Some of the souls of the martyrs reside inside green birds in Paradise, while others are held at the gates of Paradise. Ibn ‘Abbaas reported that Allaah’s Messenger (PBUH) said: “When your brethren were killed [on the day of Uhud], Allaah placed their souls inside green birds which drink from the rivers of Paradise and eat from its fruits. Then they retire to the golden lamps hanging from the shade of the throne.” Collected by Aboo Daawood, Ahmad and al-Haakim and authenticated by al-Albaanee in Sharh al-‘Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah, p. 455, ftn. 3. On another occasion a man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, what will I get if I am killed in the path of Allaah?” He replied, “Paradise.” When the man turned to walk away, the Prophet (PBUH) added, “Except [if you have a] debt. Jibreel just confided it to me.” Collected by an-Nasaa’ee and Ahmad and authenticated by al-Albaanee in Sharh al-‘Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah, p. 455, ftn. 1.