The Location of Paradise

Question

If the width of Paradise is the width of the heavens and earth.,then where is it in the creation, which is filled by the heavens and the earth?

Answer

Before answering this question, we must preface it by saying whatever is in the Book of Allah and what has been authentically reported from the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) is the truth and it is not possible that it contradicts the existent reality, for the existent tangible reality is true and it is impossible to doubt it. What is confirmed by the Qur’an and Sunnah is (also) the truth, which is not possible to doubt, nor is it possible for two truths to contradict each other in a way that make it impossible to reconcile them both. It is confirmed by the Qur’an that the breadth of Paradise is as the breadth of the heaven and the earth; and in another verse :

"...as wide as the heavens and the earth." (Surah Al-Imran 3: 133)

This is the truth, without doubt. A Jew asked the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) about this Verse saying: " If the width of Paradise is that of the heavens and the earth, then where is the Fire?" The Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) replied:

"When the night comes, where is the day?” (Ahmad and Al-Hakim)

Also, the statement of the questioner that this creation is in naught but the heavens and the earth is incorrect. In this creation are the heavens and the earth, the Kursi (Footstool), and the Arsh (Throne). The Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) used to say after he straightened from bowing in prayer:

“Filling the heavens, filling the earth, and filling whatever else You wish." (Muslim and At-Tirmidhi)

There is a world other than the heavens and the earth, known to none but Allah. Likewise, we know from Him what He, the Most Glorified, the Most High has taught us, such as the Arsh and the Kursi, and the Arsh is the highest of all created things. And Allah the Most Glorified, Most High ascended over the Arsh in a manner befitting His Majesty and His Greatness.

Shaikh Ibn Uthaimin (Rahimahullah)

Reference: Fatawa Islamiyah Volume 1 Page 181-182