A Critique of the Objection Concerning the Absence of Spirituality in the Qur'anic Paradise and Its Inclusion of Worldly Prohibitions

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 university

2 Assistant Professor at Al-Mustafa International University in Quranic Exegesis and Sciences

10.22034/dqm.2025.21282.1175

Abstract

Problem Statement: Some secularists and Christian missionaries have raised objections claiming that the Paradise described in the Holy Quran lacks spiritual life and resembles more the life of animals. They argue that Paradise contains only animalistic pleasures such as eating, drinking, and sexual desires, with no manifestations of spiritual life. Additionally, they point out that Paradise includes acts considered forbidden in this world, such as drinking wine, which they claim undermines the credibility of Islam. They contrast this with the Christian concept of Paradise, which they describe as purely spiritual and devoid of material pleasures. These critics accuse the Prophet Muhammad (PBH) of using such promises to achieve personal goals. They base their arguments on certain elements within Islamic heritage, interpretations, and fatwas, particularly those associated with Takfiri jihadist movements, which they claim portray Paradise as devoid of values, ethics, and spirituality. This article aims to address these objections by reflecting on Quranic verses, understanding the nature of life in Paradise, and accurately depicting the physical and spiritual attributes of humans in Paradise, as well as its governing laws.
Objective: These objections, raised by atheists and secularists, have significantly negatively impacted Muslim youth. I have observed through debates and discussions that a considerable number of Muslim youth have abandoned Islam for atheism or Christianity. However, I have not found comprehensive studies that address these objections. Therefore, the primary goal of this research is to critique these objections, prove their invalidity using the Quran itself, and demonstrate that Paradise is rich in spiritual life, centered around the pleasure of Allah, with spiritual blessings predominating.
Methodology: This article employs an analytical-descriptive approach, utilizing library and documentary methods, as well as insights from YouTube debates with atheists and Christian missionaries. The analysis method is critical.
Findings and Conclusion: Since the purpose of human creation is worship, and the ultimate goal of worship is pure certainty free from doubt and heedlessness, this goal is realized in Paradise, the culmination of human evolution. Given that Paradise is devoid of moral vices, evil, Satan, and the commanding soul (nafs ammarah), it is clear that life in Paradise is pure good, without any evil or sin. Humans cannot enter it without complete purification beforehand. This purification qualifies them to receive sublime spiritual pleasures, the greatest of which is the vision of Allah and benefiting from His manifestations, as well as attaining divine pleasure, which is existential, not conventional. Another spiritual blessing is the meeting of believers on couches, symbolizing the removal of worldly veils. Another blessing is Allah’s greeting to the believers, which is also existential and granted only to those with steadfastness and pure nature.
From the above, it is clear that worship does not cease in the Hereafter, as it is the purpose of human creation, but worldly obligations are removed, leaving only innate dispositions, which are not accompanied by obligations. Thus, the removal of obligations does not mean the cessation of worship. Therefore, the believer does not discard their religion, intellect, morals, or virtues upon entering Paradise but only sheds any remaining impurities. They enter Paradise as a purified being, free from all sins, where their virtues are fully realized, attaining the highest level of perfection commensurate with their existential rank.
It is also evident that what is forbidden in this world is not permitted in the Hereafter, as the instances differ. Heavenly wine is entirely distinct from worldly wine, as the Quran explicitly states: heavenly wine is pure, has no negative effects, and its origin differs from that of worldly wine. Likewise, sodomy is explicitly condemned in the Quran as one of the abominations and evils, contrary to piety. Paradise is entirely free from all worldly vices and abominations, as there is no evil or Satanic temptations. Thus, a soul purified before entering Paradise cannot, by its nature, desire any worldly abominations. The purpose of Paradise is to elevate the pure human nature to its highest perfections, to the point where humans resemble angels in purity and cleanliness. How, then, can abominations be attributed to them?
The terms wildan and ghilman in the Quran do not imply sexual desire but refer to youthful servants who perform their duties with great enthusiasm and are in a state of utmost purity. Additionally, there are narrations indicating that humans in Paradise have no excretory functions. In Paradise, humans do not need virtues like selflessness, courage, or invention, as these are defined in response to deficiencies and evils. Since Paradise is free from evil and imperfections, such virtues are not relevant. Humans in Paradise attain a higher and more sublime level of perfection.
Thus, it is clear that all objections aimed at diminishing the value of the Quranic Paradise, such as claiming it lacks spiritual life or is filled with worldly prohibitions, are weak and baseless. They stem from mistrust, lack of reflection on Quranic verses, and attempts to interpret the realities of the Hereafter with worldly standards and understandings, which have no connection to the truth.

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