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Houri Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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houri

[หˆhสŠษ™ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

Islamic belief

A houri is a beautiful maiden in Islamic tradition, often described as a companion and reward in paradise for the faithful. They are often depicted as having wide, dark eyes and an alluring appearance. In various Islamic texts, houris are associated with the pleasures of heaven and are deemed to possess eternal beauty.

Synonyms

heavenly companions, paradisiacal maidens.

Examples of usage

  • The believers were promised houris in the afterlife.
  • In art, houris are often portrayed with ethereal features.
  • Many verses in the Quran describe the attributes of houris.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Religious Significance

  • In Islamic tradition, houris are often described as rewards in paradise for those who lead a virtuous life.
  • Different interpretations exist among Islamic scholars regarding the nature and significance of houris in religious texts.
  • The concept of houris has led to various cultural depictions in art and literature throughout history.

Cultural Representations

  • Various artists and writers have depicted houris, often representing them as symbols of temptation and divine beauty.
  • In Persian literature, houris are described not just as beautiful beings, but also embodying grace, purity, and affection.
  • Modern interpretations in cinema or literature sometimes challenge traditional views, exploring themes of desire and spirituality.

Psychological Aspects

  • The idea of houris can reflect collective desires for companionship and beauty in various cultures.
  • Some psychological theories suggest that the portrayal of houris taps into human fantasies related to love and the afterlife.
  • Explorations of houris in literature may represent an idealized version of beauty, challenging real-world perceptions.

Literature

  • Houris appear in classic texts like the Quran, which describes them as eternally young and beautiful.
  • Their character has been analyzed in modern literature, often exploring themes of gender and desire.
  • Authors often use the symbol of the houri to challenge or affirm cultural narratives about beauty and virtue.

Origin of 'houri'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'houri' originates from the Arabic word 'แธฅลซrฤซ', which refers to maidens with beautiful eyes.
  • Historically, the word represents a concept of pure, celestial beauty regarded in Islamic culture.
  • In early texts, the term was associated with the idea of beautiful companions or partners in an afterlife.

The word 'houri' derives from the Arabic term 'ุญูˆุฑูŠุฉ' (แธฅลซrฤซyah), which originally refers to a beautiful young woman or maiden. This term is linked to the root word 'แธฅลซr,' which means 'white' or 'fair,' emphasizing the beauty of these figures. The concept of houris features prominently in Islamic eschatology, where they are described as rewards for righteous believers in an idyllic afterlife. The depiction of houris has evolved over centuries, influenced by various cultural interpretations and artistic portrayals in Muslim literature and visual arts, where they symbolize purity, beauty, and the joys of Paradise.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,837, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.