The word "houries" refers to the virginal companions promised to Muslim men in Paradise. It is pronounced as ['haʊri:z] with the first syllable pronounced like the word "how" and the second syllable pronounced like the word "ree" with a stretched out "r" sound. The spelling of this word may seem tricky, but it follows the common English pattern of adding the suffix "-ies" to a word that ends in a consonant followed by a "y". In this case, the word "hour" becomes "houries" with the addition of "-ies".
The term "houries" is derived from the Arabic word "hūr" which means "beautiful women". It refers to the concept of celestial beings, specifically blessed and beautiful women, mentioned in Islamic mythology. According to Islamic belief, houries are created by Allah and are reserved as rewards for the righteous believers in paradise.
In Islamic tradition, houries are described as ethereal, pure, and possessing exceptional beauty and youth. They are depicted with large, wide-set eyes and are said to have a radiant glow. The number of houries granted to a believer is believed to be abundant, with descriptions ranging from tens to thousands. It is suggested that houries possess qualities that surpass the beauty and charm of any mortal being.
The concept of houries is closely associated with descriptions of paradise in the Quran and Hadith (teachings of the Prophet Muhammad). They are believed to serve as companions and rewards for those who have fulfilled their religious obligations on Earth. The purpose of houries is to bring eternal joy, pleasure, and companionship to believers in the afterlife.
While the term "houries" is primarily used in the context of Islamic theology and mythology, it should be noted that interpretations and beliefs regarding these celestial beings may vary within different Islamic traditions.
The word "houries" is derived from the Arabic term "ḥūr" (حور), which means "houris" or "companions of paradise" in Islamic theology. It refers to beautiful, pure and perpetual virgins who are promised to be the rewards in paradise for righteous men who follow the teachings of Islam. The term has been used in literature and poetry to depict these celestial beings. However, it is important to note that the concept of houris is specific to Islamic beliefs and may not have an exact equivalent in other languages or cultures.