KURAN-I KERİM`DE GEÇEN CENNET İLE İLGİLİ BAZI AYETLER VE

THE VERSES THAT DESCRIBE THE HEAVEN IN QUR`AN AND ISLAMIC GARDEN
EHLA 2014 Edirne/International Workshop on Evaluation of Historical Landscapes & Cultural Heritages
Zeynep Nur SARIGÖZ
Consultants; Prof. Dr. Murat Ertuğrul YAZGAN, Dr. Ömer Lütfü ÇORBACI
ANKARA UNIVERSITY-FACULTY OF AGRICULTURAL- DEPARTMENT OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
INTRODUCTION
There are many verses that describe the heaven in Qur`an. It can be observed from these verses, the essential characteristics of Islamic garden reflect the heaven in Qur`an. The gardens of
palace that have been constructed by Muslims to the Earth are like describing the heaven. For example, taking into consideration of very often mentioning `rivers`, `non-stop flowing
water`, water has an important part for Islamic garden. At the Islamic civilization the garden and the plants inside because of evoking God, the heaven and beauty of created have
important place. Throughout the history of Islamic civilization garden concept and what it has inside have significant value due to the droughty lands where mostly Muslims have lived on.
The Muslims where have lived in impassable deserts and parching conditions have always appreciated the tranquilizer effect of water flow, solitary oasis greenery and artificial gardens
with colorful flowers and surrounded walls.
In order to group the verses in Qur`an that depicting the heaven
1. Running river at the bottom, higher mansions that being built on each other’s (ezZumar, 39/20), beautiful dwellings (At-Tawbah 9/72)
2. `To the utmost green` (Surat ar-Rahman, 64), plenty of plant and fruit which smell
nice and look good with pendulous branches that full of different kinds of fruits
which are easily picking (er-Rahman, 55/58-54)
3. `…neither scorching sun nor freezing cold…`, `…neither hot nor cold, balanced
shadow…`
These verses are the most important factor for the basis of Islamic garden and design of
garden.
1.
One of the most speaking of natural beauties in the heaven verses is `non-stop running water` (In fact the Qur'an, 31). As it can be observed from the daily life, human spirit enjoys
water especially running water. A lake, a river or a waterfall, a brook running in the forest are welcomed by human spirit. Lakes, pools and fountains, natural or artificial rivers that
have been built to the gardens of palace, mansion, estate or villas aim to satisfy the human soul. As it can be understood from the verse `the one who has godliness will be at the
heaven and next to water`, (Surat al-Hijr, 45) the believers live at such places in the heaven. Similarly in another verse `no doubt that who is in cui will be at the shadows and next to
the rivers` (Mursalat 41) says. Mentioned shadow is designed specifically with the intent of sitting and watching the beauties. The shadows like heaven mansions have been founded
higher. Thus looking from upper sides to down, varied details at the same perspective can be seen. Giving importance to water in the Islamic garden is because of which verses are
explained above. Also the reason why terraces are using in Islamic garden is because of the longing to heaven.
2.
Another peculiar natural beauty of the heaven is the gardens that are mentioned in verses. In surah of Shura, 22th verse has mentioned `heaven garden` which are prepared for just
the Believers. The feature of these gardens is that covering the plenty of natural beauties in a harmony. At these garden the most fragile and fragrant plants from the different part of
the world are grown. The gardens are beautified with different size of trees, `to the utmost greenery` areas (Surat ar-Rahman, 64), plants and flowers, at some places pools and
fountains. The fruit trees can be seen like a symbol of heaven with `loaded and twisted branches` (Surah Al-Waqia, 28), and `the full of hanging fruits` (In fact the Qur'an, 29) are said.
The main reason of having especially fruit trees (pomegranate, grape, fig) and very green areas is to create heaven on the Earth.
3.
The heaven is described as `…neither scorching sun nor freezing cold…`(Qur'an, 13), and its nice climate don’t make people unpleasant. There aren’t the air condition which makes
people hot and sweaty or thrilling and chilling. God will let the Believers at heaven `neither ht nor cold, balanced shadow`(Surat an-Nisa, 57). While the term `balanced shadow` in this
verse means that the climate will be so wanted and be so comfortable; actually, the conditions and ambiance at the heaven is optimal for human soul to be saturated with. The trees
that have been used in Islamic garden are standing in the forefront in terms of shadow. The reason is based on the description of the heaven in Qur`an.
RESULTS:
After the analysis of every verses related to heaven are categorized. The grouped ones were examined separately and the effects on Islamic garden has mentioned. The people who want
to heaven on the Earth, due to Qur`an reflects the order, the orderly design perspective has been needed. Due to mentioning water, green and fruit trees, water elements as a crucial one
were used, green areas were composed and mentioned fruit trees have been at the gardens.
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