A discussion that veered off the topic and ended up on '72 Virgins'. There is this general notion regarding Islam, in muslims and non-muslims alike, that one gets 72 virgins in heaven. This is especially referred when suicide bombers and 'reward' for them in religion of Islam is discussed. I'll post a small section of this dialogue to show what is the 'general' attitude and then will state my opinion on it.
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He: Why don't you choose heaven? there must be 70 virgins waiting for you in heaven who look better then Vidya Balan.Its a strange choice.
I: 70?! I thought types like you got 72?!
He: 72 extra virgin sir why would i get extra two?
I: because you deserve them? :)
He: Thank s Postman. wow my 72 virgins in heaven. You deserve more then 72 u deserve a hundred virgins in heaven.
I: Na I think I'll pass :p
I don't have that strength to 'deal' with so many :p
He: OO come on postman when will enter heaven u will eat fresh food of heaven and breath in fresh air of heaven and then u will get strenght to deal with more then 100.
I: really?! damn :p
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Quran never says 'females', 'hoors as in females', 'virgins' in Quran. It only says 'pure companions' Azwajjum mutaharat. e.g.
2:25 - But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom, they say: "Why, this is what we were fed with before," for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein companions pure (and holy); and they abide therein (for ever).
Pure companions for Males and Females - both. So I do not think you should look purely from 'sex' point of view. For example.
37:45 - A bowl shall be made to go round them from water running out of springs,
37:46 - White, delicious to those who drink.
37:47 - There shall be no trouble in it, nor shall they be exhausted therewith.
37:48 - And with them shall be those (companions) who restrain the eyes, having beautiful eyes
and there is no mention of 70 or 72 virgins in Quran. If its males that will 'enjoy' virgins then the same will be applied to females :p
The Quran talks in terms of bounties and gifts - pure in nature. Nothing vile, evil or ill associated with them.
47:15 - A parable of the garden which those guarding (against evil) are promised: Therein are rivers of water that does not alter, and rivers of milk the taste whereof does not change, and rivers of drink delicious to those who drink, and rivers of honey clarified and for them therein are all fruits and protection from their Lord.
52:23 - They shall pass therein from one to another a cup (of drink) wherein there shall be nothing vain nor any sin.
So 'companions' are a pure gift - nothing like virgin sexual slaves in heaven for the 'righteous'. And the words that Quran uses are parables e.g. Verse 37:48 uses the terms 'qasirat tut-tarfe aye-nun' which literally means 'those who restrain the eyes, having beautiful eyes;' - nothing specific to females. Yes I know translators usually translate it in respect of females but this is not so. Sura Rehman uses the same wording 'qasirat tut-tarfe':
55:56 - In them shall be those who restrained their eyes; before them neither human nor jinni shall have touched them.
Must Read : Wikipedia on Etymology of Huur and Wikipedia on references in Quran
Peace
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- 72 Virgins
7 comments:
What you have said is really thought provoking. It makes one think beyond the popular notion which appears to be contrary to what Allah has said in Quran regarding "hoors".
Thank you
A little sideline note:-
I firmly believe that Muslims who dont speak Arabic should take a bit of Arabic grammar courses to atleast get an inkling of the Qurán instead of only depending on translation.
For eg. the word 'Qasiraat' - itself is Muannis. - female form in Arabic Grammar.
And again, in the verse 55:56 the term used 'hun'na' is also Muannis [female] in the grammatical form.
Thanks PD :)
So you'd say I am wrong in my analysis in this post regarding virgins and Quran?
You're welcome. :)
Well not entirely so. Righteous Companions are also mentioned in another verse and that means for both Men & Women.
I believe as Muslims we sometimes tend to loose the bigger picture and that is first getting to Paradise. [And one of the reasons for this is that with all the Orientalists & Secularists & what not trying to attack Islam with this and that we've also falling into doubt about our own deen]
A Paradise which is for both Men and Women and in which, you get whatever you wish for.
In fact, some Ulema say that Women of this World who enter into Jannah will be better then the hoor al ayn and more beautiful.
Anyway, coming back to the topic of 72 virgin, there is some weakness attributed to the hadith that is specificed in number - dont quote me on this as my research on this hasnt been in depth yet.
However there are various authentic narrations that yes, Men will be given Hoor Al Ayn.
Jumbled up thoughts above - hope they made sense. Heh. :P
Weel honestly, the west's criticism is not my primary concern - its the muslim view point that sucks! The discussion reference I gave earlier in my post was with a muslim! And suicide bombers are given this fodder too.
It is a general belief that men will get 'virgins' in heaven - 72 in number. And that men will be 'blessed' with enough strength to consummate with them! I mean give me a holy break!
Cleary, Quran says that BOTH males and females paradise dwellers will be given pure companions. If they are virgins females for males then there has to be male virgins for Females! Give this test to any scholar and report the results to me. Please!
Its way too pervert a concept within muslims - forget about the critics. We have to set our own house in order. We have to stamp clearly that Quran talks in terms of bounties and gifts - not sexual favours. So the transaltion have to be made 'according' to this broad formula. There are no sexual favours being granted by God to men.
Beautiful post.Thanks a lot for the clarification.I had many questions regarding Islam and you just answered one of the important ones.God bless.
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