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In Islam, the concept of 72 virgins (houri) refers to an aspect of Jannah ([[Heaven|Paradise]]). This concept is grounded in Qur'anic text which describe a sensual Paradise where believing men are rewarded by being wed<ref name="Sura 44 54"></ref> to virgins with "full grown", "swelling" or "pears-shaped" breasts.<ref>Several translators like Hilali-Khan ([http://al-quran.info/default.aspx#&&sura=1&trans=en-hilali-khan&show=both,quran-uthmani&format=rows&ver=1.00 Noble Quran, translated by Hilali-Khan]), Arthur John Arberry, Abdul Daryabadi, Umm Muhammad, Edward Henry Palmer, Ahmed Ali, John Medows Rodwell, Ali Ünal, George Sale, Muhammad Sarwar, and Tahir-ul-Qadri ([http://www.quranbrowser.com/ Quran browser], {{Qtt|78|33}}) have translated {{quran|78|33}} as referring to "full grown", "swelling" or "pears-shaped" breasts.</ref><ref name="Kathir7833">"''This [Qur'an 78:33] means round breasts. They meant by this that the breasts of these girls will be fully rounded and not sagging, because they will be virgins, equal in age.''" - {{cite book |url=http://www.tafsir.com/default.asp?sid=78&tid=56825 |author=Ibn Kathir |title=Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Abridged, Volume 10 Surat At-Tagabun to the end of the Qur'an |pages=333-334}}</ref> | In Islam, the concept of 72 virgins (houri) refers to an aspect of Jannah ([[Heaven|Paradise]]). This concept is grounded in Qur'anic text which describe a sensual Paradise where believing men are rewarded by being wed<ref name="Sura 44 54"></ref> to virgins with "full grown", "swelling" or "pears-shaped" breasts.<ref>Several translators like Hilali-Khan ([http://al-quran.info/default.aspx#&&sura=1&trans=en-hilali-khan&show=both,quran-uthmani&format=rows&ver=1.00 Noble Quran, translated by Hilali-Khan]), Arthur John Arberry, Abdul Daryabadi, Umm Muhammad, Edward Henry Palmer, Ahmed Ali, John Medows Rodwell, Ali Ünal, George Sale, Muhammad Sarwar, and Tahir-ul-Qadri ([http://www.quranbrowser.com/ Quran browser], {{Qtt|78|33}}) have translated {{quran|78|33}} as referring to "full grown", "swelling" or "pears-shaped" breasts.</ref><ref name="Kathir7833">"''This [Qur'an 78:33] means round breasts. They meant by this that the breasts of these girls will be fully rounded and not sagging, because they will be virgins, equal in age.''" - {{cite book |url=http://www.tafsir.com/default.asp?sid=78&tid=56825 |author=Ibn Kathir |title=Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Abridged, Volume 10 Surat At-Tagabun to the end of the Qur'an |pages=333-334}}</ref> | ||
Contemporary mainstream Islamic scholars, for example; [[Gibril Haddad]], have commented on the erotic nature of the Qur'anic Paradise, by saying some men may need ghusl ([[ablution]] required after sexual discharge) just for hearing certain verses.<ref name="LI June 2003"> | Contemporary mainstream Islamic scholars, for example; [[Gibril Haddad]], have commented on the erotic nature of the Qur'anic Paradise, by saying some men may need ghusl ([[ablution]] required after sexual discharge) just for hearing certain verses.<ref name="LI June 2003">{{cite web|url=http://mac.abc.se/home/onesr/f/Sex_w.slaves.a.women.html |title=Sex with slaves and women's rights |publisher=Living Islam |author=Shaykh Gibril Haddad |date=June 2, 2003 |quote=Qur'an does mention that for the inhabitants of Paradise - male and female - {There wait on them immortal youths} (56:17), {There serve them youths of everlasting youth, whom, when you see them, you would take for scattered pearls} (76:19). If this does not make a believing woman happy then, as Imam al-Shafi`i said to the one who is not moved by erotic poetry, "You have no feelings." As for the believing men, as one of the Awliya said, some of them will need ghusl just for hearing the verse {Same-age young-bosomed girls} (78:33). As for us hard-hearted analphabets we may read it and read it without effect. |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://mac.abc.se/home/onesr/f/Sex_w.slaves.a.women.html&date=2011-05-22 |archivedate=2011-05-22 |deadurl=no}}</ref> | ||
Orthodox Muslim theologians such as al-Ghazali (died 1111 CE) and al-Ash'ari (died 935 CE) have all discussed the sensual pleasures found in Paradise, relating hadith that describe Paradise as a [[Slavery|slave]] market where there will be "no buy and sale, but... If any man will wish to have sexual intercourse with a woman, he will do at once."<ref>"''Ali reported that the Apostle of Allah said, "There is in Paradise a market wherein there will be no buying or selling, but will consist of men and women. When a man desires a beauty, he will have intercourse with them.''" - Al Hadis, Vol. 4, p. 172, No. 34</ref><ref name=" Religious_Sciences3">"''A man asked the Prophet : 0 Prophet of God, will the inmates of Paradise have sexual intercourse ? He said: Anybody among them will be given sexual strength of seven, persons among you. The Prophet said : An inmate of Paradise will have five hundred hurs, four thousand unmarried women and eight thousand widowed women. Each of them will keep embracing him for the duration of his whole worldly life time. He also said: There will be markets in Paradise in which there will be no buy and sale, but there will be men and women. If any man will wish to have sexual intercourse with a woman, he will do at once. The Hurs will sing in Paradise on divine purity and praise-we are most beautiful Hurs and we are for the honoured husbands.''" - Al Ghazzali, | Orthodox Muslim theologians such as al-Ghazali (died 1111 CE) and al-Ash'ari (died 935 CE) have all discussed the sensual pleasures found in Paradise, relating hadith that describe Paradise as a [[Slavery|slave]] market where there will be "no buy and sale, but... If any man will wish to have sexual intercourse with a woman, he will do at once."