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Who is the gatekeeper of heaven in Islam?

Published in Islamic Angelology 2 mins read

The gatekeeper of heaven in Islam is the angel Riḍwān (رضوان).

Riḍwān, also spelled Rızvan, is an angel entrusted with guarding Jannah (Paradise or Heaven) in Islamic tradition. While details about Riḍwān are not as extensively detailed in the Quran as some other angels like Jibril (Gabriel) or Mika'il (Michael), he is widely accepted and recognized in Islamic beliefs as the guardian of the gates of heaven. His name is often associated with satisfaction, pleasure, and divine acceptance, reflecting the nature of paradise itself.

Here's a breakdown of what is known about Riḍwān:

  • Role: Guards the gates of Jannah (Heaven/Paradise).
  • Name Meaning: His name, Riḍwān, is derived from the Arabic root meaning "satisfaction" or "pleasure," aligning with the blissful nature of paradise.
  • Authority: He welcomes the righteous into heaven, granting them entry and eternal peace.

While specific descriptions of Riḍwān's appearance or actions are less detailed in primary Islamic texts compared to other angels, his role as the gatekeeper of heaven is firmly established in Islamic tradition and popular belief.

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