and knowledge of Him—that is true, and it is a means of entering Paradise. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of the Fire are closed, and the devils are shackled.”

This is only because, during Ramadan, hearts are stirred toward goodness and righteous deeds, through which and on account of which the gates of Paradise are opened. People refrain from the evils through which the gates of the Fire are opened, and the devils are shackled, so they cannot do what they do when people are not fasting. To be shackled is to be bound. The devils gain power over the children of Adam only through their desires; when people restrain their desires, the devils are shackled.

The Paradise and Fire whose gates are opened and closed are distinct from what is in the hearts. Yet what is in the hearts is a cause leading to them, evidence of them, and one of their effects. Allah Most High said:

“Indeed, those who unjustly consume the property of orphans consume nothing but fire into their bellies.”

And the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever drinks from vessels of gold and silver is only gulping the fire of Hell into his belly.”

One explanation is that they eat and drink what will turn into fire; another is that doing so is a cause of entering the Fire. And Allah, Glorified and Exalted, knows best.