The Hoor in Paradise and Their Attributes in the Quran and Ahadith in Response to Inquiries Following the Newly Released Movie 72 Hoorain

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 22 June 2023 The Hoor in Paradise: A Reward for Righteous Muslim Believers, Not for Terrorists and Islamophobes Main Points 1. What is inside the Movie 72 Hoorain? 2. The Hoor and Their Attributes in the Holy Quran and Ahadith 3. The Hoor of Paradise Will Be Wives, Not Concubines 4. Does the number of Hoor, such as 72 Hoor, appear in the Quran and Reliable Ahadiths? 5. Can individuals who make a living by abusing, staring and exposing women's bodies comprehend the magnificence and purity of the Hoor? ------- Muslims view the recently released movie '72 Hoorain' as a prime example of anti-Muslim propaganda because it has deeply enraged and depressed the Muslim community. The movie, on the other hand, allegedly shows how Muslim youth are deceived and forced into committing extremism in the name of 72 Hoor, according to some accounts that have been read. Numerous questions are raised about Islam's view of Hoor in such a situation. What has been said about the Hoor in the Qur'an? What traits do the Ahadith attribute to Hoor? The Qur'an and Hadith both promise a Hoor in heaven, but whose? The second concern is whether the concept of 72 Hoorain is supported by the Quran. If there is nothing regarding 72 Hoorain in the Qur'an or reliable Ahadith, where did this idea come from? Are the weak Hadiths promising the 72 Hoorain for martyrs in paradise? This essay includes all the responses to the inquiries above, as well as some details regarding the Hoor in light of the Quran and Ahadith. Extremist organisations like ISIS and al-Qaeda have massacred common civilians, many of whom were Muslims, as well as a small number of non-Muslims, demonstrating that these organisations are not Muslims and that their actions are not in line with Islam. They are among those who harm Islam and Muslims while posing as Muslims. Muslims all around the world have been publicly and repeatedly stating that Islam has nothing to do with extremism and terrorism. Nevertheless, there are still certain people in our country who continue to spew hate speech against Islam and Muslims. The level of hatred and discrimination has gotten so high that on occasion someone is lynched, forced to chant "Jaishree Ram", persecuted for being weak and downtrodden, has their home destroyed, and is attacked. Sometimes individuals are accused, imprisoned, and then released after proving their innocence for years. Before we go into our main topic, it's crucial to comprehend the following beliefs that characterise a Muslim believer. It is fundamentally compulsory for a Muslim to have faith in Allah, all of His prophets, messengers, and angels (Malaikah), all of His written works, including the Holy Qur'an, the coming of Doomsday and resurrection, the existence of Hell and Jannat (Paradise) and its blessings, including the Hoor. It is also required of Muslims to carry out all good deeds with sincerity, to confess and express regret when they commit sins, to fear Allah, to hope for the mercy of Allah, to be humble, to express gratitude (Shukr) for favours received, to keep promises made, to have patience (Sabr), to feel inferior to others, to be kind to all creations, and to be content with whatever predetermined commands Allah issues. Moreover, Muslims are obliged to abstain from things like polytheism (Shirk) and disbelief (Kufr), adultery, deceit, lying, corruption, terrorism, and other acts of violence. The main subject of this essay is Hoor who are beautiful creatures that Allah made for His righteous believers and who would be wedded to them in Paradise as a reward for their good faith and righteous deeds rather than for violence and terrorism. But following the recent release of 72 Hoorain, misunderstandings, queries, and concerns are in the spotlight. According to some, this film is crudely intended to insult Muslims and Islam and is Islamophobic. If this movie were true on reality, it would have taught viewers that engaging in acts of terrorism against civilians in the name of 72 Hoor is incompatible with Islamic principles. However, in recent days, news reports about a number of films have led us to believe that some movie producers are using these films to foment misunderstanding and hatred of Muslims and Islam among viewers. Let's get to the essay's major theme, shall we? … The Hoor and Their Attributes in the Holy Quran Hoori, a Houri, also spelt Huri, Arabic Hawra, plural Hoor, in Islamic religious belief, is a beautiful woman with gorgeous eyes who is described as a reward for the faithful Muslim believers in Paradise. There are numerous references to the Hoori in the Quran describing them as “purified wives” and “spotless virgins.” The Quran does not mention the singular form, but the plural form (Hoor) does appear four times (The Holy Quran, verses 44:54, 52:20, 55:72, and 56:22), three of which are stated in connection with the adjective 