<ref>"''Ali reported that the Apostle of Allah said, "There is in Paradise a market wherein there will be no buying or selling, but will consist of men and women. When a man desires a beauty, he will have intercourse with them.''" - Al Hadis, Vol. 4, p. 172, No. 34</ref><ref name=" Religious_Sciences3">"''A man asked the Prophet : 0 Prophet of God, will the inmates of Paradise have sexual intercourse ? He said: Anybody among them will be given sexual strength of seven, persons among you. The Prophet said : An inmate of Paradise will have five hundred hurs, four thousand unmarried women and eight thousand widowed women. Each of them will keep embracing him for the duration of his whole worldly life time. He also said: There will be markets in Paradise in which there will be no buy and sale, but there will be men and women. If any man will wish to have sexual intercourse with a woman, he will do at once. The Hurs will sing in Paradise on divine purity and praise-we are most beautiful Hurs and we are for the honoured husbands.''" - Al Ghazzali, {{cite web|url=http://www.nderf.org/islamic_views_death.htm |title=Ihya Uloom Ed-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences) Vol. 4 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.nderf.org/islamic_views_death.htm&date=2012-12-03 |archivedate=2012-12-03 |deadurl=no}}, Death and Subsequent Events 430</ref> | ||
It is quoted by Ibn Kathir, in his [[Tafsir|Qur'anic Commentary]], the Tafsir ibn Kathir,<ref>[http://www.islam-universe.com/tafsir_ibn_kathir/55.51771.html These two gardens are lower, in virtue and in status than the two before them, as supported in the Qur'an]</ref> and they are graphically described by Qur'anic commentator and polymath, al-Suyuti (died 1505), who, echoing a [[hasan]] hadith<ref name="SP 4828"></ref> from Ibn Majah,<ref name="Ibn Majah 39"></ref> wrote that the perpetual virgins will all "have appetizing vaginas", and that the "penis of the Elected never softens. The [[Priapism - Permanent Erection|erection is eternal]]".<ref name="Al-Suyuti">"''Each time we sleep with a Houri we find her virgin. Besides, the penis of the Elected never softens. The erection is eternal; the sensation that you feel each time you make love is utterly delicious and out of this world and were you to experience it in this world you would faint. Each chosen one [i.e. Muslim] will marry seventy [sic] houris, besides the women he married on earth, and all will have appetizing vaginas.''" - Al-Suyuti, Al-Itqan fi Ulum al-Qur'an, p. 351</ref> | It is quoted by Ibn Kathir, in his [[Tafsir|Qur'anic Commentary]], the Tafsir ibn Kathir,<ref>[http://www.islam-universe.com/tafsir_ibn_kathir/55.51771.html These two gardens are lower, in virtue and in status than the two before them, as supported in the Qur'an]</ref> and they are graphically described by Qur'anic commentator and polymath, al-Suyuti (died 1505), who, echoing a [[hasan]] hadith<ref name="SP 4828"></ref> from Ibn Majah,<ref name="Ibn Majah 39"></ref> wrote that the perpetual virgins will all "have appetizing vaginas", and that the "penis of the Elected never softens. The [[Priapism - Permanent Erection|erection is eternal]]".<ref name="Al-Suyuti">"''Each time we sleep with a Houri we find her virgin. Besides, the penis of the Elected never softens. The erection is eternal; the sensation that you feel each time you make love is utterly delicious and out of this world and were you to experience it in this world you would faint. Each chosen one [i.e. Muslim] will marry seventy [sic] houris, besides the women he married on earth, and all will have appetizing vaginas.''" - Al-Suyuti, Al-Itqan fi Ulum al-Qur'an, p. 351</ref> | ||
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[[File:78 33-Kawaiba.jpg|thumb|right|In addition to Quranic translations of 78:33 specifying the virgins will be [[wiktionary:voluptuous|'''voluptuous''']]<ref name="Sura78_33">"''And voluptuous women of equal age;''" - {{Quran|78|33}}</ref>, Sahih International translates it as ''"'''full-breasted''' [companions] of equal age"''. Tafsir al-Jalalayn says ''"and '''buxom''' maidens (kawā‘ib is the plural of kā‘ib) of equal age (atrāb is the plural of tirb)"''. Several Islamic scholars explain that they will have ''"'''large, round breasts''' which are not inclined to hang"''.<ref name=Sunan_al-Tirmidhi_v2></ref><br /><br />[[Image:Brsts.jpg|167px|right]]]] | [[File:78 33-Kawaiba.jpg|thumb|right|In addition to Quranic translations of 78:33 specifying the virgins will be [[wiktionary:voluptuous|'''voluptuous''']]<ref name="Sura78_33">"''And voluptuous women of equal age;''" - {{Quran|78|33}}</ref>, Sahih International translates it as ''"'''full-breasted''' [companions] of equal age"''. Tafsir al-Jalalayn says ''"and '''buxom''' maidens (kawā‘ib is the plural of kā‘ib) of equal age (atrāb is the plural of tirb)"''. Several Islamic scholars explain that they will have ''"'''large, round breasts''' which are not inclined to hang"''.<ref name=Sunan_al-Tirmidhi_v2></ref><br /><br />[[Image:Brsts.jpg|167px|right]]]] | ||
:* Beautiful <ref name="Bukhari454476"></ref> | :* Beautiful <ref name="Bukhari454476"></ref> | ||
:* White skinned <ref name=" Religious_Sciences">Al Ghazzali, | :* White skinned <ref name=" Religious_Sciences">Al Ghazzali, {{cite web|url=http://www.nderf.org/islamic_views_death.htm |title=Ihya Uloom Ed-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences) Vol. 4 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.nderf.org/islamic_views_death.htm&date=2012-12-03 |archivedate=2012-12-03 |deadurl=no}}</ref> | ||
:* 60 cubits [27.5 meters] tall <ref name="Ibn_Kathir">[http://www.tafsir.com/default.asp?sid=56&tid=51961 Ibn Kathir: The Reward of Those on the Right After]</ref><ref name=" Religious_Sciences" /> | :* 60 cubits [27.5 meters] tall <ref name="Ibn_Kathir">[http://www.tafsir.com/default.asp?sid=56&tid=51961 Ibn Kathir: The Reward of Those on the Right After]</ref><ref name=" Religious_Sciences" /> | ||
