Nazir Jahangir
This write-up is in no way related to the Indian movie “72 Hoorain” and does not pertain to that context whatsoever. The film, directed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, explores the theme of terrorism. My write-up is aimed at addressing individuals who, in a sarcastic and mocking manner, use it to taunt Muslims, creating the impression that “Jannat” (Heaven) and “Hoors” (beautiful companions) are merely imaginary concepts. We do not impose our beliefs on anyone, and everyone has the right to hold their own beliefs. However, I kindly request that anyone, regardless of their status or position in the world, refrains from saying or doing things that hurt the sentiments of any community. It is important for them to understand that every devout Muslim firmly believes in the principles, tenets and teachings of the Quran and Ahadith, considering them to be even more valid than the law of gravitation. As a Muslim, though I am not any scholar or Islamic expert but simply a mediocre fiction writer, I find it relevant to clear the concept about Hoors to the knowledge I could acquire to my ability.
Long ago, there was a Senator, who happened to be a famous religious scholar, in the Pakistani Parliament. I don’t remember his name at the moment, but I have read about him. One day, a liberal-minded female member in Parliament asked him in a sarcastic tone, “Maulvi Sahib, why is it permissible for men to have four wives, but women are restricted to only one man?” Responding to her question, the said religious scholar confidently replied, “Madam, this restriction on women is for those who believe in Allah and His Book. You are not bound by any restriction, you can have even twenty husbands.”
Later, this statement of the said religious scholar became a famous phrase and is often quoted when someone asks an inappropriate question regarding Islamic law and tenet.
This phrase also applies to those who sarcastically mention the concept of 72 virgins. Such promises are specifically for those who have faith in Allah, His Messenger, and the Noble Quran. Some individuals misinterpret and imagine paradise and virgins according to their own preferences, leading to skepticism about their existence. However, similar concepts of paradise and virgins exist in other religions as well, such as Hinduism and among the People of the Book. Hindus call “Jannat” as “Sorug” and “Apsaraas” to “Hoors”.
100 wives for Christians in Heaven !
(Matthew 19:29)
“And every one that has forsaken houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundred times more, and shall inherit everlasting life”.
The concept of paradise and virgins for humans cannot be comprehended or experienced in reality, as it surpasses human imagination. Those individuals whose mind is enveloped by malice and who derive pleasure in opposing Islamic statements and tenets, are used to interpret and imagine paradise, Hoors, and other things according to their own preferences and imagination. Then they think, how can it be possible?
Human imagination about paradise and virgins can never be true. Anyone, who himself or herself sketches an image of paradise and Hoors can mere be figments of imagination because Allah says what paradise is, what is present there, and no thought can even come close to it. Human brain can comprehend the things of three dimensions only, beyond that it cannot understand or grasp mentally anything, because it doesn’t have that capability. So if there is no example for it, then a person who talks about it can only be considered insane. Muslims who believe in Allah, and His Messenger and in His book have all faith in those unseen things, such as Allah, angels, Paradise, Hell, Hoors, “Pul-siraat” (a bridge over which (in the belief of Muslims) the righteous will pass into Paradise, and from which the wicked fall into hell, on the day of judgment), which are mentioned in the holy Quran and narrated by Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) though never seen physically. Yes, there are some allies of Allah who are shown such things spiritually.
Paradise and whatever is there, it is the means of pleasure and enjoyment, and every pleasure and enjoyment is complete, and there is no deficiency in it from any perspective and lacks nothing.
Moving on to another topic, let me tell you that conversations often diverge from their initial subject, much like how morning turns into evening and eventually life comes to an end. It is a natural progression for individuals to get carried away and delve into other matters. So I turn on another topic.
The psychology of certain women can be intriguing and unique. An interesting incident comes to my mind when I had an account on Facebook, which I later deleted. A foreign woman sarcastically posed the question, “If men get 72 virgins in heaven, what will women get?”