'Iin', which means wide-eyed with a deep black pupil. Allah Almighty says in the Quran: “Indeed the pious [Muslims] are in a place of peace, In Gardens and water-springs. They will be dressed in fine silk and embroidery, facing one another (on thrones). And We will marry them to fair women with large, [beautiful] eyes. [bi-hoori-n ʿīnin]” (The Quran, 44:51-54) “They will be reclining on thrones lined up, and We will marry them to fair women with large, [beautiful] eyes. [Bi-Hūri-N ʿĪnin]” (The Quran, 52:20) “So [O men and Jinns] Which favour of your Lord will you deny? - They are Hooris (as wives for the pious Muslims), hidden from view, in pavilions - So [O men and Jinns] which of the favours of your Lord would you deny? - Untouched before them by man or jinni - So [O men and Jinns] which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?” (The Quran, 55:71-75) “… And gorgeous eyed fair Hooris [Hoor-Un- ʿĪnun], like pearls safely hidden, the reward (as wives for the pious Muslims) for what they did.” (The Quran, 56:22-24) Some commentators translate Hoor as wide-eyed maidens or virgins because Hoor literally means someone with eyes whose whites are extremely white and whose pupils are extremely black. (Tafsir-e-Qurtubi/Tafsir-e-Kabeer/Tafsir-e-Alusi) Others state that it represents "the appearance of little white in the eye around the black," which is thought to be the pinnacle of eye beauty. (Mufradat alfaz al-Quran) Hoor also connotes purity; hence Hasan al-Basri is reported to have declared that it refers to the righteous women among human beings. (Tafsir-e-Tabari) The word "eye" (iin) may be interpreted to imply "rich of soul," according to Imam Raazi, who makes this observation in the commentary on verse 52:20. This is because the eye reflects the soul more clearly than any other portion of the body. A small percentage of commentators state that "wide-eyed maidens" refers to the condition of ladies of this world in Paradise. However, the majority of commentators concur that the wide-eyed maidens are not the women of this world. (Referenced in Tafsir-e-Alusi/Tafsir-e-Kabeer) They are maidens formed of musk, camphor, and saffron, according to several Ahadith. (Tafsir-e-Alusi) According to a tradition related to Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), the Hooris are made of four ingredients: musk, camphor, ambergris, and saffron. According to another Hadith, angelic glorifications were used in the creation of the wide-eyed maidens. (Cited in Tafsir-e-Alusi) However, the righteous women of this world are regarded as being of a superior rank. (Al-Bahr Al-Madid Fi Tafsir Al-Quran Al-Majid) The Hoor in Paradise are also referred to as Qaasiraat al-Tarfi, "of modest gaze," in three additional verses of the Holy Quran (37:48–49; 38:52; and 55:56). They are also referred to as Kawaaib Atraaban, or "maidens of a single age," in one verse (the Holy Qur'an, 78:33). Allah Almighty says, “And with them are those of modest gaze, with lovely eyes, as if they were hidden eggs” (37:48-49) The above-mentioned verse could be better understood through this alternate translation: “And with them are those who do not set gaze upon men except their husbands, the maidens with gorgeous eyes, as if they were eggs, safely hidden.” (Kanzul Iman – Translation of the Quran, 37:48-49) “Of modest gaze”, indicates maidens who look at none but their own husbands. (See for reference, Ahmad ibn ʿAjibah (d. 1224/1809), al-Bahr al-madid fi tafsir al-Quran al-majid/ Abu ʿAbd Allah Muhammad ibn Aḥmad al-Qurṭubi (d. 671/1272), al-Jamiʿ li-ahkam al-Quran) The word for "egg" (Bayd) is closely linked to the word for "white" (Bayyaad or Abyad), which is interpreted as a reference to purity in the context of the Maidens of Paradise, just as it is in English. The usage of white in verse 37:46 [White, sweet for the drinkers] to describe the wine of Paradise can also be connected to the mention of eggs. According to some commentators, the word "eggs" is a metaphor for pearls, like in verses 56:22–23 which refer to wide-eyed maidens who resemble hidden pearls. When something is hidden, it either alludes to the interior of the egg or pearl or denotes that the egg or pearl itself is never touched. In the Qur'an, Allah says, “And with them are the pure spouses, who do not set gaze upon men except their husbands, of a single age.” (38:52) “Upon thrones are the women who do not gaze at men except their husbands, and before them, are untouched by any man or jinn.” (55:56) “And maidens of a single age.” (78:33) In all eight of the above-mentioned verses, the Paradise virgins [Hoor] are promised as a reward for the righteous Muslims and faithful believers. (cf. as well, the holy Quran's verses, 2:25, 3:15, 4:57, and 55:70). Allah Almighty says, “And give good tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds that they will have gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow. Whenever they are provided with a provision of fruit therefrom, they will say, "This is what we were provided with before." And