:* 7 cubits [3.2 meters] in width <ref name=" Religious_Sciences" /> | :* 7 cubits [3.2 meters] in width <ref name=" Religious_Sciences" /> | ||
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:* Splendid <ref name="Muhammad Asad -Kawa'ib"> Muhammad Asad, The Message of the Qur'an, Publisher: The Book Foundation; Bilingual edition (December 2003) Language: English, ISBN 1904510000,Chapter (Surah) An-Naba (The Tiding)(78):33, note 16</ref> | :* Splendid <ref name="Muhammad Asad -Kawa'ib"> Muhammad Asad, The Message of the Qur'an, Publisher: The Book Foundation; Bilingual edition (December 2003) Language: English, ISBN 1904510000,Chapter (Surah) An-Naba (The Tiding)(78):33, note 16</ref> | ||
:* Pure <ref name="Bukhari454476"></ref> | :* Pure <ref name="Bukhari454476"></ref> | ||
:* Non-menstruating / non-urinating/ non-defecating and childfree <ref name=Sunan_al-Tirmidhi_v2/><ref name=" Religious_Sciences2">"''The Prophet said: If a woman of Paradise would have peeped up into this world everything therein would have been illuminated and filled up with fragrance. Every hair of her head is better than than the earth and its treasures. God says : They are like Eakut and Marjan. If their faces are seen within screen, they will be more clear than mirrors and the smallest jewel therein will illuminate what is in the heaven and earth. The Prophet said : In the night in which I was taken to heaven, I entered a place in Paradise named Baidakh whose camps are of emeralds and green pearls and red Eakut. They asked : 0 Prophet of God, Salam to you. I asked : 0 Gebrail, whose sound is there ? He said : of the beautiful women in camps. They seek your permission to salute you. So give them permission. They will be saying : We are pleased therewith. We will never be dissatisfied. We will remain here forever, we will never travel. Then he recited the verse : The beautiful damsels detained in camps. In another verse : Pure women. Muzaher explained this by saying that they will be free menstruation, urine, stool, cough and children.''" - Al Ghazzali, | :* Non-menstruating / non-urinating/ non-defecating and childfree <ref name=Sunan_al-Tirmidhi_v2/><ref name=" Religious_Sciences2">"''The Prophet said: If a woman of Paradise would have peeped up into this world everything therein would have been illuminated and filled up with fragrance. Every hair of her head is better than than the earth and its treasures. God says : They are like Eakut and Marjan. If their faces are seen within screen, they will be more clear than mirrors and the smallest jewel therein will illuminate what is in the heaven and earth. The Prophet said : In the night in which I was taken to heaven, I entered a place in Paradise named Baidakh whose camps are of emeralds and green pearls and red Eakut. They asked : 0 Prophet of God, Salam to you. I asked : 0 Gebrail, whose sound is there ? He said : of the beautiful women in camps. They seek your permission to salute you. So give them permission. They will be saying : We are pleased therewith. We will never be dissatisfied. We will remain here forever, we will never travel. Then he recited the verse : The beautiful damsels detained in camps. In another verse : Pure women. Muzaher explained this by saying that they will be free menstruation, urine, stool, cough and children.''" - Al Ghazzali, {{cite web|url=http://www.nderf.org/islamic_views_death.htm |title=Ihya Uloom Ed-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences) Vol. 4 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.nderf.org/islamic_views_death.htm&date=2012-12-03 |archivedate=2012-12-03 |deadurl=no}}, Death and Subsequent Events 430</ref> | ||
:* Never dissatisfied <ref name=" Religious_Sciences2"></ref> | :* Never dissatisfied <ref name=" Religious_Sciences2"></ref> | ||
:* Will sing praise <ref name=" Religious_Sciences3"></ref><BR><BR> | :* Will sing praise <ref name=" Religious_Sciences3"></ref><BR><BR> | ||
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Whilst there are numerous sources, including the Qur'an, which tell us believing males will be rewarded with virgins, many who are concerned about the [[Authenticity of 72 Virgins Hadith|authenticity of the 72 virgins concept]] are under the misconception that there is only one weak ([[List of Fabricated Hadith|da`if]]) reference to the exact number of houri given to them. These narrations are in fact found in many hadith collections with varying levels of authenticity, ranging from hasan (good) to [[sahih]] (authentic). | Whilst there are numerous sources, including the Qur'an, which tell us believing males will be rewarded with virgins, many who are concerned about the [[Authenticity of 72 Virgins Hadith|authenticity of the 72 virgins concept]] are under the misconception that there is only one weak ([[List of Fabricated Hadith|da`if]]) reference to the exact number of houri given to them. These narrations are in fact found in many hadith collections with varying levels of authenticity, ranging from hasan (good) to [[sahih]] (authentic). | ||
For example, in the Sunan Ibn Majah, one of the six major Hadith collections,<ref name="VIRH"></ref> it states in a hasan (good)<ref name="SP 4828"></ref> narration that every male admitted into Paradise will be given eternal erections and wed to 72 wives, all with libidinous sex organs.<ref name="Ibn Majah 39">"''Abu Umama narrated: "The Messenger of God said, 'Everyone that God admits into paradise will be married to 72 wives; two of them are houris and seventy of his inheritance of the [female] dwellers of hell. All of them will have libidinous sex organs and he will have an ever-erect penis.' ''" - Sunan Ibn Majah, Zuhd (Book of Abstinence) 39</ref> Similarly in another hadith with multiple narrators that has been graded hasan (good), it states that the martyr ([[shahid]]) will be married to seventy-two of al-hoor al-‘iyn.