Reality of the Bounties of Paradise — Seal of the Prophets Vol. 2
Introduction
In this discourse from The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 2), Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) details the historical events and scholarly insights surrounding Reality of the Bounties of Paradise.
Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 2)
Author: Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra)
Section: XI – Treachery of the Banu Quraizah and the End of the Jews in Madinah, Laws of Marriage and Divorce
Pages: Book pp. 509–511 (PDF pp. 533–535)
Navigation: Book Table of Contents | « Previous: [Demise of the Head Chieftain of the Ansar and Reality of the Bounties of Paradise] | Next: [Various Miscellaneous Incidents of 5 A.H.] »
Historical Account
This statement of the Holy Prophetsa was a metaphor and the intent was to make an indication towards the abode of peace, which Sa‘dra received in paradise. As it is ascertained from the Holy Qur’ān and the Aḥādīth, in principle, the bounties of paradise cannot be compared to those of the physical world, nor can they be deemed ‘physical’ in our sense of the word. In reality, the words that have been mentioned in the Qur’ān and Aḥādīth are but metaphors and similitudes in order to make reference to the unique
excellences of the bounties of paradise. In this regard, Allāh the Almighty states in principle:
“No individual can understand what joy of the eyes has been kept for the virtuous, as a reward for their good works.”
([As-Sajdah (32:18)])
As a further commentary of this verse, there is a Ḥadīth which states:
ٍلَا عَیْنٌ رَاٴَتْ وَلَا اُذُنٌ سَ مِعَتْ وَلَا خَ طَ رَ عَلیٰ قَلْبِ بَشَ ر
“The bounties of paradise are such that no eye has ever witnessed them, no ears have heard of them, and no heart has ever perceived of them.”
[Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābut-Tafsīr, Sūratu Alam Tanzīl / As-Sajdah, Bābu Qaulihī: Falā Ta‘lamu Nafsun Mā Ukhfiya Lahum Min Qurrati A‘ayunin, Ḥadīth No. 4779]
Therefore, it must be accepted that the bounties of paradise are not the same as those which we witness in this world. In other words, the fruits of paradise are not the same as the fruits we eat in this world. The milk and honey of paradise is not the same as the milk and honey we consume in this world. And the companions of paradise are not the same as the beautiful women of this world. Quite the contrary, they are something else altogether, which have been described as metaphors by things of this world, yet they cannot be fathomed by our comprehension. However, one thing for sure is that all the bounties of paradise, whether they be for the human soul or body, are purely based on purity and virtue and they are completely pure of all elements of evil or impurity. For the Holy Qur’ān states:
“Paradise is such a place where there shall be no element of ill-manners, evil, and impurity.”
[Aṭ-Ṭur (52:24)]
Book Series: The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets (Volume 2)
Section: XI – Treachery of the Banu Quraizah and the End of the Jews in Madinah, Laws of Marriage and Divorce | Navigation: « Previous: [Demise of the Head Chieftain of the Ansar and Reality of the Bounties of Paradise] | Next: [Various Miscellaneous Incidents of 5 A.H.] »