it is given to them in likeness. And they will have therein purified spouses, and they will abide therein eternally.” (2:25) “Say, "Shall I inform you of [something] better than that? For those who fear Allah will be gardens in the presence of their Lord beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and purified spouses and approval from Allah. And Allah is Seeing of [His] servants” (3:15) “But those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide forever. For them therein are purified spouses, and We will admit them to deepening shade.” (4:57) “In them are women of good behaviour and gorgeous faces.” (55:70) Other verses (see 13:23–24; 36:55–57; 40:8; and 43:70) suggest that righteous earthly spouses will join one in Paradise. “Gardens of perpetual residence; they will enter them with whoever were righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their descendants. And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, [saying], "Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home." (13:23-24) “Indeed the companions of Paradise, that Day, will be amused in [joyful] occupation -They and their wives, in pleasant shade, on thrones reclining; For them therein is fruit, and for them is whatever they request [or wish]” (36:55-57) “Our Lord, and admit them to gardens of perpetual residence which You have promised them and whoever was righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their offspring. Indeed, it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (40:8) “Enter Paradise – you and your wives – and you will be honoured guests." (43:70) The sexual pleasures of Paradise mentioned in the verses of the Quran are a symbol of spiritual connection rather than a sublimated version of the pleasures of worldly sexuality. Even though what one experiences on earth is only a mirror of paradise, one can only make allusions to paradise through the language of the earthly sexual union since it is the purest and most potent form of physical pleasure one may have on earth. A consideration of the above Quranic verses clearly shows that the Hoor of Paradise are mentioned during the description of the pleasures of paradise. The believers are reclining on couches lined with silk brocade, wearing elegant clothing (silk and embroidered), eating fruits, and sipping wine. The wide-eyed Hoor are compared to hidden pearls to denote both their great beauty and the fact that they remain untouched, as in 55:56 and 55:74. There is a well-known Hadith Qudsi that states, in regards to all such references to the blessings of Paradise, in which Allah Almighty says, “I have prepared for My righteous servants what no eye has seen and no ear has heard and what has not occurred to the heart of any human being; so recite if you will, No soul knows what comfort is kept hidden for it” [32:17]. The verses mentioned above and other similar verses make it clear that Allah Almighty will bestow innumerable blessings in the Hereafter on Muslim believers who abstain from disbelief, polytheism, and sins, firmly hold the faith of Islam and steadfastly uphold the Islamic faith and perform works of righteousness. In the Holy Qur'an, promises of paradise and other rewards for believers come after descriptions of the punishment for disbelievers [Kuffar and Mushrikin] and polytheists in hell. The activities and punishment of unbelievers are frequently recounted in the Holy Qur'an alongside the deeds and rewards of believers. The believers will therefore rejoice in Allah's protection from the harsh punishment of hell. They will receive the delicious blessings of paradise to eat and drink as rewards for their faith and the good deeds they performed. The believers who enter Paradise will receive one of these divine blessings in the shape of the lovely Hoor, with whom they will be married. The beauty of the virgins [Hoor] and their characteristics have also been mentioned in numerous verses of the Qur'an. Some distinctive qualities include the fact that they will be the wives of Muslim believers who enter Paradise, that they will only look at their husbands, and that their husbands are the most attractive and cherished to them. They will have lovely, big eyes. They will be completely dust-free and so stunningly clear and white that they will resemble hidden eggs or pearls that have never been touched before their husbands did. Additionally, they won't experience Nifas or menstruation. They'll all be the same age. They'll both be equally attractive and young. They'll fall head over heels for one another. One won't have ill will, envy, or jealousy towards the other. The pious believers will reach Paradise alongside those who were their wives in the world, according to various verses of the Quran. Additionally, it is evident from some verses that the pious Muslim women of this earth will likewise change in Paradise to resemble the Hoor. The wives of Paradise, whether they are among the Hoor or the wives of the earth, will be free from all types of pollutants and impurities. Along with this, they