Q: It is all metaphorical and allegorical. Ibnu Abbas, the cousin of Prophet Muhammad (Sallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and one of the foremost authority on Quranic exegesis, said: "Nothing in Paradise resembles anything in the life of this world, except in name.''
In another narration, Ibn Abbas said, "Only the names are similar between what is in this life and what is in Paradise.''
What does this statement mean exactly? Does this mean that the descriptions of paradise are not meant to be taken literally and are simply metaphors?
A: It is literal. The Hadith means that the things and comforts of Jannah are unlike the things of this dunya. Though there is food in this world and there will be food in the hereafter, however the food of the hereafter will surpass the food of this world in taste, enjoyment, etc. Hence they will only resemble each other in name.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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