lush garden is covered by trees and shade. The Quran often speaks of "gardens beneath which rivers flow", a powerful image for people living in the dry Arabian desert, and still a beautiful one today.

What the Quran says it's like

مَّثَلُ ٱلْجَنَّةِ ٱلَّتِى وُعِدَ ٱلْمُتَّقُونَ ۖ فِيهَآ أَنْهَـٰرٌ مِّن مَّآءٍ غَيْرِ ءَاسِنٍ وَأَنْهَـٰرٌ مِّن لَّبَنٍ لَّمْ يَتَغَيَّرْ طَعْمُهُۥ "Is the description of Paradise, which the righteous are promised, wherein are rivers of water unaltered, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes..." Quran 47:15

The same verse goes on to mention rivers of purified honey, every kind of fruit, and forgiveness from God. Other passages describe:

No bitterness: God removes "whatever is in their breasts of resentment", so people meet as brothers and sisters (Quran 15:47).
No tiredness: "No fatigue will touch them therein, nor from it will they [ever] be removed" (Quran 15:48).
No boredom: its people "will not desire from it any transfer" (Quran 18:108).
Family reunited: believers are joined with their believing children and loved ones (Quran 52:21).

The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever enters Paradise will enjoy bliss in which "he would neither become destitute, nor would his clothes wear out, nor his youth would decline" (Sahih Muslim 2836).

The greatest joy: seeing God

For Muslims, the best part of Jannah isn't the gardens. The Prophet ﷺ said that after people enter Paradise, God will lift the veil, "and of things given to them nothing would be dearer to them than the sight of their Lord" (Sahih Muslim 181). The Quran also says that God's approval "is greater" than all the gardens (Quran 9:72).

Who enters Jannah?

Muslims believe people enter Paradise through faith and good deeds, but ultimately by God's mercy. The Prophet ﷺ said that no one's deeds alone will save them. When his companions asked, "Even you?", he replied, "No, even I," unless God bestows His mercy on him (Sahih al-Bukhari 6463). That's a comfort: Jannah isn't only for perfect people. If you're new to Islam and wondering where you stand, see What happens if I die right after taking my shahada?

Many people also ask whether their pets will be there. See Will my dog go to heaven in Islam?

Jannah has levels

Paradise isn't the same for everyone. It has many levels, and the highest is called al-Firdaws. Muslims often ask God for it in their personal prayers. See What are the best times to make dua?

Key points

Jannah means "garden" and is the Islamic word for Paradise.
It's eternal, with no pain, tiredness or resentment.
Its greatest joy is seeing God.
People enter it by faith, good deeds and God's mercy.

Tip: A simple dua many Muslims say daily is "Allahumma inni as'aluka al-jannah" (O Allah, I ask You for Paradise). Short enough to say anytime, anywhere.