What is the meaning of the Prophet's (PBUH) saying: "except that the eight gates of Paradise would be opened for him, and he would enter from whichever he wished"; and does this mean that the supplicant will enter through all eight gates of Paradise on the Day of Judgment?

It was reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, that whoever performs ablution well and then says: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger," the eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him, and he may enter through whichever he wishes. Al-Tirmidhi added: "O Allah, make me among those who repent and make me among those who purify themselves."

This does not contradict what was mentioned in the Hadith of Abu Hurayrah, that for every doer of good deeds there is a gate from which he will be called, and that Abu Bakr al-Siddiq may be called from all gates as an honor to him.

It is understood from both Hadiths that the opening of the eight gates of Paradise after ablution is a form of honor, but entry will be through the gate corresponding to the deed that predominated in the person's life. Being called from all gates is for one who combined various acts of righteousness, which is an honor for him, and he will enter through the gate corresponding to the deed that predominated in his life.