Many people often wonder: Do maidens of Paradise (or houris) actually exist? If they do, why are they frequently mentioned in the Quran as a reward for the faithful due to their beauty? The topic of heavenly maidens in Islam is always fascinating. However, there’s a lesser-known insight: Women of this world (Eve’s daughters on Earth) have the potential to become more beautiful and noble than the houris of Paradise.
This article will thoroughly explore explanations from the book Syarah Sahih Al-Bukhari by As-Safiri, starting from the threats facing those who are ungrateful, to the physical details and characteristics of the maidens of Paradise.
The Importance of Gratitude: Don’t Forget Your Roots
Before delving into the physical description of celestial beings, Al-Safīrī in his commentary emphasizes the key to safety from the fires of Hell: gratitude.
In a hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari, the Prophet Muhammad ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam warned about the dangers of denying blessings (kufr niʿmah).
Hadith Editorial:
قال النبي – صلى الله عليه وسلم – «أريت النار فإذا أكثر أهلها النساء يكفرن» . قيل: أيكفرن بالله قال: يكفرن العشير. ويكفرن الإحسان. لو أحسنت إلى إحداهن الدهر ثم رأت منك شيئا قالت ما رأيت منك خيرا قط
Meaning: “I was shown Hell, and the majority of its inhabitants were women because they were ungrateful. It was asked: ‘Did they disbelieve in Allah?’ He answered: ‘They were ungrateful toward their husbands and ungrateful toward kindness. Even if you did good to one of them for a lifetime, then she saw something (a small mistake) from you, she would say: “I have never seen any good from you.'”
Scholars explain that this isn’t just about wives toward their husbands. It applies universally. A student who forgets the kindness of their teacher, a child who forgets their parents, or ourselves when we forget those who once helped us – all fall into the category of this major sin.
Shaykh al-Islam Tāj al-Dīn al-Subkī reminds us that people who do good to us are actually “moved” by Allah. Therefore, offer thanks to the person as an intermediary, and express gratitude to Allah as the ultimate source of blessings.
A Glimpse of Heavenly Maidens: Physical Attributes and Origins
Now, let’s talk about the image of the maidens of Paradise. In Arabic, the maidens of Paradise are referred to as Al-Hur Al-‘Iin.
As-Safiri explains the meaning of this term:
- Al-Hur (الحور): The plural form of Ḥawrāʾ, meaning a woman who has eyes with a very white sclera (white part of the eye) and a very dark, intense iris (colored part of the eye).
- Al-‘Iin (العين): The plural form of ‘Aina, meaning a woman with large, beautiful eyes.
What Are Houris Made Of?
Unlike humans who are born from a mother’s womb, heavenly maidens (or houris of Paradise) are creatures directly created (God willing) by Allah. In a narration (atsar) it is mentioned that they were created from Za’faran (saffron).
«خلق الله الحور العين من أصابع رجليها إلى ركبتها من الزعفران. ومن ركبتها إلى ثديها من المسك الأذفر…»
Translation: ‘Allah created the houris from their toes to their knees from saffron, from their knees to their breasts from pure musk
Their bodies are incredibly fragrant: Their legs are made of saffron, their chests of musk, and their necks of amber.
How Beautiful Are They?
The beauty of a heavenly maidens face and physique is described as extraordinarily magnificent, almost beyond human comprehension. A narrative quoted within the book states:
«لو أن حوراء بصقت في سبعة أبحر لعذبت البحار من عذوبة فمها»
“If a celestial nymph were to spit into the seven seas, the seas would become sweet from the sweetness of her mouth.”
Indeed, if they were to extend even one hand toward the earth, its light would illuminate the earth, surpassing the rays of the sun. If even their hand is like that, imagine how beautiful the houris of Paradise are in their faces.
Earthly Women vs. Houris: Who Wins?
This is the most interesting part for believing women. Can the perfect houris of Paradise in Islam be surpassed?
The answer: Yes.
In a narration from Ummu Salamah who asked the Prophet Muhammad ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam which is more superior, women of this world or the maidens of Paradise, the Prophet answered:
«بل نساء الدنيا أفضل من الحور العين كفضل الطهارة على البطانة»
“Indeed, women of this world are more virtuous than the Houris (Hur ‘Iin), just as the outer garment is superior to its lining.”
Why Are Women of the World Superior?
The reason isn’t due to their original physical form, but because of their struggles in this world. The Prophet Muhammad ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam explained:
«بصلاتهن وصيامهن وبعبادتهن الله»
“Because of their prayers, their fasting, and their worship of Allah.”
Heavenly nymphs were created in a blissful place, never experiencing the fatigue of worship, the pain of patience, or the burden of modesty. Meanwhile, women of the world endure all these trials. It is because of this “sweat” of devotion that Allah grants them a beauty that far surpasses that of the original nymphs of Paradise.
Later in Paradise, women of this world will be purified. There will be no more menstruation, postpartum bleeding, spittle, nasal mucus, or bad character. They will become queens among the houris.
The Nature and Duties of Heavenly Maidens
Beyond physical beauty, the characteristics of celestial maidens (bidadari surga) are also incredibly refined. They are not talkative, do not cast glances at other men (qashiratut tharf), and are always content and accepting (ridha).
One of the tasks of the houris of Paradise or their roles is to await their husbands who are still in the world. Uniquely, they possess a spiritual connection. If a wife in the world harms her righteous husband, the houris in heaven will “protest”.
«لا تؤذيه قاتلك الله. فإنما هو عندك دخيل يوشك أن يفارقك إلينا»
“Do not hurt him/her, may Allah fight against you! He/She is just a guest to you who will soon leave you to join us.”
This serves as a strong reminder for wives to always cherish their husbands’ feelings, and also as good news for righteous husbands that someone is waiting for and praying for them.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Arabic word for “houris” (specifically, a beautiful, celestial being) and its characteristics:
What is the language of the houris (or heavenly maidens) in Arabic?
The term used in the Qur’an and Hadith is Al-Hur Al-‘Iin (الحور العين). Hur refers to extremely clear whiteness of the eye, and ‘Ain signifies a captivating, wide eye
Do Houris Get Jealous?
Houris of Paradise are purified from bad morals (such as destructive envy), yet they possess a sense of love and defense towards their husbands, like when they “rebuke” the wives of this world who hurt their husbands.
Who is more beautiful, wife or houris?
If a wife is a pious and devout woman, then she will be far more beautiful and noble than the maidens of Paradise. Their worship is what will be their eternal “cosmetics” in the afterlife.
Does the concept of an houris (or celestial being) hold up to logical scrutiny?
As Muslims, we believe in the unseen based on revelation (the Qur’an and Hadith). Believing in their existence is one form of faith in the Day of Judgement and believing in matters of the unseen, even though the human mind has never witnessed their true form.
May this explanation from the book Syarah Sahih Al-Bukhari increase our enthusiasm, especially for women, to continue doing good. Let’s not allow the good deeds of a husband or others to be erased due to a small mistake. Remember, becoming a queen in Paradise requires the struggle of restraining one’s tongue and guarding the heart.
And Allah knows best.
Reference
Al-Saffīrī, Syams al-Dīn Muḥammad bin ‘Umar bin Aḥmad. Al-Majālis al-Wa‘ẓiyyah fī Syarḥ Aḥādīts Khayr al-Bariyyah Ṣallallāhu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam min Ṣaḥīḥ al-Imām al-Bukhārī. Verified and authenticated by Aḥmad Fatḥī ‘Abd al-Raḥmān. Beirut: Dār al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, first edition, 1425 H/2004 M.
