Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger, establishes prayer, and fasts in Ramadan, then it is Allah’s right to admit him into Paradise, whether he strives in Allah’s path or remains in his place of birth.” The Companions said: O Messenger of Allah! Should we not give people the glad tidings (by narrating this hadith)? He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There are one hundred levels in Paradise which Allah has prepared for those who strive in His path. The distance between each two levels is like the distance between the sky and the earth. So when you ask Allah (for Paradise), ask for Jannat al-Firdaws, for it is the best and highest part of Paradise. (I think he also said:) Above it is the Throne of the Most Merciful, and from it spring forth the rivers of Paradise.”