What is an experience without others to share it with? Those who you care most about are also those whom you would like to be present with you. In Paradise , there are similarities from this
world, in food, drink, clothes, trees, rivers and so on. There is also the same need for companionship. Some religions have no companionship in heaven, but this is not the case in Islam. Those in Paradise will have their pain and suffering taken away, but not their memory. People in heaven and hell will discuss events that occurred here on earth. What would you remember most about this life but the relationships you shared with your family and friends?
AL-Qur'an 13:23 Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring
Al-Qur'an 52:21 And those who believe and whose families follow them in Faith,- to them shall We join their families: Nor shall We deprive them (of the fruit) of aught of their works: (Yet) is each individual in pledge for his deeds.
Al-Qur'an 43:70 Enter ye the Garden, ye and your wives, in (beauty and) rejoicing.
And for those who are not married, they will be joined to Companions. The word used in the Qur’an for these companions is “houris.” They are characterized as having wide and lovely eyes (52:20), they are virgins and of equal-age to the believer (56:36-37), good, beautiful (55:70) and pure (3:15). They have been often described as only being female, when the Arabic word, “houris,” just like the word companion or spouse, can be either male or female.
I have often seen Islam ridiculed on the account of the companions in Paradise, as well as those who will be reunited with their spouse, for thinking of Paradise in sensual terms. This is quite comical in my view. One of the greatest gifts God gave man is love and companionship. Why would he revoke this gift when rewarding his devotees for eternity? Would not a loving God provide more love in Paradise? The relationships continued or established in Paradise are actually a great tool to help propagate Islam. “If you want to live happily ever after with your wife and
family in Paradise, become a Muslim.”
I have mentioned a few things which both the Qur’an and the words of Jesus (pbuh) as recorded in the gospels agree on pertaining to heaven, but they differ with regards to companionship in heaven. Jesus (pbuh) says you will not be married anymore in heaven (Luke 20:35). This is interesting, because when you read Jesus’ (pbuh) story of the rich man in hell and Lazarus the beggar in heaven, it is clear that both people recognize each other from their time on earth. And though the rich man is in the torment of hellfire, he still feels compassion towards his brothers who are still on the earth sinning (Luke 16:27-28). If you feel compassion in the midst of punishment, it is reasonable to believe that those in heaven will also feel compassion, especially when they recognize a
loved one. In this instance, Jesus’ (pbuh) words are in accordance with the Qur’an, that there exists love and compassion for others in the hereafter. It should also be stated that Jesus (pbuh) is said to have compared Heaven with the courtship that one man might have with 10 virgin women, 5 of which he marries (Matthew 25:1-13). Thus the Bible is conflicted on Jesus’ (pbuh) position on companionship in heaven.
The problem in Islam arises with the notion that those who are martyrs will receive 72 virgins in Paradise. There are a number of problems with this idea. The most glaring one is that this claim is nowhere to be found in the Qur’an. The Qur’an say one who dies while striving in the way of ALLAH will enter Paradise . It also says there will be companions in Paradise. This is somehow joined together and Paradise has become an abode for a man with a harem of women at his disposal. But this is a forbidden act on earth, how exactly would it be permissible in Paradise? What then is the difference between a sinner and a saint, if the saint waits his lifetime to forever indulge in the acts that a sinner performs on earth? The difference would only be the patience of the
saint over the sinner. Fornication is fornication wherever you are. And sex becomes the motive for getting to Paradise. Clearly the Qur’an says you will be united with you wife in Paradise, if she is a believer. And “houris” are for those without a wife or husband in Paradise and no one needs 72 of either.
It is obvious that this idea was conjured up by a man to encourage other men to fight fiercely for the cause of ALLAH and for the abundant pleasures of the hereafter, because no chaste woman wants 72 companions. This is another example of the manipulation of Hadiths. Someone put their own words on the lips of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), which is unsubstantiated by the Qur’an and in contrast to the moral code of Islam. Nonetheless, believing men and women should be happy to know that ALLAH will provide all with love and companionship in his utopia.
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