Will you explain the states of those who pass over the Sirat Bridge before entering Paradise and what they will experience with hadiths and verses?

Dear Brother / Sister,

First of all, we should state that this issue is not an issue that scholars mentioned clearly and that is known definitely. Different interpretations are in question based on different expressions of hadiths related to the Day of Judgment and Gathering Place (Mahshar). (For detailed information, see Ghazzali, Ihya; Qurtubi, Tadhkira; Ibn Hajar, Fathul-Bari, relevant places)

We have not found any satisfactory information about the state after Sirat Bridge on the way to Paradise in the resources on the issue.

We can share some information that we prefer among different views. Before that, let us see some verses regarding the issue:

“So, by thy Lord, without doubt, We shall gather them together, and (also) the Evil Ones (with them); then shall We bring them forth on their knees round about Hell; Then shall We certainly drag out from every sect all those who were worst in obstinate rebellion against (Allah) Most Gracious. And certainly We know best those who are most worthy of being burned therein. Not one of you but will pass over it: this is, with thy Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished. But We shall save those who guarded against evil, and We shall leave the wrong-doers therein, (humbled) to their knees.” (Maryam, 19/68-72)

Acting upon the verses above, we can accept the view of Ibn Masud stating that the Bridge is on Hell and that everybody will pass over it. (see Ibn Atiya, the interpretation of the verses in question)

The same view is also reported from Ibn Abbas, Kabul-Ahbar, Suddi and Hasan al- Basri. Suddi also includes a marfu narration from Ibn Masud. Abu Bakr al-Anbari indicates that he agrees with the interpretations of many scholars who adopt this view. (see Qurtubi, the interpretation of the verse in question)

According to what Ibn Masud states, it is stated in this verse that all people will pass over the bridge placed over Hell. Those who have taqwa (fear of Allah) will pass over it with a speed that is in accordance with the amount, beauty and value of their good deeds and go to Paradise. Those who are in rebellion will kneel down and fall into Hell. The sinful believers who have belief even as little as an atom’s weight will be saved from Hell after serving their penalties or with the grace of Allah and will go to Paradise.

Those who proceed to Paradise will be welcomed by angels:

“And those who feared their Lord will be led to the Garden in crowds: until behold, they arrive there; its gates will be opened; and its keepers will say: ‘Peace be upon you! well have ye done! enter ye here, to dwell therein.’” (az-Zumar, 39/73)

Attention is drawn to this issue in the verse above.

“…The angels will meet them (with mutual greetings): ‘This is your Day,- (the Day) that ye were promised.’” (al-Anbiya, 21/101)

This welcoming is indicated in the verse above.

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