User:Sdolphin02/Paradise

References to Paradise (Jannah) in the Qur'an
The Qur'an contains multiple passages in which Paradise, or 'Jannah', is referred to. The Holy Book contains 166 references to gardens, of which nineteen mention Jannah, connoting both images of paradise through gardens, water features, and fruit-bearing trees. Due to a lack of concrete evidence, it cannot be known for definite that certain artistic choices were made with the intention of reflecting the Qur'anic definition of paradise. However, there are many instances where it can be deduced that certain elements of Islamic art and architecture were in fact intended to create a reflection of paradise on Earth.

Passages from the Qur'an referencing paradise
"The semblance of Paradise (Jannah) promised the pious and devout (is that of a garden) with streams of water that will not go rank, and rivers of milk whose taste will not undergo a change, and rivers of wine delectable to drinkers, and streams of purified honey, and fruits of every kind in them, and forgiveness from their Lord." (47:15)."

Other instances where paradise is mentioned in the Qur'an includes descriptions of springs, silk garments, embellished carpets and women with beautiful eyes. This elements can also be seen depicting within Islamic art and architecture.

Historical evidence does support the claim that certain Islamic garden structures and mosaics, particularly Spanish, Persian and Indian, were intended to mirror a scene of paradise as described in the Qur'an.

The Alhambra, Court of the Lions, Grenada, Spain
The structural layout of the gardens of the Alhambra in Grenada, embodies the idea of water as a symbol of representing paradise within Islamic gardens. In particular, the Courtyard of the Lions, which follows the Quarter Garden, or the Chahar-Bagh layout, typical to Islamic gardens, features a serene water fountain at its centre. The fountain is carved with stone lions, with the water emerging from the mouths of these lions. The static nature of the locally sourced water features within the Courtyard of the Lions at the Alhambra, adds to the atmosphere of serenity and stillness which is typical of Islamic gardens that utilise water features, resembling the image of paradise as found in the Qur'an.

Tomb Gardens as Representing Paradise
There is not yet concrete evidence that Islamic Gardens were solely intended to represent images of paradise. However, it can be deduced from certain inscriptions and intentions of structures, that creating an atmosphere of divinity and serenity were part of the artists' intentions.

Toms became the metaphorical paradise on Earth for Islamic structures and gardens; they were a place of eternal peace where devout followers of God could rest.

The Taj Mahal
Upon the exterior of the tomb mausoleum of the Taj Mahal, inscriptions of Qur'anic passages adorn the exterior, encasing the iwans, rehearsing passages of eschatological themes, referencing the Day of Judgement and paradise. Similarly, the placement of the tomb structure within the waterscape garden environment heightens the conceptual relationship between tomb gardens and a place of paradise as discussed in the Qur'an.

Mosaic representations of paradise within Islamic Architecture
Preserved historical writings from an interview with the artisan of the Prophet's Mosque at Medina between 705 and 715, revealed how the mosaic depictions of gardens within this mosque were in fact created "according to the picture of the Tree of Paradise and its palaces". Structures that are similarly adorned with naturalistic mosaics, and were created during the same period as the Prophet's Mosque at Medina, can be said to have the same intended affect.

The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
Constructed between 690 and 692, the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem features a large-scale mosaic on the interior of the domed structure. It is likely that this richly embellished and detailed mosaic was intended to replicate an image of paradise, featuring fruit-bearing trees, vegetal motifs and flowing rivers. Accompanied by a calligraphic frieze, the mosaic depicts symmetrical and vegetal vine scrolls, surrounded by trees of blue, green and turquoise mosaic. Jewel-like embellishments as well as gold pigment completes the mosaic. Not only did mosaics of this kind seek to reflect paradise as described in the Qur'an, but they were also thought to represent and proclaim Muslim victories.

The Great Mosque of Damascus, Syria
In a similar instance, the mosaic within the Great Mosque of Damascus, constructed within a similar timeframe, features the most prominent elements of a paradisiacal garden as described in the Qur'an. Therefore, it would not be unreasonable to suggest that the mosaic on the exterior facade of the Mosque of Damascus, was similarly intended to replicate an image of paradise in the viewers' mind.