Q: I don't mean disrespect with this question, but I would like to know why most of the muslims believe that you get virgins when you go to heaven? I know that during fasting I have heard that you are supposed to refrain form earthly pleasures, so what makes you believe that once you leave this earthly state that heaven would be a place of earthly pleasure. When you die the flesh dies, and why would God or Allah, want you to have the same in heaven as in earth? Please Explain? It is another state of being after you die. This is not to start an argument, and I'm hoping to get some well thought out and honest answers. Thanks!
A: Eh, the 72 virgin thing is a myth some idiot who thought it would be fun to misinterpret the hadith came up with. The truth is, even though there are some descriptions of what paradise is supposed to be like, all the messengers have said it is unlike anything here on earth. The descriptions are to give us an idea, but in reality we can never truely know until we die. What is certain, is that Allah will "purify" us. What this means is unclear, because non of us have yet experienced it. Unfortunately,the majority of human beings have an IQ ranging between 85-115, and abstract thinking is a bit difficult for them, and naturally, the majority of Muslims fall under this IQ range as well. Therefore, several of them have a more difficult time understanding that when they die, they will be in another "state of being", and that earthly pleasures most likely will hold no value there. Its just like the "fundimental Christains" who think there will be a city of Gold in heaven...abstract thinking and the ability to understand metaphors and symbolism is limited. Another thing I forgot to mention is the term "virgin" and how it is used to describe different creatures in paradise. When used in the Quran to describe people in the hereafter, it does not necessarily mean "people who have never had sexual intercourse". It can mean people who are free of impurities, or are "new",etc...its a translation glitch. English probably does not have the original Arabic word used in the translation, so the translators make due with what they can. The Quran, Bible, and Torah are full of symbolism, metaphorical meanings, and require abstract thinking in order to be fully understood. You can read them all you want, memorise them if you will, but unless Allah has given you the gift of intelligence and understanding, you will never fully comprehend it. Edit: READ SHAH'S EXPLINATION..... MUCH MORE ELOQUENT