of grandeur, quality, beauty, richness,bounteousness, well-being, and
prosperity as they did 14centuries ago. All of the values associated
with Paradise have been desired by people of every period of history
and of every social class. For example, the gold, silver, and precious
jewels in Paradise, as described in the Qur'an, are even more in
demand today than theywere in the past.
The Qur'an also mentions that silk will befound in Paradise. Today,
either as clothingor for decorative purposes, silk is preferred as a
high quality material. At the same time, it is a symbol of wealth and
grandeur. All of the precious thingsused to describe Paradise are far
more valuable today than theywere 1,400 years ago.
Again, the beautiful residences, palaces, and mansions mentioned in
the Qur'an are luxurious places desired by everyone regardless of when
they live. Today's villas and mansions are all of this category, and
are marks of distinction, quality, and wealth.
Similarly, the thrones, couches, and cushions ofParadise form a part
of the most comfortable and grand interior decoration. This kind of
aesthetically beautiful furnishing is today displayed in the grandest
of places.
Allah is the owner of all material things, and it belongs to His glory
to find His beloved servantsworthy of all of these beautiful things,
both in this life and the next.
Does Paradise Contain Things Not Mentioned in the Qur'an?
The Qur'an describes Paradise through examples and comparisons taken
from this world, for people can imagine something unknown only in
terms of that which is known to them. However basic the description
might be, it gives a certain idea. The Qur'an's detailed and subtle
descriptions of Paradise's blessings show us that these blessings and
beauties are superior to the best, most beautiful, and highest quality
things to be found in this world.
The Qur'an describes Paradise by giving examples of the most
desirable, high quality, and rarest things. For example, women with
large dark eyes have a rare quality that gives them an extremely
aesthetic and attractive appearance. Therefore, women in Paradise
havelarge, dark gazelle-like eyes. This does not meanthat no women
there have green, blue, or brown eyes, but only serves to emphasize
the excellent quality of Paradise and Allah's statement that the
finestthings here are much finer there. To give another example: The
Qur'an says that every kind of fruit is present inParadise. But, in
various verses, bananas and figs are generally singled outmore often
as the preferred fruits. Of course, these fruits are two blessings
chosen from the infinite abundance of all fruits inParadise.
The announcement that everything desired by everyone exists in
Paradise for their pleasure and to fulfill their hearts' desire is
enough to express the idea that Paradise's blessings are infinite and
far beyond human imagination. Everyone understands the Qur'an to the
degree of his or her faith, intelligence, and sincerity. Thus
disbelievers who read it with ill-intentions will understand the
verses about Paradise according to their own sterile ideas. However,
Paradise's superior beauty is evident to anyone who thinks about such
verses with an open and intelligent awareness. Allah displaysa perfect
design even in the smallest details of this world; surely, it would be
easy for Him tocreate far more excellentthings than these.
Indifference
Some people are indifferent to Paradise, saying: "If it comes; fine.
If it doesn't, that's fine too." However, in the afterlife there are
only two possibilities: Paradise or Hell. There is no option to go to
a place in between.
It is clear that someone who does not appreciateParadise as is due,
who does not long for or desire to attain it, is unworthy of it and
will never be admitted to it. There is only one place for such a
person to go: Hell. For this reason, being indifferent to Allah's
greatest grace and gift to believers and not desiring to enter it, as
well as persisting in this attitude is one of the clearest signs that
heor she belongs among the people of Hell.
No comments:
Post a Comment