Nasai

Its fragrance is perceived from a distance of seventy years: There is significant disagreement regarding the distance from which the fragrance of Paradise can be perceived. The reason for this is that there are several hadiths with this meaning. In some hadiths, seventy years are mentioned; in others, forty years. Furthermore, some hadiths mention one hundred years, some five hundred years, and in some, even one thousand years is mentioned. Regarding this difference in distance, the scholars and noble hadith experts (rahimahumullah) have presented various explanations.

Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah states that, in his view, the way to reconcile and harmonize these hadiths is that the minimum distance from the place of standing (mawqif, i.e., the place where people will stand on the Day of Resurrection) from which the fragrance of Paradise can be perceived is forty years. More than this is a distance of seventy years. Or, these numbers may have been used for emphasis. Similarly, five hundred years, and then the greatest distance from which the fragrance of Paradise can be perceived is one thousand years.

Hafiz Iraqi rahimahullah states that reconciliation among these various narrations will be in such a way that it is according to the differing ranks of people. Those whose ranks are higher will perceive the fragrance of Paradise from a greater distance, and those who are lower in rank and station will perceive the fragrance from a lesser and shorter distance.

Ibn al-‘Arabi says that the fragrance of Paradise cannot be perceived by its natural disposition or habit, but rather Allah ta‘ala, by His will, will create within the servant the ability to perceive it. On this basis, the fragrance of Paradise will be perceived from a distance—sometimes from seventy years, and sometimes from five hundred years. And Allah knows best!

For details, see: (Dhakhīrat al-‘Uqbā Sharh Sunan al-Nasā’ī by al-Atbubi: 36/50, 51)