SIRAT AL-MUSTAQIM

[Islamic] "The straight path". It is the path of God (Qur'an 42:53). The sirat is described as no wider than a rope and 3000 miles (or hours) long, 1000 upwards, 1000 across and 1000 downwards. However, it is also described as a ladder which the souls of the dead have to climb into paradise. Beneath the sirat rages the fires of Hell, which scorches the sinners so that they fall into it. They can only be saved by repeating God's name. God will hear them and send an angel to rescue them. The souls of the good will find their good deeds converted into a white horse awaiting for them to ascent. Riding it, they will cross the bridge in only three minutes because their good deeds will carry them into paradise. At the end of the bridge, they will find the Hauzu'l-Kausar (the Pond of Abundance).