By Dr. Maxwell Shimba | Shimba Ministries International
Originally Published: Sunday, May 22, 2016
Abstract
This essay presents a theological critique of gender inequality in the Islamic vision of paradise as depicted in the Qur'an. The author contrasts the Christian vision of salvation through Jesus Christ—characterized by equality, dignity, and spiritual unity across genders—with the Qur'anic depiction of paradise, which appears to favor men and marginalize women, especially those of African descent. The central argument is posed in the form of three theological questions directed at African Muslim women, aiming to stimulate scripturally grounded dialogue and invite reconsideration of the claims made in Islamic eschatology regarding gender.
Introduction: The Promise of Christ vs. the Rewards of Islam
Before presenting my theological inquiry, I wish to share the promises of Jesus Christ—who lived over 570 years before the Prophet Muhammad—as they relate to gender equality and the afterlife. Jesus Christ spoke of a kingdom not built upon earthly desires or human hierarchies, but one where men and women are equal inheritors of divine glory:
Luke 20:34-36
Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.”
The teaching of Jesus emphasizes a genderless equality in the Kingdom of God, where marital status is irrelevant and all are like angels. Jesus offers a future where both men and women are considered co-heirs of the divine promise, regardless of race or status.
Galatians 3:27-29
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
In this Kingdom—one of righteousness and justice—none are prioritized based on gender. Even the patriarchs of the faith, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, await the company of both men and women who have trusted in Christ:
Matthew 8:11
“I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”
Those who practiced unrighteousness, regardless of status or religious affiliation, will be cast out, for Christ demands holiness:
Luke 13:27-29
“I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!” There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.
The Qur’anic Description of Paradise: A Male-Centric Vision
Let us now consider the Islamic depiction of paradise, as revealed by Muhammad in the Qur’an. Below are selected passages from the Qur’an that outline the rewards promised primarily to male believers.
Surah Ar-Rahman 55:56
“In them (Gardens) will be maidens with restrained glances, whom no man or jinn has ever touched.”
Here, paradise offers virginal women—never touched by man or jinn—as companions to male believers. These women are not earthly women, not those who have lived, suffered, or borne children. This implicitly excludes the average African Muslim woman who may have been married, widowed, or abused.
Surah At-Tur 52:20
“Reclining on thrones lined up, We will marry them to fair women with wide, lovely eyes.”
Surah As-Saffat 37:48–49
“And with them will be companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes, like preserved pearls.”
These descriptions suggest that:
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Only specific types of women—fair-skinned and with large eyes—will populate paradise.
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These women have not been touched by men or jinn.
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These women are created for men; there is no reciprocal promise to believing women.
In these verses, there is no mention of African women—especially not women with African features—or any promise that women themselves will receive partners created for their pleasure.
Three Theological Questions for African Muslim Women
Based on these Qur’anic promises, I pose three scripturally focused questions to my Muslim sisters, especially those of African heritage:
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Is there any verse in the Qur’an that specifically promises that you—as African Muslim women—will be married in paradise?
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Is there any verse that promises that you will receive male partners who have never touched women or jinn?
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Is there any verse that promises that you will be transformed to have large eyes like goblets or resemble preserved eggs, so that you may be equally glorified like the fair maidens promised to men?
If the answer to all these questions is “No,” then I humbly and without hostility invite you to examine the teachings of Jesus Christ, who offers an eternal kingdom without gender bias, without racial discrimination, and without favoritism. In His kingdom, men and women are co-heirs, and all who believe in Him—regardless of background—shall be saved.
Conclusion: The Invitation to Christ's Egalitarian Kingdom
The vision of paradise in the Christian gospel is not rooted in carnal desire, nor does it elevate one gender over another. It is a Kingdom based on faith, love, and holiness—a Kingdom where neither African women nor any other people group is forgotten or marginalized.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
— Matthew 5:8
This message is not shared out of antagonism, but out of sincere love for truth and justice. Therefore, I kindly ask Muslim scholars and believers alike: please respond not with emotion, but with evidence from the Qur’an—if it exists.
Until then, I affirm with peace:
Come to Jesus, who welcomes all.
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Ministries International
May 22, 2016
Watakabahu.
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