Ridwan

Ridwan is, according to what is widespread among scholars, the name of the angel charged with guarding Paradise and welcoming the believers. The Quran clearly evokes the guardians of Paradise (39:73) but does not give this name: 'Ridwan' comes from tradition, and its authentication is weak — unlike Malik, the keeper of Hell, who is named in the Quran.

THE GUARDIANS OF PARADISE — The Quran describes the arrival of believers at Paradise and the welcome reserved by its angel guardians: 'Those who feared their Lord will be led in groups to Paradise. When they arrive there, its gates will be opened and its keepers will say: "Peace be upon you! You have done well, so enter it to stay forever"' (39:73). The angels welcome them through every gate: 'Peace be upon you for your patience. How excellent is the final abode!' (13:23-24).

THE NAME 'RIDWAN' — According to what is widespread among scholars, the chief of these guardians is called Ridwan — a name linked by Ibn al-Qayyim to the word 'rida' (God's approval of the people of Paradise). But this name is NOT in the Quran, and is confirmed by no authentic hadith (see fact check).

THE CONTRAST WITH MALIK — It is instructive to compare: Malik, the keeper of Hell, is explicitly named in the Quran. The damned will beg him in vain: 'They will cry: "Malik! Let your Lord put an end to us." He will reply: "You are here to stay!"' (43:77). The Prophet ﷺ also saw Malik during the Ascension (Bukhari, Muslim). Thus, the keeper of Hell has a solid Quranic name, while the name of the keeper of Paradise (Ridwan) rests only on tradition.

POINT OF RIGOUR: the guardians of Paradise are Quranic (39:73), but the name 'Ridwan' is not. Ibn Kathir says it is mentioned in 'certain hadiths,' but these hadiths are judged fabricated or very weak (al-Albani classifies them thus). The Permanent Committee of Fatwas and Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymeen confirm: the name is known and tolerated among scholars, but not authentically established — unlike Malik, keeper of Hell, whose name is Quranic (43:77). The site therefore reports 'Ridwan' as a widespread name, honestly signalling that it is not solidly proven.

Whether his name is 'Ridwan' (approval) or not, the image remains: believers are welcomed at Paradise by angels who greet them with peace and congratulate them on their steadfastness. The contrast with Malik, keeper of Hell, opposes two destinies. And the methodological lesson is valuable: a name can be universally widespread (like Ridwan or Azra'il) without being solidly established — faith distinguishes what is certain from what is merely transmitted.

...conduits par groupes au Paradis dont les portes seront ouvertes à leur arrivée et dont les gardiens leur diront : « Que la paix soit avec vous ! »

39:73

Ils supplieront : « Mâlik ! Que ton Seigneur en finisse avec nous. » Il répondra : « Vous subirez, au contraire, ces affres pour l'éternité ! »

43:77