Doctrine - The paradise of Islam - The Houris

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

Probably the most interesting creatures of all of Paradise are the Houris. The Houris are beautiful maidens created for the pleasure of men. Rodwell simply translates them as virgins with large dark eyes! Muhammad writes that, as we sit and enjoy the pleasures of our desires, there will not only be beautiful young youths serving us, but also beautiful virgins to attend to our more sensual and intimate needs.

"with them wide-eyed [large-eyed] maidens [with modest] restraining their glances as if they were hidden pearls [sheltered egg]." (Koran 37:46)

"and for the godfearing is a fair resort, Gardens of Eden, whereof the gates [portals] are open to them, wherein they recline, and wherein they call for fruits abundant, and sweet potions [drink], and with them [shall be virgins] maidens restraining their glances [modest retiring glances] of equal age [of their own age]." (Koran 38:50-52)

These women are not only provided for our visual enjoyment, but are also to become our spouses (assuming your a man, not sure what women get).

"Surely the godfearing [pious] shall be in a station secure among gardens and fountains, robed in silk and brocade [rich robes], set face to face [facing one another]. Even so; and We shall espouse them to wide-eyed houris [the virgins with large dark eyes], therein calling for every [kind of] fruit, secure." (Koran 44:51-55)

"Reclining upon couches ranged in rows; and We shall espouse [wed] them to wide-eyed houris [damsels with large dark eyes]." (Koran 52:20)

As to their appearance, we have already seen how they will be created as the same age as we are (Koran 38:52). The Koran further describes them as the most beautiful of all women.

"lovely as rubies [jacynths], beautiful as coral [pearls]" (Koran 55:58)

They are also described as being virgins, untouched by men or Djinn.

"therein maidens good and comely [in each, the fair, and beautiful ones]... houris [with large dark eyeballs], cloistered [kept close] in cool pavilions... untouched before them by any man or jinn... [their spouses] reclining upon [soft] green cushions and lovely druggets [carpets]" (Koran 55:70-76)

Notice also the intimation of this description: They are hidden away in a cool and inviting places, reclining on, and surrounded by, sensual furnishings, waiting for their spouses. Pure, perfect, spouses, waiting to spend their virginity upon those whom Allah has blessed. 

As to their feminine features, Muhammad simply describes them as "swelling".

"Surely for the godfearing awaits a place of security [a blissful abode], [enclosed] gardens and vineyards and maidens with swelling breasts, like of age [their peers in age], and a cup overflowing." (Koran 78:31-34)

What is most amassing is that, these Houris, are created for this very purpose; to meet and serve the sensual and sexual desires of those who were chosen to inherit the resurrected life in the Paradise of God! They were created for the sexual pleasures of resurrected men and to meet their every need, whim, and fantasy.

"The Companions of the Right (O Companions of the Right [Oh! How happy shall be the people of the right hand]!) mid thornless lote-trees [sidrahs] and serried acacias [talh tree clad with fruit], and spreading shade and outpoured flowing] waters, and fruits abounding unfailing, unforbidden, and upraised [lofty] couches. Perfectly [of a rear creation] We formed them [created the Houris], perfect, and We made them spotless [ever] virgins, chastely amorous [dear to their spouse], like of age [of equal age] for the Companions [people] of the Right [hand]." (Koran 56:26-38)

You can see the not so subtle rebuke on men's current wives and spouses. These women are created by Allah to be perfect, spotless virgins, and deeply in love with their new husbands. How can any woman or wife upon Earth compete with such perfect women? How could any man or husband not long more so for such heavenly women than he does for his present wife, knowing she is inferior and can never be as good, as beautiful, or as loving as the wife awaiting him in heaven. Is she not just a starter wife or a practice wife until Allah gives him that perfect spouse waiting for him in Paradise? 

I ask you, are these the words of a divine prophet of God, or the words of one fully overcome by sexual appetites and desires? Is all we have to look forward to in Paradise is having great sex? Is that all they have? Did Jesus come to save us for nothing more than perfect virginal spouses created for us in Paradise? 

Jesus told us, "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:2-3) Jesus saved us, not that we might one day enjoy the company and services of the Houris, but that one day we might be with Him in heaven for all eternity. He saved us that we might enjoy the unbroken presence and fellowship of God as we stand before Him for ever more. How much greater shall this pleasure be over and against any sensual, physical, or sexual pleasure that Muhammad can offer us in his Paradise? How much inferior is Muhammad's paradise to God's heaven and our eternal citizenship there? For me, I choose heaven!

David Robison