Paradise (in Islam) by Hugh Kemp

The Pleasures of Paradise in brief

kemphugh1 — 2024-05-16 07:51:46 UTC

Click on the picture space above.

Why only Muslims will go to Paradise and the others will go to Hell

kemphugh1 — 2024-05-16 07:53:12 UTC

TED Talk - Lesley Hazleton's take on how to read the Koran and understanding "Paradise".

kemphugh1 — 2024-05-16 07:59:20 UTC

Lesley Halzeton is a widely published journalist who has written extensively on Islam. 9 mins.

A brief Christian critique of Islam's take on Paradise

kemphugh1 — 2024-05-16 08:03:22 UTC

Nature of God: Christianity teaches the doctrine of the Trinity, which asserts that God exists as three persons in one essence: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. Some Christians may critique Islam's portrayal of paradise for its exclusive focus on Allah without recognition of the triune nature of God.
Salvation through Christ: Christianity emphasizes the belief that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of humanity. Some Christians might critique Islam's paradise for not recognizing Jesus Christ as the exclusive means of salvation. Mere "submission" to Allah seems inadequate from a Christian's point of view.
Different Views on Sin and Redemption: Christianity teaches that all humans are born with a sinful nature and need redemption through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Some Christians might critique Islam's paradise for its emphasis on obedience to Islamic law (Sharia) and good deeds as the primary means of attaining salvation, rather than relying solely on God's grace through faith in Christ.
Eternal Destiny: Some Christians may question the lack of assurance of salvation in Islam, as Islamic teachings suggest that one's eternal destiny depends on Allah's judgment based on one's deeds and faith. Christians, on the other hand, believe in the assurance of salvation for those who have accepted Christ as their Savior.
Concept of Paradise: Christian theology of heaven often includes the idea of being in intimate communion with God and experiencing His love and presence in a deeply personal way. Some Christians might critique Islam's paradise for its emphasis on physical pleasures, such as rivers of milk and honey, luxurious gardens, and eternal youth, which they may perceive as lacking the spiritual depth and intimacy with God found in Christian teachings about heaven.

It's important to note that these critiques represent theological differences and interpretations, and they don't necessarily reflect the views of all Christians. Interfaith dialogue and understanding can help bridge these differences and foster mutual respect and appreciation for each other's beliefs.

A Christian critique of Islam's paradise - from the Zwemer Centre for Muslim Studies

kemphugh1 — 2024-05-16 08:09:04 UTC

The Zwemer Centre for Muslim Studies is at Columbia International University. Note that the author (Mark Anderson) locates Muslim understandings of the rewards of paradise within its original historical context.

Here are 5 resources we'll work our way through

kemphugh1 — 2024-05-16 08:21:11 UTC

You can check out ideas of Muslim paradise from the previous padlets we've studied, and/or go to any general resource (like Wikipedia). In this padlet I want to give you access to a few other "voices".

A very short summary from a Saudi Arabian Muslim website
A muslim teacher's explanation of Paradise in response to a question at a large Muslim conference (Malaysia - I think).
A western journalist - Lesley Hazleton has written several trustworthy accounts on Islam. This is a TED Talk.
An AI response - a Christian critique of Islam's paradise.
A blog post on a Christian University's website looking at Islam's paradise.

Itinerary to the Afterlife

kemphugh1 — 2026-06-04 07:19:13 UTC

Read through this so as to get an idea of what's involved and the process. The flow chart at the end is especially helpful.

Here are some of the basics, including key vocabulary.

kemphugh1 — 2026-06-04 07:22:53 UTC

In Islam, life after death is a central belief and follows a linear process: one life, one death, one judgment, and an eternal afterlife in either heaven (paradise) or hell

Key WordMeaning

You do not need to know all the Arabic words here. However, have a go at remembering the ones that are highlighted.

Akhirah

The afterlife; the life that begins after death and lasts forever.

Ruh

The soul or spirit given by Allah.

Barzakh

The intermediate state between death and the Day of Judgment.

Qabr

The grave, where a person awaits resurrection.

Yawm al-Qiyamah

The Day of Resurrection or Day of Judgment.

Judgment

Allah's assessment of each person's faith and deeds.

Mizan

The scales on which a person's good and bad deeds are weighed.

Jannah

Paradise or Heaven; the reward for the righteous.

Jahannam

Hell; the punishment for those who reject Allah or commit serious wrongdoing without repentance.

Allah

The one God who judges humanity and determines each person's final destiny.

Deeds (A'mal)

The actions a person performs during life, which are taken into account at judgment.