Picture Perfect Paradise

S.I.Q. Series 6

It is generally agreed that from sura 21 onwards the beauty and poetic genius of the Koran truly becomes apparent. I have no doubt that this is so. Even while reading from an English translation, the rhythm has begun to hypnotize me unlike before.

"And the moon-- We have determined it by stations,/ till it returns like an aged palm-bough. It behoves not the sun to overtake the moon, neither/ does the night outstrip the day,/ each swimming in a sky." (36: 35)

The words recited have also come to take on new depth and imagery. However, none as true as the word "paradise". What was before an abstract concept, faint and distant in my understanding, has unfolded itself as a mirage of desert luxury. And this image is what I would like to share with you.

I realize that it's hard to paint a picture without brush strokes, but I figure that a few well chosen words could suffice a few thousand (interpretive) pixels. I have gone through my notes and highlighted the descriptions of Paradise as found in the Koran. What I describe below is basically what God has related in truth, except as a complete picture rather than small excerpts of heaven painted here and there and in between. I hope that this picture will be enough to convince you that Paradise is worth a life of judgement.........

Paradise Painted:

Imagine that you are in a desert land. The sun is hot. The earth is dry. People are people, and are dyeing.
A trumpet sounds.
You look up to the sky and beyond the clouds.
Up to Heaven, You go.
From afar the heat blurs hues of greens, blues, and purples. As you approach this distant mirage you realize that the dead and cracked earth that was once under your feet is now transformed. Your weight is cushioned by luxurious carpets. Lining your way are palms for shade and reclining couches for rest.
You are walking into a green meadow-- an island of refuge from the intense sun and bustle of life. Rivers flow underneath the land and gush out in fountains as pure as water that rains down from above. Cattle roam quietly, in abundance. Fruits hang above your head, in arms reach from your seat of rest. Beside you is your loved one, your pair. You both wear clothes of finest linens in green.
Everything that you call for is given to you.
And most importantly, what you find in the comfort of the shade, flowing rivers, and fruit platters is Peace. God's promise fulfilled, alas. No more test, no more odds, no more temptations. Just a basic, beautiful, and warranted life.

This is Paradise Painted.