Does Islam Teach a Paradise of Virgins
and Wine?
Dear
Mr. Zukeran
I
read your article on “What Happens After Death” and
I am offended by your lack of knowledge as to what the Qu’ran
(the proper spelling not Koran, you should at least know that)
teaches about paradise. I am a Christian who has married a fine
Muslim man. I am sure he does not believe in a paradise of wine
and young virgins. One is not even allowed to drink wine as a
Muslim so why would there be wine in paradise? This is the stereotype
I find throughout the West. You should do better research on Islam
before you say anything about it.
Sharon.
Dear Sharon,
There are several ways to spell the Islamic Holy Book. It can
be spelled Koran, Qu’ran, or Quran. You will find these
spellings when you study Islamic scholars. In regards to paradise,
I am stating the beliefs of classical Islam. Since the death of
Muhammad (There are several ways to spell his name as well) Islamic
sects have been at war with one another. As you know two of the
first four caliphs who succeeded Muhammad were assassinated and
there have been numerous wars between the sects that continue
to this day. Some sects will deny what the Koran and Hadith teach
about paradise but because they deny it does not make that sect
or person's opinion representative of classical Islam. As in Christianity,
the Bible is the standard for which every Christian must refer
to as a guide to proper doctrine and belief. So every Muslim refers
to the Koran as a guide to their beliefs. So let us take a look
at what the Koran says regarding paradise.
A similitude of the Garden which those who keep their duty (to
Allah) are promised: Therein are rivers of water unpolluted, and
rivers of milk whereof the flavour changeth not, and rivers of
wine delicious to the drinkers, and rivers of clear-run honey;
therein for them is every kind of fruit, with pardon from their
Lord. (Are those who enjoy all this) like those who are immortal
in the Fire and are given boiling water to drink so that it teareth
their bowels? Sura 47:15
Surely
for the godfearing awaits a place of security, gardens and vineyards
and maidens with swelling breasts, like of age and a cup overflowing.
Sura 78:30
Except
for God's sincere servants: for them awaits a known provision,
fruits - and they high-honored in the Gardens of Bliss upon couches,
set face to face, a cup from a spring being passed round to them,
white a delight to the drinkers, wherein no sickness is, neither
intoxication; and with them wide-eyed maidens restraining their
glances. Sura 37:40-47
Surely
the godfearing shall be in gardens and bliss… Reclining
upon couches ranged in rows: and we shall espouse them to wide-eyed
houris. ( Most beautiful virgins endowed with unfading youth)
Sura 52:20-25
Classical
Islam has taught these ideas regarding paradise. The Koran appears
to teach this according to these passages.
Patrick
Zukeran
Probe Ministries
Host of Evidence and Answers Radio show
www.evidenceandanswers.org