<ref name="alMiqdaam">''It was reported in the hadeeth of al-Miqdaam ibn Ma’di Karb that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:'' ''“The martyr (shaheed) has seven blessings from Allaah: he is forgiven from the moment his blood is first shed; he will be shown his place in Paradise; he will be spared the trial of the grave; and he will be secure on the Day of the Greatest Terror (the Day of Judgement); there will be placed on his head a crown of dignity, one ruby of which is better than this world and all that is in it; he will be married to seventy-two of al-hoor al-‘iyn; and he will be permitted to intercede for seventy of his relatives.”'' ''According to another report, the martyr has six blessings from Allaah. According to other reports (the number is) six, or nine, or ten'' - Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, who said it is a hasan hadeeth. Also narrated by Ibn Maajah in al-Sunan, by Ahmad, by ‘Abd al-Razzaaq in al-Musannaf, by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer, and by Sa’eed ibn Mansoor in al-Sunan</ref><ref name="QA 8511"> | For example, in the Sunan Ibn Majah, one of the six major Hadith collections,<ref name="VIRH"></ref> it states in a hasan (good)<ref name="SP 4828"></ref> narration that every male admitted into Paradise will be given eternal erections and wed to 72 wives, all with libidinous sex organs.<ref name="Ibn Majah 39">"''Abu Umama narrated: "The Messenger of God said, 'Everyone that God admits into paradise will be married to 72 wives; two of them are houris and seventy of his inheritance of the [female] dwellers of hell. All of them will have libidinous sex organs and he will have an ever-erect penis.' ''" - Sunan Ibn Majah, Zuhd (Book of Abstinence) 39</ref> Similarly in another hadith with multiple narrators that has been graded hasan (good), it states that the martyr ([[shahid]]) will be married to seventy-two of al-hoor al-‘iyn.<ref name="alMiqdaam">''It was reported in the hadeeth of al-Miqdaam ibn Ma’di Karb that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:'' ''“The martyr (shaheed) has seven blessings from Allaah: he is forgiven from the moment his blood is first shed; he will be shown his place in Paradise; he will be spared the trial of the grave; and he will be secure on the Day of the Greatest Terror (the Day of Judgement); there will be placed on his head a crown of dignity, one ruby of which is better than this world and all that is in it; he will be married to seventy-two of al-hoor al-‘iyn; and he will be permitted to intercede for seventy of his relatives.”'' ''According to another report, the martyr has six blessings from Allaah. According to other reports (the number is) six, or nine, or ten'' - Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, who said it is a hasan hadeeth. Also narrated by Ibn Maajah in al-Sunan, by Ahmad, by ‘Abd al-Razzaaq in al-Musannaf, by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer, and by Sa’eed ibn Mansoor in al-Sunan</ref><ref name="QA 8511">{{cite web|url=http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/islamqa/8511 |title=The six blessings of the martyrs |publisher=Islam Q&A, Fatwa No. 8511 |author=Shaykh Waleed al-Firyaan |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/islamqa/8511&date=2011-11-21 |archivedate=2011-11-21 |deadurl=no}}</ref> | ||
In the Sunan al-Tirmidhi, another of the six major Hadith collections,<ref name="VIRH"> | In the Sunan al-Tirmidhi, another of the six major Hadith collections,<ref name="VIRH">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.se/~m9783/n/vih_e.html |title=Various Issues About Hadiths |publisher=Living Islam |author=Shaykh Gibril Haddad |date=April 4, 2003 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.abc.se/~m9783/n/vih_e.html&date=2011-05-22 |archivedate=2011-05-22 |deadurl=no}}</ref> it states that the smallest reward for the people of Heaven is an abode with seventy-two houri.<ref>"''It was mentioned by Daraj Ibn Abi Hatim, that Abu al-Haytham 'Adullah Ibn Wahb narrated from Abu Sa'id al-Khudhri, who heard the Prophet Muhammad PBUH saying, 'The smallest reward for the people of Heaven is an abode where there are eighty thousand servants and seventy-two houri, over which stands a dome decorated with pearls, aquamarine and ruby, as wide as the distance from al-Jabiyyah to San'a.''" - Al-Tirmidhi, Vol. 4, Ch. 21, No. 2687</ref> Note that this is not a "weak Hadith that has no Sanad (chain of narrators)", as some have claimed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theuglytruth.wordpress.com/2007/03/04/debunking-the-suicide-for-72-virgins-myth/ |title=Debunking the ‘Suicide for 72 Virgins’ Myth |publisher=TheUglyTruth |author=Nashid Abdul-Khalliq |date=March 4, 2007 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://theuglytruth.wordpress.com/2007/03/04/debunking-the-suicide-for-72-virgins-myth/&date=2012-02-20 |archivedate=2012-02-20 |deadurl=no}}</ref> It has been graded hasan sahih gharib,<ref name="SP 4828">Shaykh Gibril Haddad - [http://www.webcitation.org/64zXNO08I How Many Wives Will The Believers Have In Paradise?] - SunniPath, Question ID:4828, July 3, 2005</ref> meaning this hadith is hasan since it has several chains of transmitters, it is sahih as the chains are all authentic and it is gharib in the words that Imam Tirmidhi narrated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sunnah.org/history/Scholars/imam_tirmidhi.htm |title=Imam Tirmidhi (209 - 279 H) |publisher=As-Sunnah Foundation of America |author= |date=February 20, 2012 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.sunnah.org/history/Scholars/imam_tirmidhi.htm&date=2012-02-20 |archivedate=2012-02-20 |deadurl=no}}</ref> | ||
