Comparative Index to Islam : PARADISE; JANNA

PARADISE
JANNA

Ar: al-janna, "the garden", pl. jannat. The term al-Firdaus has been used to mean a specific region in Paradise. The Qur'an gives eight different names, which Muslim theologians take to be eight different levels or stages of Paradise:

The eight stages are spoken of as eight doors in the Mishkat, book 2, ch 1.

In the Qur'an (and the Hadith), Paradise is a very physical place with many physical delights, including food, shade and fair maidens, all of which evoke many fond imageries to the Arab living in the harsh desert, and influenced many a Muslim to fight for Islam. Many Muslims have been adamant about the physical pleasures of Paradise.

The Bible also describe some physical aspects: no more hunger, thirst, scorching heat, tears, death, mourning, crying or pain (Revelation 7:16,17, 21:4). But the overwhelming amount of description focus on :

1. worship (Revelation 4:8-11, 5, 7:10-12, 15:2-4, 19:1-7)
2. praising God's holiness, glory, justice (Revelation 4:8, 7:12, 15:3-4, 16:5, 21:11,23-27)
3. prayer (Revelation 8:3)
4. serving God (Revelation 5:10, 7:15)
5. salvation and righteousness (Revelation 7:10,14, 14:3-5, 19:8)
6. relationship with God (Revelation 7:17, 21:3, 21:22, 22:1-5)
7. renewal of all things (Revelation 21), food for healing of nations (Revelation 22:2),

The description of Heaven in the Bible also has an interesting symmetry. In the last chapter of the Bible, Revelation 22:2-3, it describes the tree of life before the throne of God. Adam and Eve were thrown out of Eden for disobeying God by taking the fruit from the tree of knowledge (which when eaten cause death -- separation from God). Thus, heaven represents not just eternal bliss, nor does it represent mere physical pleasure. It is the restoration and renewal of the original plan God has for all creation and man. Man is restored to his original vocation of being a worshipper and a steward of God's creation (Luke 19:11-27).

• allowed into heaven,

  • (chaste) private parts and tongues

    Narrated Sahl bin Sa'd:
    The Prophet said, "Whoever guarantees me (the chastity of) what is between his legs (i.e. his private parts), and what is between his jaws (i.e., his tongue), I guarantee him Paradise."

  • honorable place for those who go for morning and afternoon prayers, Sahih Bukhari 1.631.
  • repent, believe, do right, God's slave, Maryam 19:60-61
  • reward for that which believers endured, ad-Dahr 76:12
  • those who believe and do good, al-Baqarah 2:25, al-Hajj 22:23
  • those who keep their duties, ad-Dukhan 44:51, Muhammad 47:15, at-Tur 52:17
  • those who persevere in seeking God, prayers, charity, overcome evil with good, ar-Ra`d 13:22-23
  • those who ward off (evil), al-Hijr 15:45, al-Furqan 25:15

  (Sahih Bukhari 8.799)

• barred from heaven,
  • those who deny and scorn revelations, al-A`raf 7:40
• believers have no desire to leave, al-Kahf 18:10
• camel go through eye of needle, al-A`raf 7:40
• challenge to Jews and Christians to bring proof, al-Baqarah 2:111
• description of Paradise
  • all that the believers asked given, Ya Sin 36:55-57
  • couches, reclining, as-Saffat 37:43, Sad 38:50,51, ad-Dahr 76:13
  • fruits, Muhammad 47:15, as-Saffat 37:40-42, Ya Sin 36:55-57, ad-Dahr 76:14, al-Kahf 18:32
  • garden of delight, as-Saffat 37:43
  • goblets of silvers, beakers of glass, ad-Dahr 76:15
  • great food, plenty of food, cool drink, al-Baqarah 2:2, Sad 38:50,51
  • houris, maidens, immortal youths in Paradise, al-Baqarah 2:2, ad-Dahr 76:19-20. More description in HOURIS
  • no heat of sun or bitter cold, ad-Dahr 76:13
    This description is just what Arabs in the desert need.
  • spring water, as-Saffat 37:40, ad-Dahr 76:18
  • silk attire, ad-Dahr 76:12
  • tillage between man, al-Kahf 18:32
  • rivers
    • flowing, al-Baqarah 2:2, as-Saff 61:12
    • of clear honey, milk that does not change flavor, wine, Muhammad 47:15
      Wine, which was forbidden of believers on earth, is now given in plenty. I have heard some Muslims saying that this wine is not real wine. If so, why have it? Is it to satisfy man's craving? But, why have such a pleasure that believers can do without, according to Islam?
    • unpolluted, Muhammad 47:15
• pardon from their Lord, forgive sins. Muhammad 47:15; as-Saff 61:12
• you and your wives in shade and on thrones, az-Zukhurf 43:70

In Islam, man and women remain married in Paradise. Man also have the privilege of many fair maidens, but there is no mention of an analogous reward for women. In contrast, Jesus said that :

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