['Aalim Network QR] Wine and Hurs in Janna

[Ummulbanin <workshop@popmail.dircon.co.uk>]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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Assalamu 'Alaykum

The following questions were kindly answered by Dr. Takim

Salaams & Duas
Ummulbanin Merali - Moderator - 'Aalim Network
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QUESTION:

I am not so sure about this but alcohol including wine is haram - yet the
Qur'an says that in heaven there will be wine. How does this tie in?
I have been asked this by a non-Muslim.

Another confusing question, I have is that we Muslims believe in decency and 
lowering our gaze and hijab - how does this tie in with the ideas of 'hurs' in 
heaven?

I am asking these questions because I got into a discussion with a non-
Muslim and I could not answer all these questions. I hope you will enlighten 
both myself and the non-Muslim.

ANSWER:

This answer will cover both questions. This earthly life is a period
of what is called taklif i.e. where the performance of certain acts is
incumbent and refraining from some acts is also incumbent. It is a place of
trial.

However, paradise is a place of reward. Therefore, one of our most prominent 
theologians, Shaykh al-Mufid (RA) says in his Awa'il al-Maqalat that heaven is 
not a place of taklif i.e. there are no religious obligations imposed there. A 
person can have whatever s/he may wish. That is why the Qur'an does mention the 
availability of wine (47:15), silk (44:53), huris (55:46) gold (22:23) etc. in 
heaven.

May Allah reward you for your efforts. Please remember me in your prayers.

Your brother in Islam


Liyakatali Takim