I doubt anything I offer is going to satisfy.
People of “faith” are demonstrably people who have given up on thinking through evidence…
But here it is:
. Quranic Descriptions of Physical Pleasures
The Qur’an frequently describes paradise as a place of material and sensory delights, including luxurious gardens, flowing rivers, delicious food, fine clothing, and beautiful companions. These descriptions emphasize the tangible and pleasurable rewards that await the faithful.
Food and Drink
- “Eat and drink with satisfaction for what you used to do.” (Qur’an 77:43)
- “In them [gardens] will be fruit and date palms and pomegranates.” (Qur’an 55:68)
- “They will be given a drink of pure wine, sealed.” (Qur’an 83:25)
These verses suggest that paradise offers not only sustenance but also luxurious delicacies far beyond what is available in the worldly life.
Comfort and Luxury
- “Reclining on adorned couches, they will feel neither the scorching heat nor the bitter cold.” (Qur’an 76:13)
- “They will wear garments of fine silk and rich brocade, and they will be adorned with bracelets of silver.” (Qur’an 76:21)
These descriptions reinforce the idea that paradise is a place of ultimate physical comfort and aesthetic pleasure.
2. The Concept of Houris (Heavenly Maidens)
One of the most commonly cited aspects of paradise’s pleasures is the presence of houris—heavenly maidens described in various hadiths and Quranic verses. These companions are often depicted as beautiful, pure, and created specifically to reward believers.
- “And We will marry them to fair ones with large, [beautiful] eyes.” (Qur’an 44:54, 52:20, 55:72)
- “Indeed, for the righteous is attainment—gardens and grapevines, and full-breasted [companions] of equal age, and a full cup.” (Qur’an 78:31-34)
Hadith literature expands on these descriptions, with Jami’ at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 2562) mentioning that even the lowest-ranked believer in paradise will have 72 wives.
Scholars who take these descriptions literally argue that such verses and hadiths affirm the physical pleasures awaiting the faithful. Others interpret these descriptions as metaphors for divine blessings, but traditional scholars maintain that physical pleasures are indeed part of paradise’s rewards.
3. Eternal Youth, Strength, and Desire
Islamic texts also describe how believers in paradise will be restored to a state of eternal youth and vigor, with enhanced physical abilities, including an increased capacity for pleasure.
- The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said: “In Paradise, the believer will be given such and such strength in intercourse.” Someone asked, “O Messenger of Allah! And will he be able to do that?” He said, “He will be given the strength of a hundred men.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 4337)
- Another narration states that inhabitants of paradise will be 33 years old, the prime age of youth and vitality (Musnad Ahmad, 10831).
These hadiths indicate that paradise is not only a place of rest but also a realm where human desires and pleasures are enhanced and eternal.
4. Companionship and Love in Paradise
Paradise is not only about individual pleasures but also about companionship, love, and joy shared with family members and loved ones.
- “Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness.” (Qur’an 43:70)
This verse suggests that believers will be reunited with their loved ones, enjoying both physical and emotional fulfillment in paradise.