I responded by asking her what she believed women should receive. Perhaps she desired 72 men? However, she remained silent and didn’t offer an answer. From her question, I inferred that this was likely what she intended to ask. I then proceeded to answer the question myself, stating that only a religious scholar can accurately address her inquiry. However, as a general Muslim, I offered my personal thoughts on the matter. I suggested that if a woman in heaven wishes for it, it appears that all her desires, including the company of 72 men, would be fulfilled. Yet, can we be certain that a woman harboring such a desire for sexual pleasure with 72 men can be considered pure? Such impurity cannot manifest in the minds of individuals in heaven. Such desires are confined to this world, where the human’s baser self and Satan can implant them in one’s heart. Now, if a woman’s sole motivation for desiring heaven is to be surrounded by 72 men, can she truly possess the purity required to enter heaven? It is likely that she would remain fixated on numbers of men even in this world, experiencing intense sexual excitement. Consequently, it seems implausible for such a shameless woman to enter heaven. Heaven is a sanctified place reserved for pure individuals. Women with such thoughts are commonly referred to as “Shaiqul Nisa” in Urdu. For these women, aspiring to attain heaven necessitates relinquishing such thoughts in this world…
The women who enter Paradise will receive such radiance in their attire because of their deeds and worshipping on earth that they will appear more beautiful than the maidens of Paradise known as Hoors. Likewise, men will be incredibly handsome and powerful. A woman who finds her earthly husband will have no desire for anyone else. Even though virtuous women maintain their focus solely on their husbands, in Paradise, they will be served by the beautiful males and females, referred to as “Gulfaam”.
Only pure women will enter Paradise, and a pure woman is one whose thoughts are also pure. So, how can a pure woman desire 72 husbands?
Hazrat Rabi’a Basri, a virtuous woman, chose not to marry. She received marriage proposals from wealthy families and pious individuals, but she declined, stating that she couldn’t fulfill her Lord’s rights if she took on the responsibilities of a husband. She also said, “Why should I marry someone who is not destined for me? I am already consumed by the remembrance of Allah, to the point where it feels as if I am annihilated.”
How can such a woman develop such intense desires?
Additionally, it is worth noting that ordinary women generally have less sexual desire compared to men. Women with intense sexual excitement, like the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, are rare. Men, on the other hand, have stronger sexual desires, which is why some men become overwhelmed and even target forbidden women when they have the opportunity. Research has shown that women often struggle with their husbands’ intense sexual desires. This is why the Creator has given men a greater inclination towards women, allowing them to have up to four wives in the world and a promise of the Hoors in Paradise.
Sexual pleasure is a source of enjoyment and satisfaction. In Paradise, women will have means of experiencing pleasures that are beyond our imagination and comprehension.
In Paradise, there will be no preferential treatment for men among the believers. Instead, every soul will be blessed according to their actions and deeds, and there will be no distinction between men and women. The ultimate joy in Paradise will come from the Sight of God.
For men, women are a source of pleasure, and for women, men are a source of pleasure. Undoubtedly, this pleasure is the highest and ultimate among worldly pleasures because it engages all the senses. However, the pleasures in Paradise will far surpass this pleasure and cannot be compared. The pleasures of Paradise will far exceed and surpass this pleasure. Whatever a man or woman desires will be granted to them. Yet, the experience of the pleasure and delight of beholding Allah’s presence will make even the attainment of seven heavens seem insignificant in comparison.
The true lovers of Allah do not harbor excessive desires for Paradise or excessive fears of Hell. Their sole aim is to attain union with the Beloved.
Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi once stated: “Divine knowledge is, at its core, an incredibly magnificent wellspring of grace. If a seeker of truth is fortunate enough to have a taste from this wellspring, then he has no need for anything worldly or otherworldly. The effect and pleasure derived from that taste continue to exist and endure eternally. The servant of Allah who drinks from this wellspring of knowledge does not regard this world or the Hereafter as significant. The tranquility and blessings of Paradise are inconsequential in comparison.”
Nazir Jahangir is a noted journalist and columnist
