Islamic Scholars Say Quran Mistranslated: Martyrs for Islam Get 'Raisins,' Not 'Virgins'

Children refugees in Amman
Children at the refugee camp in Amman away from their parents. The dilemma brough by extremism, which scholars said sprang by twisted interpretation of Quran Photo: Reuters

Is martyrdom in Quran a deception? Islamic scholars answered it with a "yes," but American renown radio host Rush Limbaugh thinks the matter of interpretation will remain unsettled. 

The Arabic word in Quran in question has been interpreted to mean "virgin" - heaven's price for martyrdom. However, Quran scholars were startled to realize that it's actually "raisins," not "virgins." If it is accurate, extremism is more curseable, and that jihadists have been fighting for veiled lies.

These bamboozlement have for years cost many lives around the world, and destroyed countries like Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

Irshad Manji, a Canadian author and Quran scholar, said these Islamic beliefs, which is a mistranslation, fuels militant's quest for martyrdom, and hatred against the West and America.

"Nowhere in the Quran does it promise 72 virgins, 70 virgins, 48 virgins. The Arabic word for virgin has been mistranslated. The original [word] that was used in the Quran was the word for raisin, not virgin. In other words, that martyrs would get raisins in heaven, not virgins," Manji said in a show "Why They Hate Us" hosted by Fareed Zakari on CNN. 

His contention reinforced the admission of Nahdlatul Ulama, world's largest Muslim organization based in Indonesia, that there are wrong Islamic teachings, and extremism sprang from these mistakes.

While they condemned extremism especially the ISIS and Al-Queda, the group is pushing for a revision of Islamic teaching.

Limbaugh said he did his own research and found out that Arabic word interpreted by jihadists to mean "virgin" is truly contested.

"What Islamist leaders are promising their would-be martyrs is actually a 180-degree skewing of truth, and I'd like to be there when they tell them this..Uh, sorry. Not virgins. You were misinformed. Here are the 73 raisins that you envisioned," he said on his radio program.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.