Reconciling between the reports that Jibreel, Adam and Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon them) saw Paradise, and the hadeeth “… that which no eye has seen…”

 

It is well known that in Paradise there is that which no eye has seen and no ear has heard, but wasn’t Adam in Paradise? Didn’t the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) enter Paradise too?.

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly: 

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with
him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:
“Allaah says: ‘I have prepared for My righteous slaves that which no eye has
seen, no ear has heard and it has never crossed the mind of man. All of that
is reserved, besides which all that you have known is as nothing.’ Then he
recited: ‘No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward
for what they used to do’ [al-Sajdah 32:17 – interpretation of the meaning].” 

Narrated by al-Bukhaari (3072) and Muslim (2824) -- the
report narrated by Muslim adds: “apart from that of which Allaah has
informed you.” 

Secondly: 

With regard to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be
upon him) seeing Paradise and entering it, that is proven in many hadeeths.
Imam al-Bukhaari, in his book al-Sharee‘ah, quoted some of these hadeeths
under the chapter heading Baab Dukhool al-Nabi (sall Allahu ‘alayhi wa
sallam) al-Jannah (The Prophet’s entering Paradise) in which he narrated
several hadeeths, including the following: 

It was narrated from Anas ibn Maalik that the Prophet
(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: Whilst I was walking in
Paradise, I saw a river whose banks were domes of hollow pearls.” I said,
“What is this, O Jibreel?” He said: “This is al-Kawthar which your Lord has
given to you.” The angel struck it with his hand and its mud or its perfume
was of the most fragrant (or pure) musk.  

Narrated by al-Bukhaari (6201). 

According to another report: When the Prophet (blessings and
peace of Allah be upon him) was taken up to heaven (the Mi‘raaj), [he said:]
I came to a river whose banks … 

According to a version narrated in Musnad Ahmad
(19/66): “I entered Paradise and saw a river whose banks were pavilions of
pearls.” 

Thirdly: 

With regard to the issue mentioned by the questioner, it may
be said: This that has been prepared in Paradise for the righteous slaves of
Allah has not been seen by anyone, as it states in the texts. As for what
Adam and our Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon them)
saw, it was only part of in Paradise because Paradise, “in which there is
that which no eye has seen” is not necessarily that which no one has ever
seen. Rather it may be that there are in it things that some eyes have seen,
even though there is in it that which is stored up and hidden, no eye has
seen it and no ear has heard, and no one can imagine it or describe it. 

Perhaps the above meaning is supported by the hadeeth of
al-Mugheerah ibn Shu‘bah, who said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and
peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Moosa asked his Lord: ‘Who will be the
lowest of the people of Paradise in status?’ He said: ‘He will be a man who
will come after I have admitted the people of Paradise to Paradise and it
will be said to him: “Enter Paradise.” He will say: “O Lord, how, when the
people have taken their places and been given their portions?” It will be
said to him: “Would it please you if you had the like of what one of the
kings of the world had?” He will say: “I would be pleased, O Lord.” He will
say, “You will have that, and as much again, and as much again, and as much
again, and as much again.” The fifth time, he will say, “I am pleased, O
Lord.” He will say: “You will have that and ten times as much, and you will
have what your heart desires and what will delight your eyes.” He will say:
“I am pleased, O Lord.”’ (Moosa) said: ‘My Lord, who will be the highest of
them in status?’ He said, ‘They will be the ones whom I have chosen, and I
have planted their honour with My own hand. I have set a seal over it and no
eye has seen, no ear has heard, nor has it entered the heart of man.’” He
said: And the confirmation thereof is in the Book of Allaah, may He be
glorified and exalted: “No person knows what is kept hidden for them of
joy as a reward for what they used to do” [al-Sajdah 32:17]. 

Narrated by Muslim, 189. 

It is as if those who are highest in status are those who
have the greatest share of this hidden treasure and blessing that no eye has
seen and no mind has imagined. 

And Allah knows best.