The Metaphysical Aesthetics in Islam: Examining Pleasures of Paradise in Islamic Traditions with reference to Sensory Experience in this World

Abstract

In Islam, the metaphysical aesthetic investigates the nexus between beauty, aesthetics, and spirituality, and how beauty and aesthetics can help people connect with the divine. One of its prime examples is the ultimate beauty and perfection of paradise in the form of exquisite gardens, magnificent architecture, and splendid sceneries. The purpose of this academic work is a) to demonstrate the key concepts in Islamic metaphysical aesthetic and its role in connecting with divine. b) to examine the nature of pleasures of paradise with respect to their sensation in this world. c) to conduct comparative analysis between worldly and heavenly pleasures on qualitative and quantitative grounds. Qualitative and descriptive research approach is employed in this work. The data is primarily collected from the original sources of Islam (Quran and Sunnah) and is analyzed by content analysis and comparative analysis techniques. The review of literature concludes that beauty and pleasures of paradise motivate believers to strengthen their faith, improve their ethics and connect with divine. The sensory experience of pleasures of Paradise in this world is revealed and highlighted in Islamic tradition. Moreover, the believers will enjoy different types of eternal pleasures in Paradise such as physical, spiritual, emotional, social, and aesthetical. However, the most superb experience will be the spiritual one, where believers will connect with the divine on a deep and intimate level. The comparative analysis uncovers that the worldly and heavenly pleasures are different in nature, source, quality, and quantity. The pleasures of Paradise have qualitative and quantitative preferences over the worldly pleasures. Muslim scholars should promote the appreciation and preservation of Islamic metaphysical aesthetics on both: theoretical and practical grounds. It can be done using different means such as research, art, architecture, electronic and print media etc.