Also reported in Sunan al-Kubra and Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, and declared sahih (authentic)<ref name="SP 4828"></ref> by Ibn Abi Shayba, Ibn Hibban, and al-Hakim is the hadith that states the servant in Paradise will be [[Marriage|married]] with seventy wives and that they'll be given the sexual strength for a hundred.<ref name="al Janna">"''Anas said, Allah be well-pleased with him: The Messenger of Allah said, upon him blessings and peace: “The servant in Paradise shall be married with seventy wives.” Someone said, “Messenger of Allah, can he bear it?” He said: “He will be given strength for a hundred.” From Zayd ibn Arqam, Allah be well-pleased with him, when an incredulous Jew or Christian asked the Prophet, upon him blessings and peace, “Are you claiming that a man will eat and drink in Paradise??” He replied: “Yes, by the One in Whose hand is my soul, and each of them will be given the strength of a hundred men in his eating, drinking, coitus, and pleasure.”''" - Sifat al-Janna, al-`Uqayli in the Du`afa’, and Musnad of Abu Bakr al-Bazzar</ref> | Also reported in Sunan al-Kubra and Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, and declared sahih (authentic)<ref name="SP 4828"></ref> by Ibn Abi Shayba, Ibn Hibban, and al-Hakim is the hadith that states the servant in Paradise will be [[Marriage|married]] with seventy wives and that they'll be given the sexual strength for a hundred.<ref name="al Janna">"''Anas said, Allah be well-pleased with him: The Messenger of Allah said, upon him blessings and peace: “The servant in Paradise shall be married with seventy wives.” Someone said, “Messenger of Allah, can he bear it?” He said: “He will be given strength for a hundred.” From Zayd ibn Arqam, Allah be well-pleased with him, when an incredulous Jew or Christian asked the Prophet, upon him blessings and peace, “Are you claiming that a man will eat and drink in Paradise??” He replied: “Yes, by the One in Whose hand is my soul, and each of them will be given the strength of a hundred men in his eating, drinking, coitus, and pleasure.”''" - Sifat al-Janna, al-`Uqayli in the Du`afa’, and Musnad of Abu Bakr al-Bazzar</ref> | ||
Orthodox Muslim theologians have related further hadith that give us the exact number of 72, such as al-Ghazali who wrote, "[The Prophet said] the lowest rank of an inmate of Paradise will have eighty thousand servants and seventy two wives."<ref name=" Religious_Sciences4">"''The Prophet said to a man: 0 servant of God, if you enter Paradise, you will get what you will desire, what your eyes will be pleased with. The Prophet said : If an inmate of Paradise will wish to have a son born to him, he will get it. Its stay in womb, its weaning away from milk and its youth will come to pass at the same time. He also said : The inmantes of Paradise will be beardless and hairless. Their colour will be white and their eyes painted with collyrium. They will be youths of 33 years of age. They will be sixty cubits long and seven cubits broad. He also said : The lowest rank of an inmate of Paradise will have eighty thousand servants and seventy two wives. In short there will be such bliss in Paradise which no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no heart has conceived.''" - Al Ghazzali, | Orthodox Muslim theologians have related further hadith that give us the exact number of 72, such as al-Ghazali who wrote, "[The Prophet said] the lowest rank of an inmate of Paradise will have eighty thousand servants and seventy two wives."<ref name=" Religious_Sciences4">"''The Prophet said to a man: 0 servant of God, if you enter Paradise, you will get what you will desire, what your eyes will be pleased with. The Prophet said : If an inmate of Paradise will wish to have a son born to him, he will get it. Its stay in womb, its weaning away from milk and its youth will come to pass at the same time. He also said : The inmantes of Paradise will be beardless and hairless. Their colour will be white and their eyes painted with collyrium. They will be youths of 33 years of age. They will be sixty cubits long and seven cubits broad. He also said : The lowest rank of an inmate of Paradise will have eighty thousand servants and seventy two wives. In short there will be such bliss in Paradise which no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no heart has conceived.''" - Al Ghazzali, {{cite web|url=http://www.nderf.org/islamic_views_death.htm |title=Ihya Uloom Ed-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences) Vol. 4 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.nderf.org/islamic_views_death.htm&date=2012-12-03 |archivedate=2012-12-03 |deadurl=no}}, The Book of Constructive Virtues 431</ref> | ||
==Virgins or Raisins?== | ==Virgins or Raisins?== | ||
This false myth of "white raisins" originated from Christoph Luxenberg, a modern author writing under a pseudonym.<ref> | This false myth of "white raisins" originated from Christoph Luxenberg, a modern author writing under a pseudonym.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christoph_Luxenberg |title=Christoph Luxenberg |publisher=Wikipedia |author= |date=February 19, 2012 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christoph_Luxenberg&date=2012-02-19 |archivedate=2012-02-19 |deadurl=no}}</ref> His anti-Islamic claim,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Syro-Aramaic_Reading_of_the_Koran |title=The Syro-Aramaic Reading of the Koran |publisher=Wikipedia |author= |date=February 19, 2012 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Syro-Aramaic_Reading_of_the_Koran&date=2012-02-19 |archivedate=2012-02-19 |deadurl=no}}</ref> which has been accused of having a "Christian apologetic agenda",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livius.org/opinion/Luxenberg.htm |title=Missionary, dilettante or visionary? A review of Ch. Luxenberg, Die Syro-Aramäische Lesart des Qur'an |publisher=Livius |author=Richard Kroes |date=February 19, 2012 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.livius.org/opinion/Luxenberg.htm&date=2012-02-19 |archivedate=2012-02-19 |deadurl=no}}</ref> is that the Qur'an was drawn from [[Islam and the People of the Book|Christian]] Syro-Aramaic texts in the early 8<sup>th</sup> century, in order to evangelize the Arabs,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/7025?eng=y |title=The Virgins and the Grapes: the Christian Origins of the Koran |publisher=Chiesa press |author=Sandro Magister |date=March 17, 2004 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/7025?eng=y&date=2012-02-19 |archivedate=2012-02-19 |deadurl=no}}</ref> and that the Aramaic word 'hur' (white raisin) had been [[Mistranslated Verses|mistranslated]] by later Arab commentators into the Arabic word 'houri' (virgin).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/03/02/MN128985.DTL |title=Revisionist historians argue Koran has been mistranslated |publisher=New York Times |author=Alexander Stille |date=March 2, 2002 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/03/02/MN128985.DTL&date=2012-02-19 |archivedate=2012-02-19 |deadurl=no}}</ref> | ||