will also be devoid of immorality and a nasty attitude. One of the characteristics of Paradise is that there won't be any sunshine, but there will be a light that comes from the revelation of the light of the Lord, trees, and mercy that can't be described or understood by anyone. The inhabitants of Paradise will engage in amusing activities and receive numerous blessings, favours, and banquets from Allah Almighty on the Day of Resurrection. They will also take pleasure in the proximity of the lovely and beautiful Hoor of Paradise, the banks of celestial rivers, the pleasant atmosphere created by celestial trees, and the melodious songs. And it will be their responsibility to benefit from all the rewards. They will be seated on thrones in the shadows with their wives. These wives include both Hoor of Paradise and the believing wives of this world. The Hoor of Paradise Will Be Wives, Not Concubines The verses of the Holy Quran make it quite clear that the Hoor of Paradise will be wives, not concubines. People will have access to a vast range of fruits and will get anything they want in Paradise. Keep in mind that since the evil self [Nafs-E-Ammara] would be eradicated there, no one will wish for bad things in paradise. They will be greeted with peace either directly by Allah, the Almighty, or indirectly through a mediator. The biggest and most beloved advantage of divine greetings is this. From every door, angels will approach the inhabitants of Paradise and greet them with "peace be upon you from your merciful Lord." The Hoor and Their Attributes in Ahadith The Ahadith [plural of Hadith] provide additional information about the Hoor. They are made up, according to certain Ahadith, of saffron from the feet to the knees, musk from the knees to the breast, amber from the breast to the neck, and camphor from the neck to the head. [Kitab Ahwal Al-Qiyama, p. 111] The Hoor never get ill, never sleep, never become pregnant, never menstruate, never spit or blow their noses, and they never menstruate. According to Hadith, the Hoor are "transparent to the marrow of their bones," "eternally young," "hairless except for the eyebrows and the head," "pure," and "beautiful." There are descriptions of their beauty and fairness in the Ahadith that defy the human mind, including the following: The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: "The first group will enter Paradise looking like the moon on the night when it is full, and those who follow them will be like the brightest shining star in the sky. There won't be any enmity or rivalry between them since their hearts would be as one. Everyone will have two wives from among the Hoor-un-iin (who will be so beautiful, pure and transparent that) the marrow of whose calves can be seen from beneath the bone and flesh”. [Bukhari and Muslim] The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: "If a woman from among the inhabitants of Paradise were to look out over the earth, she would illuminate everything that is in between them and would fill everything that is in between them with fragrance. Additionally, her head scarf is superior to this planet and everything in it.” How lovely is the light on her face and how lovely the perfume that is filling the area between heaven and earth is! If she were to show her face, it would shine between heaven and earth. In terms of pleasures and delights, natural beauty, grand castles, and other forms of luxuries, the scarf she wears around her head is lovelier than the beauty of this world and everything that lives inside it. Praise be to their beautiful Creator, and congratulations to the person for whom she is and to whom he is for her. Imam Abu I’saa Tirmidhi reports that Hasan Basri says that “an old woman approached the messenger of Allah and requested, "O Messenger of Allah, make Dua that Allah grants me entrance into Jannah (Paradise),". The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) retorted, "O Mother, an old woman cannot enter Paradise." The woman started crying and began to walk away. "Tell the woman that one will not enter in an old age, but Allah will make all the women of Paradise young virgins," the Messenger of Allah commanded. Allah Most High says, “Indeed, We have produced the women of Paradise in a [new] creation. And made them virgins, Devoted [to their husbands] and of equal age, For the companions of the right [who are]” [56:35-38] The Qur'anic verses, Hadith, and the commentaries all support the idea that the believing women will enjoy better living conditions in Paradise than the Hoor Al-iin. They will be highly respected and stunning. Many traditions and hadiths have been narrated concerning this, however, their legitimacy is a little questionable. However, it is certain that as a reward for her good deeds, religious goodness, and commitment—all as a blessing from Allah Almighty—a righteous Muslim woman from the company of worldly believers will get such a place there. One of Allah Almighty's blessings, the Hoor of Paradise, was made there exclusively for the