The true mystery of the Hur lies within one's own self.

 

The true mystery of the Hur lies within one's own self.

Hur is an Arabic word. It means an apsara, purity, etc. In the literal sense, it refers to an extremely beautiful woman with the white part of the eyes like milk and the black part like coal. According to popular belief, Hur refers to the beautiful women designated for the people of Paradise.

Allah Ta'ala has declared in the Holy Qur'an, "There, for them (the inhabitants of Paradise), there will be Hur, restrained, with beautiful eyes, like pearls, kept in perfection, as a reward for what they used to do." (Surah Al-Waqiah, Ayat 22-24).

"Indeed, I have created them (the Hur) in a special way. I have made them virgins, chaste, and of equal age, for the companions on the right." (Surah Al-Waqiah, Ayat 35-38).

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The inhabitants of Paradise will hear a slight sound from the Hur when they are approaching. Then, they will be overjoyed and rush towards their awaited companions to embrace them and bring them inside, saying, 'O beloved, you are my dearest friend. I am pleased and satisfied with you, and I will never be displeased with you.'" (Daqa'iqul Akhbar, page 185).

In addition to the descriptions in the Holy Qur'an and Hadith, through the practice of Tasawwuf, one can also find a beautiful connection with the Hur in their personal spiritual journey. The Hur refers to the purified soul. When a person purifies their soul through spiritual practice, they experience the soul in the form of an incredibly beautiful woman. When this soul is freed from the negative qualities and unites with the spirit, it surrenders to the spirit and accepts it as its guide and protector. It is then directed by the spirit and is always content with it, saying, "O my essence! Guide me in whatever way you wish. I will never disobey you." This purified soul, when found as a companion, brings great peace to the soul. It is through the soul that a person's dignity is established. Due to the good deeds of the soul, one can reach the ultimate state of Fana fi Allah (annihilation in Allah) through spiritual practice, or the soul's negative deeds can lead to a person's ruin. A person who succeeds in purifying their soul becomes one of Allah's beloved friends. On the other hand, if the soul is not purified, that person becomes accursed.

In short, the spiritual progress or decline of a person depends on the improvement or degradation of the soul. Therefore, when the soul is completely purified and aligned with the Divine, the inner peace that a spiritual practitioner attains is unsurpassed, and as a result, they achieve a high status.

This is the mystery of attaining Hur in Paradise.

Book: Allah, Which Path?