The Qur'an describes the physical characteristics of the houri in many places, and a reading of relevant verses show that Luxenberg's theory regarding heavenly white raisins is in error. | The Qur'an describes the physical characteristics of the houri in many places, and a reading of relevant verses show that Luxenberg's theory regarding heavenly white raisins is in error. | ||
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[[Suicide]] is clearly forbidden in Islam, but the [[The Islamic Ruling on the Permissibility of Martyrdom Operations|permissibility of martyrdom operations]] (Istishhad) is an altogether different topic, with scholars being split on the issue. | [[Suicide]] is clearly forbidden in Islam, but the [[The Islamic Ruling on the Permissibility of Martyrdom Operations|permissibility of martyrdom operations]] (Istishhad) is an altogether different topic, with scholars being split on the issue. | ||
Notable scholars and apologists such as Shaykh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, the world's most quoted independent Islamic jurist,<ref name="Faisal"> | Notable scholars and apologists such as Shaykh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, the world's most quoted independent Islamic jurist,<ref name="Faisal">{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2001/aug/28/comment.israelandthepalestinians |title=Bombing for God (Special report: Israel and the Middle East) |publisher=The Guardian |author=Faisal Bodi |date=August 28, 2001 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2001/aug/28/comment.israelandthepalestinians&date=2012-02-21 |archivedate=2012-02-21 |deadurl=no}}</ref> [[Dr.]] [[Zakir Naik]], known for his advocacy of "[[Islam and Science|Qur'anic science]]", and Tahir Ashrafi, the Chairman of the [[All Pakistan Ulema Council]], have justified the use of suicide bombing in Islam.<ref>Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi - [http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503545134 Palestinian Women Carrying Out Martyr Operations] - Islam Online, November 6, 2006</ref><ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtZxNqxpb8s Is Suicide Bombing allowed in Islam? By Dr. Zakir Naik] (a YouTube video posted by PeaceTVUK on September 20, 2008</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/9627-pakistan-ulema-permits-suicide-attacks |title=Pakistan Ulema Permits Suicide Attacks |publisher=TOLOnews |author=Abdul Haq Omari |date=March 2, 2013 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/9627-pakistan-ulema-permits-suicide-attacks&date=2013-03-05 |archivedate=2013-03-05 |deadurl=no}}</ref> Opinion polls have further shown that an [[Muslim Statistics (Terrorism)|extremely large number]] of Muslims from around the world support the practice.<ref name="Faisal"></ref><ref name="JP">Michael Freund - [http://web.archive.org/web/20070210015156/http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1167467849587&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull Right On: The straightforward arithmetic of jihad] - The Jerusalem Post, January 31, 2007</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/international/one_in_eight_uk_muslims_support_terrorist_attacks_1_517610 |title=One in eight UK Muslims 'support terrorist attacks' |publisher=Scotsman.com |author={{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20040412010339/http://web.mid-day.com/news/world/2004/march/79639.htm |title=65% Pakistanis support Osama, says report |publisher=Mid Day |author=Khalid A-H Ansari |date=March 27, 2004 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://web.archive.org/web/20040412010339/http://web.mid-day.com/news/world/2004/march/79639.htm&date=2012-02-11 |archivedate=2012-02-11 |deadurl=no}}</ref><ref> |date=March 15, 2004 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/international/one_in_eight_uk_muslims_support_terrorist_attacks_1_517610&date=2012-02-04 |archivedate=2012-02-04 |deadurl=no}}</ref> | ||
The Qur'an states that all Muslim males, not only martyrs, will be rewarded with virgins.<ref name="q56_36">"''Then We have made them virgins''" - {{Quran|56|36}}</ref> However, the Qur'an does also mention that those who [[The Meaning of Qatal|fight]] in the way of Allah ([[jihad]]) and get killed will be given a "great reward",<ref name="Sura4 74">"''Let those (believers) Who sell the life of this world for the hereafter fight in the cause of Allah and whoso fights in the cause of Allah, - and is slain or gets victory, We shall bestow on him a great reward.''" - {{Quran|4|74}}</ref> and there are also hasan (good) hadith<ref name="QA 8511"></ref> which refer to 72 virgins as one of the "seven blessings from Allah" to the martyr.<ref name="alMiqdaam"></ref> This has lead to the 72 virgins concept being widely used as a way to entice other Muslims into carrying out "martyrdom operations" for Islam. | The Qur'an states that all Muslim males, not only martyrs, will be rewarded with virgins.<ref name="q56_36">"''Then We have made them virgins''" - {{Quran|56|36}}</ref> However, the Qur'an does also mention that those who [[The Meaning of Qatal|fight]] in the way of Allah ([[jihad]]) and get killed will be given a "great reward",<ref name="Sura4 74">"''Let those (believers) Who sell the life of this world for the hereafter fight in the cause of Allah and whoso fights in the cause of Allah, - and is slain or gets victory, We shall bestow on him a great reward.''" - {{Quran|4|74}}</ref> and there are also hasan (good) hadith<ref name="QA 8511"></ref> which refer to 72 virgins as one of the "seven blessings from Allah" to the martyr.<ref name="alMiqdaam"></ref> This has lead to the 72 virgins concept being widely used as a way to entice other Muslims into carrying out "martyrdom operations" for Islam. | ||
