Sex in Muslim Paradise: a defence [Part 1]

[BACK2MYROOTS]

Sexual Sensations in the Islamic Paradise

Much has been written about this subject, to the surprise of learned Muslims as paradise in the Islamic mindset is much more than mere sexual-sensation. Thus, the critic’s fascination with this Islamic belief is perplexing to say the least. William Montgomery Watt (paraphrased) highlights the fact that the Muslim world is better controlled when it comes to sexual urges than its Western counterpart [1].

However, it is still important to outline the correct view of Muslim paradise. Critics often seem horrified that the Muslims would be of the belief that there would be physical sensations in paradise, especially of a sexual nature. The context behind this is that the critics invariably come from a culture which was or is still subsumed by Christianity and the Christian view of paradise is generally one of a spiritual sensation only. The “horror” of having a physical experience (of a sexual nature) in the “presence of God” in paradise does not sit well with the cultural and religious beliefs that the critics have been moulded by (consciously or subconsciously).

The critics’ view is extremely myopic and sensationalistic. Muslims have potent points that counter the critics in a convincing fashion.

Those who represent Islamic paradise as solely physical are mistaken as, according to Islamic theology, the individual (in paradise) will have the best of the physical and the best of the spiritual in paradise. In fact the spiritual aspect of paradise is thought to be greater and more appealing than the physical features of the Muslim paradise. Understandably, the critics leave this crucial information out in order to carry out their onslaught against Islam.

The fact is that Islamic views of paradise are very similar to Christian views. The only difference between the two (apart from the nature of God) is that the Islamic view incorporates the idea of physical pleasure (i.e. good food, clothing, spouses etc). The question is, why would physical pleasure be objectionable to the critics, especially considering that the spiritual side of the Islamic Paradise is very much there too?

The first argument of the critics

It is that physical pleasure in the “presence” of God is something unthinkable, especially pleasure of a sexual nature. This view would be more understandable if the Islamic Paradise lacked the spiritual element. The critics wrongly pre-suppose that the Muslim paradise is solely physical . Their horror can be explained by the fact that in Christianity sex has always been taboo, quite the reverse in Islam. In fact in Islam sex is seen as a natural desire, and nothing to be ashamed of. Islam in this sense recognises human nature and even recommends avenues to fulfil this desire in an islamically acceptable fashion, namely within marriage. Marriage is recommended and celibacy is frowned upon and the woman’s desire for sexual satisfaction is acknowledged too.

The fact is that Muslim writings concerning sex are very analytical and scientific whilst in the past (as well as now) Christian writings have always seemed to be underpinned by suspicion, shame and even eroticism. Even to this day the Catholic Church is vigorously opposed to contraception as sex thus becomes a thing of pleasure rather than procreation whilst the Muslim does not generally object to contraception as sexual relations are seen through a scientific fashion and the sensual enjoyment of sex is recognised along with it being the mode for reproduction.

The idea of sexual pleasure in the Islamic paradise is not such a big deal to Muslims. So, who is progressive here? Those who make it into an issue fail to realise that the Muslim paradise includes spiritual pleasure, which is viewed as the greater form of pleasure.

Going back to the Christian repulsion towards sexual satisfaction “in the presence of God” in paradise one only needs to remind the Christian of their belief concerning Jesus. In Christianity, When Jesus was on earth his mother was married to Joseph and he was beset by married people, therefore conjugal relations (sex within marriage) clearly were taking place in the proximity of Jesus. As some Christians believe Jesus to be God ,then the Christian critics seem hypocritical and even Biblically illiterate when making such an attack against the Islamic view of paradise.
Thankfully, they are a minority.

Added to this is the fact that in Christianity, the Bible apparently does not provide a definitive description of paradise, thus leaving it open to debate although there is a description of John’s view of paradise in Revelation 22:2, which remarkably seems to fit with the Muslim view of paradise.

“down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations”.

Interestingly, both Christian and Muslim beliefs about paradise teach us that there will be no thirst or hunger in paradise. There are enough similarities here than is comfortable for those responsible for the sinister misrepresentations of the Muslim faith on the internet. [Continued in Part 2 below]

B2MR
(Editor)

[BACK2MYROOTS]

Sexual Sensations in the Islamic Paradise [Continued]


The second argument of the critics


The second group are those who attack the Muslim view of Heaven solely based on sexual enticement alone. These people claim Muslim men are motivated by sex alone and question why “sexual reward” must be offered in order for the Muslim to behave. These critics miss the other rewards of paradise and direct focus solely on sexual pleasure in paradise. Well, the question is why not have a variety of rewards in Heaven, including physical? Why the hag-up?

Muslims and Christians are commanded by their respective faiths to avoid sexual sin (even looking lustfully at a member of the opposite sex); would it not be Just of God to reward those that complied with His orders with something better? This view of paradise by the Muslim does in fact help the Muslim to comply; knowing that there is something better in the hereafter if they avoid the sin in this life. It must be stressed that this is not the reason behind the Muslim avoidance of sin but the reason is due to his/her spiritual nature and closeness to God.

Christianity lacks a clear idea of a “reward” of physical pleasure in paradise while Islam does posses this idea very clearly. Couple this with the fact that sexual sin is not a widespread problem in the Muslim world as opposed to the Christian world and ask the question which one seems to inspire their respective followers to avoid the sin?

Why can’t those who through no fault of their own (tragedy etc) hold on to the hope that when they go to paradise they will join their partners and enjoy the physical pleasures they missed out on here on earth. This view surely offers emotional and psychological comfort to them.

Summary

Critics generally miss the full picture of the Muslim Paradise and blow the sexual element out of perspective and take it out of context. They fail to mention that the Muslim paradise contains spiritual ecstasy and this is the main feature of the Muslim paradise and the physical ecstasy (be it food, drink, sexual relations) is second to the spiritual element. Critics also focus entirely on the sexual element of the physical whilst the Muslim paradise contains a whole spectrum of physical delights.

Theologically motivated critics abhor the idea that physical pleasure should be “in the presence of God” but fail to give a reason why God would not allow physical pleasure in Heaven especially considering that He can view us in this life partaking in physical pleasure.

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[1] What Is Islam by W.Montgomery Watt, Longman Group, Second Edition, 1979.

B2MR
(Editor)

[Felicity]

Maybe because is Christianity it is generally believed that the body is left behind? and so all the pleasures and pain of the body are left behind too? Perhaps when Christianity discusses that there is no hunger or thirst, it is because they are without a body and so without the needs of a body.

Matthew 22:29-30 Jesus answered them, 'You are wrong, because you understand neither the scriptures nor the power of God. For at the resurrection men and women do not marry; no, they are like the angels in heaven.