KİTABIN MUKADDİMESİ · İkinci Madde
**Article Two**
Concerning the varieties of delights in Paradise, the *hūriyyāt* (virgins) found there, the servants, and communion with the All-Merciful.
Know then, O esteemed one! The scholars of interpretation and hadith are unanimously agreed upon the following:
The desires of the people of Paradise are immediately fulfilled and brought before them; the exquisite fruits of the lofty trees descend into their hands with a single gesture. And at every moment they desire, they taste the delights of diverse fruits. Whatever sustenance or beverage their souls crave is readily available before them. There is no need for acquisition or cooking; in Paradise, there is no toil to endure, no labor or fatigue, and no fire to kindle for cooking. The greatest tree in Paradise is the Tūbā tree. Its root is in Sidrah, and its branches and shoots are within all the palaces of Paradise. Just as the sun, being high above, illuminates all dwellings on earth, so too, with the root of Tūbā located above Paradise in Sidrah, countless branches extend down to the paradisiacal pavilions. The inhabitants of Paradise partake of its diverse fruits and taste their delights constantly.
Therein are palaces adorned with vibrant cushions, and within those palaces, couches upon which sit *hūriyyāt* with amber hair, crescent eyebrows, black eyes, sun-like faces, sweet voices, playful demeanor, pearl teeth, coral lips, roseate cheeks, cypress stature, beautiful character, fresher than roses, and utterly pure. They are the immaculate spouses of the people of Paradise. Each wears seventy layers of garments; their colors vary and are exceedingly light. Through the freshness of each *hūrī’s* skin, one can glimpse the luster within. Crowns adorned with radiant lights are placed upon their heads, and they recline on thrones embellished with diverse jewels, awaiting the believers. Before them stand rows upon rows of thousands of servants and attendants, ready for service.
Those believing souls who merit entry into Paradise remain there eternally, never departing. They greet one another with blessings and engage in sweet conversation, avoiding words that wound or cause displeasure. Death and old age do not exist among the people of Paradise. Their garments do not wear out; their hearts are enriched, and their eyes are satisfied. They eat and drink but have no need for purification (defecation). What they consume is expelled from their bodies as a beautiful perspiration, like fragrant water. They experience no lesser ablutions. The *hūriyyāt* and women of Paradise do not suffer menstrual periods or lochia; they are free from foul traits and utterly pure.
The inhabitants of Paradise are perpetually secure and at peace. They have no need to toil or strive to sustain their lives. They are far removed from anxiety, sorrow, illness, and infirmity. They shall abide in a blessed realm, experiencing eternal happiness and well-being.
The angels of the All-Merciful bring steeds adorned with jewels once a week for the believers, conveying the special greetings and invitation of God Most High, and bearing glad tidings. The believers then mount these steeds and ascend to the Garden of Adn. Upon reaching the abode of God’s hospitality, they receive honor and generosity, partake of diverse delights, hear His greeting and word, and behold with their eyes His unique beauty. Overwhelmed by the delight of witnessing His countenance, they lose themselves, completely forgetting all the bounties of Paradise. Finally, by the permission of the Most High, they return to their former station. The ruler and guardian of all the Paradises is a great, beloved angel, in human form, named Ridhwan.
Within the Paradises, there is no night or day; every aspect of Paradise remains illuminated without a moment’s darkness, for the canopy of Paradise is the Throne of the All-Merciful. The lights of the Throne shine constantly therein.