This is witnessed in [[Palestinian Authority area|Palestine]], where the actions of a mother who sends her son to die as a martyr is sometimes seen as "marrying him off",<ref> | This is witnessed in [[Palestinian Authority area|Palestine]], where the actions of a mother who sends her son to die as a martyr is sometimes seen as "marrying him off",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=565 |title=The model Palestinian mother sends her son to die as Martyr, thereby marrying him off |publisher=Al-Hayat Al-Jadida |author= |date=January 8, 2012 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=565&date=2012-02-21 |archivedate=2012-02-21 |deadurl=no}}</ref> and where the concept is used in Friday sermons and [[music]] [[videos]], both airing on official television.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=565 |title=72 wives await the Martyrs for Allah: Six rewards quoted in Hamas TV sermon |publisher=Al-Aqsa TV (Hamas) |author= |date=January 1, 2010 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=565&date=2012-02-21 |archivedate=2012-02-21 |deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=565 |title=Beautiful virgins await Muslim Martyrs in Paradise |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=565&date=2012-02-21 |archivedate=2012-02-21 |deadurl=no}} - Palestinian TV (Fatah), February 7, 2010 (1 min)</ref> It has even been used in the [[United Kingdom]], where, in one event, Muslim teens were told to train with Kalashnikov rifles with the promise that the would receive 72 virgins in paradise if they died as religious martyrs.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2687797.stm British martyrs 'promised 72 virgins'] - BBC News, January 23, 2003</ref> | ||
Contrary to what the Qur'an, hadith, scholars and Muslims themselves say, a Western author named Margaret Nydell in a book that "promotes understanding between modern-day Arabs and Westerners", states that mainstream Muslims regard the belief of 72 virgins in the same way that mainstream Christians regard the belief that after death they will be issued with wings and a harp, and walk on clouds.<ref>{{cite book|title=Understanding Arabs: A Guide for Modern Times|author=Margaret Kleffner Nydell|pages=109|year=2006|publisher=Intercultural Press|isbn=1931930252}}</ref> | Contrary to what the Qur'an, hadith, scholars and Muslims themselves say, a Western author named Margaret Nydell in a book that "promotes understanding between modern-day Arabs and Westerners", states that mainstream Muslims regard the belief of 72 virgins in the same way that mainstream Christians regard the belief that after death they will be issued with wings and a harp, and walk on clouds.<ref>{{cite book|title=Understanding Arabs: A Guide for Modern Times|author=Margaret Kleffner Nydell|pages=109|year=2006|publisher=Intercultural Press|isbn=1931930252}}</ref> | ||
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The hadith literature compliment the Qur'anic text by specifying the exact number of virgins as 72 and providing us with detailed descriptions of their [[#Descriptions|characteristics]]. These narrations are not weak but vary in strength from good to authentic.<ref name="SP 4828"></ref><ref name="QA 8511"></ref><ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.islam.tc%2Fcgi-bin%2Faskimam%2Fask.pl%3Fq%3D7007%26act%3Dview&date=2012-01-09<!-- http://www.islam.tc/cgi-bin/askimam/ask.pl?q=7007&act=view --> The number of Hoors (70 or more) in Jannah for a Shaheed or a Jannathi is fixed by which hadeeth, and in which book] - Mufti Ebrahim Desai, Ask-Imam, Question No. 7007, October 29, 2002</ref> | The hadith literature compliment the Qur'anic text by specifying the exact number of virgins as 72 and providing us with detailed descriptions of their [[#Descriptions|characteristics]]. These narrations are not weak but vary in strength from good to authentic.<ref name="SP 4828"></ref><ref name="QA 8511"></ref><ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.islam.tc%2Fcgi-bin%2Faskimam%2Fask.pl%3Fq%3D7007%26act%3Dview&date=2012-01-09<!-- http://www.islam.tc/cgi-bin/askimam/ask.pl?q=7007&act=view --> The number of Hoors (70 or more) in Jannah for a Shaheed or a Jannathi is fixed by which hadeeth, and in which book] - Mufti Ebrahim Desai, Ask-Imam, Question No. 7007, October 29, 2002</ref> | ||
We are also given details on the physical attributes given to men to sustain 72 virgins, namely, [[Priapism - Permanent Erection|ever-erect penises]] that never soften<ref name="Ibn Majah 39"></ref><ref name="Al-Suyuti"></ref> and the sexual strength to satisfy 100.<ref name="al Janna"></ref><ref name="Masabih XLII"></ref><ref name=" Religious_Sciences5">"''Once a Jewish learned man came to the Prophet and asked him : Who will first cross the Bridge? He said : The poor refugees : The Jew asked again : When they will enter paradise, what food will be served to them first? He said : Roasts of the livers of fish. He asked again : What will be their morning lunch? He said : Cows of paradise will be slaughtered for them. He said : What drink will be given to them? He said They will be given drink of Salsabil. The Jew said : You have spoken the truth. Once a Jew asked the Prophet : Do you think that the inmates of paradise will eat and drink? The Prophet said Yes, by One in whose hand there is my life, each one of them will be given food, drink and strength of one hundred man to have sexual intercourse. The Jew asked : Will he have any necessity of passing urine and stools? The Prophet said : In place of urine and stool, perspiration will come out of them like camphor and as a result their stomach will be cleared therefor. ''" - Al Ghazzali, | We are also given details on the physical attributes given to men to sustain 72 virgins, namely, [[Priapism - Permanent Erection|ever-erect penises]] that never soften<ref name="Ibn Majah 39"></ref><ref name="Al-Suyuti"></ref> and the sexual strength to satisfy 100.