Touching on allegory in Chapter 76
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So I was re-reading chapter 76, and it occurred to me that there are many detailed descriptions of what to expect when paradise is achieved I.e. green silky garments, necklaces of silver, fruit hanging low.
I've always taken paradise to be a blissful form where your conscience is in an enlightened state of absolute peace. Question is are there really going to be fruits and youths/children scattered like pearls and dressed in green gargarments and smells of musk or tastes of ginger etc? Or is it all allegorical in order for us to capture the bliss and beauty of being in that heightened state? I've always interpreted it as allegorical, but it will be interesting to know how others take it.
peace
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I would like to share an article with you and other members in this forum that might contain answers to your question.
Symbolism and allegory in the Quran by Muhammad Asad
http//www.usc.edu/schools/college/crcc/private/cmje/religious_text/asad__The_Message_of_The_Quran.pdf
Hopefully you and other members will find the above-mentioned article helpful/resourceful.
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I would like to share an article with you and other members in this forum that might contain answers to your question.
Symbolism and allegory in the Quran by Muhammad Asad
http//www.usc.edu/schools/college/crcc/private/cmje/religious_text/asad__The_Message_of_The_Quran.pdf
Hopefully you and other members will find the above-mentioned article helpful/resourceful.
Peace Taro,
Thanks for the link. I found that most if it agreed with how I felt which was good to know. Admittedly I skipped out sections talking about hadiths but the general consensus was very interesting and it is VERY true that people must take care in interpreting something literal or all allegorical.
peace
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Peace sushi1992,
Your welcome )
peace
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Peace Suzan and everyone else,
So I was re-reading chapter 76, and it occurred to me that there are many detailed descriptions of what to expect when paradise is achieved I.e. green silky garments, necklaces of silver, fruit hanging low.
I've always taken paradise to be a blissful form where your conscience is in an enlightened state of absolute peace. Question is are there really going to be fruits and youths/children scattered like pearls and dressed in green gargarments and smells of musk or tastes of ginger etc? Or is it all allegorical in order for us to capture the bliss and beauty of being in that heightened state? I've always interpreted it as allegorical, but it will be interesting to know how others take it.
Let me share my some of my thoughts in regards to the Quranic teachings about paradise.
The Quran seems to suggest that paradise is allegorical. Because the Quran suggests that a new earth will be created in the next life. Also, the Quran seems to suggest that humans (our bodies) will be created anew.
The Quran seems to suggest that the bodies of human beings will be created anew
Quran 1799 Are they, then, not aware that God, who has created the heavens and the earth, has the power to create them anew in their own likeness, having, beyond any doubt, set a term for their resurrection? However, all evildoers are unwilling to accept anything but blasphemy!
Quran 3210 And they said "When we are buried in the ground, will we be created anew?" Indeed, they reject the meeting of their Lord.
Quran 347 And those who rejected said "Shall we lead you to a man who will tell you that after you are dismembered you will be created anew?"
Quran 3681-82 Is, then, He who has created the heavens and the earth not able to create the like of those ? Yea, indeed - for He alone is the all-knowing Crea?tor His Being alone is such that when He wills a thing to be, He but says unto it, "Be and it is.
Quran 4633 ARE, THEN, they not aware that God, who has created the heavens and the earth and never been wearied by their creation, has the power to bring the dead back to life? Yea, verily, He has the power to will anything!
Quran 753-5 Does man think that We cannot bring his bones together again? Yea indeed, We are able to make whole his very finger-tips! None the less man chooses to deny what lies ahead of him.
Quran 7910-12 some say,"What! Are we indeed to be restored to our former state even though we may have become crumbling bones?" they add, "That, then, would be a return with loss!
The Quran seems to suggests that a new earth will be created and will be inherited by the faithful/true servants of the creator
Quran 1448 on the Day when the earth shall be changed into another earth, as shall be the heavens and when shall appear before God, the One who holds absolute sway over all that exists.
Quran 21104 On that Day We shall roll up the skies as written scrolls are rolled up; as We brought into being the first creation, so We shall bring it forth anew a promise which We have willed upon Our?selves for, behold, We are able to do !
Quran 21105-106 AND, INDEED, after having exhorted , We laid it down in all the books of divine wisdom that My righteous servants shall inherit the earth herein, behold, there is a message for people who worship God.
To conclude, the Quran seems to suggest that paradise is allegorical. Paradise seems to be "the next life." And it seems that the God's plan is to create a new earth and create human beings anew in the next life.