righteous believers in return for their good actions. The righteous Muslim woman who is admitted to Paradise as a result of her righteous deeds greatly differs from the Hoor who is created as a reward for someone's good deeds. The former is a princess and a queen. However stunning, the latter, albeit beautiful, is definitely of a lower position than a queen and is under the authority of her devoted master, for whom Allah created her as a reward. Regarding the eschatological standing of this-worldly women in comparison to the Hoor, scholars have claimed that pious women of this life are of a higher station than the Hoor. [Seyyed Hossein Nasr; The Study Quran] Sunni scholar Amad al-Sawi (d. 1825) states in his commentary on Ahmad al-Dardir's work that "the sound position is that the women of this world will be seventy thousand times better than the dark-eyed virgins (Hoor iin)." [Al-Sawi, Ahmad (1947) Ḥashiyat ʿAla Sharh al-Kharīdat al-Bahīyah [An Annotative Commentary Upon "The Resplendent Pearl"]. In his educational primer for kids, Muhammed ibn Umar Bahraq (d. 1524) writes that "Adamic women are better than the dark-eyed maidens due to their prayer, fasting, and devotions." [Bahraq al-Yamani (1996), Hilyat al-Banat wa'l-Banin wa Zīnat al-Dunya wa'l-Din [The Splendour of Girls and Boys and the Adornment of This Life and the Next] The Concept of 72 Hoor Nowhere in the Qur'an does it state the number of Hoor. It is known that every believer will receive two Hoorain in paradise from several reliable Hadiths. (Muslim: 2834; Bukhari: 3245). Two spouses are referenced in the Qur'an, exactly as two paradises and two fountains, according to Muhadditheen. There is not a single authentic Hadith that makes reference to the 72 Hoorain. The Hadith specialists state that only two wives are mentioned in the genuine Hadiths. It is true that 72 Hoorain are referenced in a number of Hadiths and traditions. Not only that, but in several Hadiths, references to 100, 500, 4,000, or even 8,000 Hoor are made. However, all of these Hadiths are weak, and many of them are actually fabricated. If the Qur'an could not be changed or distorted, not even one letter could, then the enemies of Islam disseminated false Hadiths. May Allah reward the Muhadditheen (hadith specialists) and Hadith critics who distinguished between genuine, sound, weak, and fake Hadiths. According to the Holy Qur'an and Hadiths, those who believe, are pious, and perform good deeds are the only ones who will enjoy the blessings of Paradise. As for those who killed many Muslims and a few non-Muslims in Iraq, Syria, and the majority of Muslim countries, they are not eligible for the rewards of Paradise. It is true that these terrorists misrepresented the teachings of the Quran and Hadiths to support their terrorist actions. They also occasionally presented falsehoods by associating them with Islam. However, Muslims around the world exposed these terrorists and disregarded their misleading ideologies. In many of my publications, I have personally refuted the ideologies of these terrorists. Therefore, in such a situation, it is unethical for anyone to portray Muslims as “terrorists” and foment discord among the general public. I haven't yet seen 72 Hoorain, a recently released movie. However, some claim that this movie is Islamophobic and a crude attempt to mock Muslims and Islam. The lesson that committing acts of terrorism against individuals in the name of 72 Hoor is incompatible with Islamic teachings should have been conveyed if this movie were based on truth. I can't comment on whether the movie insulted Islamic belief about the Hoor because I haven't watched it. On social media, some individuals can be seen mocking this concept, nevertheless. Then, it strikes me as odd that people who earn money by displaying the bodies of women in public are now demeaning the sacred notion of the Hoor, whose spiritual majesty and purity will never be realised by those with perverted minds and hearts. …… Bibliography The Holy Quran Sahih Bukhari Sahih Muslim Jami’ Tirmidhi Shihab al-Din al-Alusi (d. 1270/1854), Ruḥ al-Maani Fi tafsir al-Quran al-Aẓim wa’l-sab al-mathani Fakhr al-Din al-Razi (d. 606/1210), al-Tafsir al-Kabir, also known as Mafatiḥ al-Ghayb Abu Abd Allah Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Qurṭubi (d. 671/1272), al-Jami li-ahkam al-Quran Al-Raghib al-Isfahani (d. 502/1108), Mufradat alfaz al-Quran Muḥammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (d. 310/923), Jamiʿ al-bayan ʿan taʾwil al-Quran Ahmad ibn ʿAjibah (d. 1224/1809), al-Bahr al-madid fi tafsir al-Quran al-majid Bahraq al-Yamani (1996), Hilyat al-Banat wa'l-Banin wa Zīnat al-Dunya wa'l-Din [The Splendour of Girls and Boys and the Adornment of This Life and the Next] ----- A regular columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a classical Islamic scholar [Aalim, Faazil and Mutakhassis Fi al-Adab al-Arabi wa al-Ulum al-Shariah] with a Sufi background and an English-Arabic-Urdu Translator. 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