This blog continues the series of studies looking at references to the Garden(s) of Paradise, as depicted in the Qur’an. Our last blog on this matter was on August 28.
The next relevant passage is from Surah 44:51-57 (Yusuf Ali):
51 As to the Righteous (they will be) in a position of Security,
52 Among Gardens and Springs;
53 Dressed in fine silk and in rich brocade, they will face each other;
54 So; and We shall join them to fair women with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes.
55 There can they call for every kind of fruit in peace and security;
56 Nor will they there taste Death, except the first death; and He will preserve them from the Penalty of the Blazing Fire,-
57 As a Bounty from thy Lord! that will be the supreme achievement!
These verses describe the privileges and pleasures awaiting those faithful Muslims (“the Righteous) who will be admitted into paradise. They will be perfectly secure, living in a beautiful setting very different from the deserts of the Arabian peninsula, a place characterized by gardens and flowing fresh water. Dusty garments are replaced with the finest of clothes. The sexual desires of these Muslims will be abundantly satisfied by their union with beautiful women whom Allah will provide them with. They will have an abundant supply of luscious fruits. Above all else, they will never experience death ever again and never have to fear being consigned to the fires of hell. This is the supreme blessing they receive from Allah and constitutes the ultimate reward for all they have done.
There is nothing in these verses that adds anything of significance to what has already been conveyed in the Qur’an concerning paradise. In this block of verses there is particular stress on security. This is explicitly stated in verses 51 and 55 and verse 56 spells out what this ultimate security consists in, namely permanent deliverance from death and hell.
For Christians “eternal life”, life in the Age to Come, in Paradise, is not primarily defined by the pleasures it involves. Rather it is defined in terms of a relationship with God and with God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ:
And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3).
Ultimate security results not from my personal achievement (contra these Qur’anic verses). Rather it consists in having an intimate relationship with Jesus, being united with him:
And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life (1 John 5:11-12).
Posted September 8, 2011
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