The Natural Beauty of Paradise

The Natural Beauty of Paradise
"What is the example [i.e., description] of Paradise promised to
therighteous like? It has rivers flowing under it, and its foodstuffs
and cool shade never fail. That is the final fate of those who have
done their duty. But the final fate of the disbelievers isthe Fire."
(Surat ar-Ra'd, 35)
Natural beauty and greenery are among Paradise's wonderful blessings.
Mansions built in gardens, right next to springs, are another beauty.
Paradise, in which there is "neither burning sun nor bitter cold"
(Surat al-Insan, 13),has such a pleasant climate that no one is made
uncomfortable. It contains no exhausting sweaty heat or freezing cold.
In Paradise, Allah will admit believers into"cool, refreshing shade"
(Surat an-Nisa', 57)
The expression"refreshing shade," along with revealing that the
climate will be comfortable and just as a person would want it, points
out that Paradise's environment and conditions have been designed to
give the human spirit true satiety and comfort. Every thing and
condition in Paradise will be just as a believer desires.
One of the natural beauties most mentioned by Allah in the Qur'an is
that of"outpouring water" (Surat al-Waqi'a, 31).
As we observe in this earthly life, the human spirit derives great
pleasure from water, especially flowing water.Lakes, rivers,
waterfalls, and streams flowing in aforest all speak to the human
spirit. All artificialpools and fountains in mansions, residences,
estates, and villa gardens, as well as artificial and natural streams,
arise from this longing for the spiritual aesthetic.
The main reason why these esthetic views are so pleasurable is because
the human spirit has been created for Paradise. These beauties are
described elsewhere, as follows:
In them [two other Gardens] are two gushing springs. (Surat ar-Rahman, 66)
The sight and sound of flowing water comfort and gladden the human
heart. The sight and sound of water falling from above give pleasure
and are a means whereby people can give thanks to Allah and praise His
name. Especially if the water flows in the hills, among trees and
greenery or runs over stones, it is a really impressive sight.
Iteither collects in the place where it falls, or forms pools and
flows from one place to another. Continually flowing water is a sign
of endless and inexhaustible plenty.
As we learn in Surat al-Hijr, 45: "The heedful will be amid Gardens
and Springs." Another verse reads: "The heedful will be in shady nooks
by springs" (Surat al-Mursalat, 41)
The "shady nooks" may be special spaces createdso that believers can
sit and observe all of this beauty. (Allah knows best) As with
mansions, these shady nooks also are placed in high placesso that the
people in Paradise can view the beauty below and see itsmany details.
Shady nooks offer special pleasure to believers. Forexample, people
are served various kinds of food and fruits there, come together there
andhold pleasurable conversations, and enjoythemselves there. Their
being placed next to springs, spaces that give pleasure to the human
soul, adds to their attractiveness. From these springs flow delicious
waters.
Another natural beauty is the gardens. For example, the "lush Meadows
of the Gardens" mentioned Surat ash-Shura, 22 havebeen prepared only
for believers. One of their particular features is the harmony of
natural beauty contained therein. Within them grow a never-ending
variety of plants, similar to the most delicate and sweet-smelling
ones on Earth, and several species of animals, both known and unknown
to us.
The gardens are adorned with various fruit and other types of trees,
plains of "deep viridian green" (Surat ar-Rahman, 64) plants and
flowers, and, in some places, pools and fountains. Surat al-Waqi'a
also mentions"fruit-laden lote-trees with thorns removed" and
"[banana] trees layered [with fruit]" (28-29).
By reflecting upon all of these things, we can form a general view of
Paradise. Some of its characteristics remind usof things in this
world; others are unique blessings and beauties of Paradise that no
one has ever seen or known, and that our minds cannot imagine or
express. We must be aware that beautiful things and surprises are
waiting for believers in Paradise, things and surprises prepared by
Allah's infinite knowledge and beyond our imagination. As Surat
ash-Shura, 22 tells us: "They will have whatever they wish for with
their Lord. That is the great favor," everything in Paradise,
including all of its natural beauties, are brought into being in
accordance with a believer's own desire and pleasure. In other words,
Allah allows a believer's imagination a role in forming Paradise's
environment as a favor from Him.