by Kashif Ahmed Shehzada
| One of the objections raised against Islam is that it
informs us of some beautiful maidens known as
"Hoor" which will be reserved for the men of
paradise as objects of luxury. Quite often, the Clergy,
under the influence of the literature which was compiled
and authenticated in those days when true Quranic
government of Muslims was overtaken by that of the
despotic rule of Monarchs and Theocracy, characterizes
some verses of the Qur’an where the word
"Hoor" occurs, to be as such. However, it should be understood that the Arabic word "Hoor" which occurs four times in the Qur’an is plural of "Ahwar" which is for the masculine gender and "Hawrau" which is for the feminine gender. Thus the word "Hoor" is not restricted to the female gender only, but represents both men as well as women. Its basic meaning is the whiteness of the eye, and also signifies a clean and pure intellect of a person, free from vile intentions. (cf.: Lane, Qamus. Asad-"The Message of the Qur’an"). From this word also comes the word
"Al-Hawariyun" which has been used in the
Qur’an for the disciples of Jesus Christ (p), as
they were persons having purified souls. In the Qur’an, where it is mentioned for the believers in a state of heaven: "..and We shall pair them with companions of pure eyes.." (52:20) Then it does not imply a relationship as a husband and wife, but simply means that in "Jannah" the believers will have companions of pure intellect, which will include, men as well as women. |