<ref name="al Janna"></ref><ref name="Masabih XLII"></ref><ref name=" Religious_Sciences5">"''Once a Jewish learned man came to the Prophet and asked him : Who will first cross the Bridge? He said : The poor refugees : The Jew asked again : When they will enter paradise, what food will be served to them first? He said : Roasts of the livers of fish. He asked again : What will be their morning lunch? He said : Cows of paradise will be slaughtered for them. He said : What drink will be given to them? He said They will be given drink of Salsabil. The Jew said : You have spoken the truth. Once a Jew asked the Prophet : Do you think that the inmates of paradise will eat and drink? The Prophet said Yes, by One in whose hand there is my life, each one of them will be given food, drink and strength of one hundred man to have sexual intercourse. The Jew asked : Will he have any necessity of passing urine and stools? The Prophet said : In place of urine and stool, perspiration will come out of them like camphor and as a result their stomach will be cleared therefor. ''" - Al Ghazzali, {{cite web|url=http://www.nderf.org/islamic_views_death.htm |title=Ihya Uloom Ed-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences) Vol. 4 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.nderf.org/islamic_views_death.htm&date=2012-12-03 |archivedate=2012-12-03 |deadurl=no}}, The Book of Constructive Virtues 429</ref> | ||
Although it does say they will receive a "great reward",<ref name="Sura4 74"></ref> and there are also hasan hadith<ref name="QA 8511"></ref> which refer to 72 virgins as one of the "seven blessings from Allah" to the martyr,<ref name="alMiqdaam"></ref> the Qur'an does not specify these virgins are a reward for jihadists/martyrs, but rather for any Muslim male who gains admittance to Paradise.<ref name="q56_36"></ref> | Although it does say they will receive a "great reward",<ref name="Sura4 74"></ref> and there are also hasan hadith<ref name="QA 8511"></ref> which refer to 72 virgins as one of the "seven blessings from Allah" to the martyr,<ref name="alMiqdaam"></ref> the Qur'an does not specify these virgins are a reward for jihadists/martyrs, but rather for any Muslim male who gains admittance to Paradise.<ref name="q56_36"></ref> | ||
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; Articles | ; Articles | ||
* | * {{external_link|url=http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/538.htm |title='72 Black Eyed Virgins': A Muslim Debate on the Rewards of Martyrs |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/538.htm&date=2012-02-23 |archivedate=2012-02-23 |deadurl=no}} | ||
* | * {{external_link|url=http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2329/does-the-koran-really-promise-islamic-martyrs-72-virgins |title=Does the Koran really promise Islamic martyrs 72 virgins? |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2329/does-the-koran-really-promise-islamic-martyrs-72-virgins&date=2012-02-23 |archivedate=2012-02-23 |deadurl=no}} | ||
* | * {{external_link|url=http://www.answering-islam.org/Responses/Abualrub/allah_brothel.htm |title=Have You Been Invited to Allah’s Brothel? |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.answering-islam.org/Responses/Abualrub/allah_brothel.htm&date=2012-02-23 |archivedate=2012-02-23 |deadurl=no}} | ||
* | * {{external_link|url=http://www.answering-islam.org/Quran/Versions/078.033.html |title=Muslim Mastectomy or The Miracle of Disappearing Breasts |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.answering-islam.org/Quran/Versions/078.033.html&date=2012-02-23 |archivedate=2012-02-23 |deadurl=no}} | ||
;Videos | ;Videos | ||
* | * {{external_link|url=http://weaselzippers.typepad.com/blog/2009/09/video-saudi-cleric-extols-the-virtues-of-allahs-virgins-in-paradise-they-are-white-women-who-are-men.html |title=Saudi Cleric Extols the Virtues of Allah's Virgins in Paradise, "They are White Women who are Menstruation-Free, Free of Feces, Urine, Phlegm" |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://weaselzippers.typepad.com/blog/2009/09/video-saudi-cleric-extols-the-virtues-of-allahs-virgins-in-paradise-they-are-white-women-who-are-men.html&date=2012-02-23 |archivedate=2012-02-23 |deadurl=no}} | ||
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5pqQIyQfa8 72 wives await the Martyrs for Allah: Six rewards quoted in Hamas TV sermon] | * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5pqQIyQfa8 72 wives await the Martyrs for Allah: Six rewards quoted in Hamas TV sermon] | ||
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aolf7qrTM1E ABC's Islam Deception--Part One: Raisins or Virgins in Paradise?] | * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aolf7qrTM1E ABC's Islam Deception--Part One: Raisins or Virgins in Paradise?] | ||
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;Muslim links: | ;Muslim links: | ||
* | * {{external_link|url=http://theuglytruth.wordpress.com/2007/03/04/debunking-the-suicide-for-72-virgins-myth/ |title=Debunking the ‘Suicide for 72 Virgins’ Myth |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://theuglytruth.wordpress.com/2007/03/04/debunking-the-suicide-for-72-virgins-myth/&date=2012-02-23 |archivedate=2012-02-23 |deadurl=no}} ''(see [[#Responses_to_Apologetics|Response]] section above)'' | ||
;Humor | ;Humor | ||