Why 72 virgins?
The concept of "72 virgins" comes from certain interpretations of Islamic teachings, particularly in reference to the rewards for martyrs in paradise. It is commonly associated with hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) and not explicitly mentioned in the Quran.
The idea is drawn from a particular hadith, which suggests that male martyrs would be rewarded in paradise with
"houri", described as pure, beautiful companions. In some interpretations, these houris are understood to be 72 virgins, although the exact number and nature of these rewards have been debated by scholars.
It's important to note that many modern Islamic scholars challenge the literal interpretation of this concept. They argue that such descriptions of paradise are symbolic, intended to convey a sense of ultimate happiness, fulfillment, and reward rather than literal physical experiences. The number "72" may also have symbolic meaning, representing abundance or completeness in certain traditions.
This notion has been widely sensationalized in popular culture and media, often in a way that distorts or oversimplifies Islamic eschatology.
Any magical connection to the number 72?
Yes, the number 72 holds symbolic and mystical significance in various religious, esoteric, and cultural traditions throughout history. Here are a few examples of its mystical and "magical" connotations:
1. Kabbalistic Tradition
- 72 Names of God: In Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah), there is a belief in the "72 Names of God," which are derived from a particular set of verses in the Book of Exodus (Exodus 14:19-21). These names are considered to have mystical powers and are used in meditative and magical practices within Kabbalah.
- Angelic Associations: There are also references to 72 angels corresponding to the names of God, who are believed to assist in spiritual and magical practices. These angels are considered powerful intermediaries between God and humans.
2. Astrological and Cosmological Significance
- Precession of the Equinoxes: The number 72 is significant in astronomy and astrology due to the phenomenon known as the precession of the equinoxes. It takes approximately 72 years for the position of the stars to shift by 1 degree due to this slow movement of Earth's axis. This number has thus been linked to cosmic cycles and is often associated with broader astrological and mystical systems.
3. Egyptian Mythology
- In ancient Egyptian mythology, the god Osiris was said to have been betrayed and killed by 72 conspirators. This number is sometimes interpreted as having a symbolic meaning related to cycles of death and rebirth in Egyptian cosmology.
4. Numerology
- In numerology, 72 is often reduced (7 + 2 = 9), and the number 9 is seen as a number of completion, spiritual enlightenment, and the culmination of cycles.
5. Christian and Islamic Mysticism
- In Christianity, 72 is the number of disciples sent out by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 10:1).
- In some interpretations of Islamic mysticism, the number 72 represents various cosmic and spiritual truths, although this isn't as central as it is in Kabbalah or other traditions.
6. Magic and the Occult
- In Western esotericism and some occult traditions, the number 72 has been used in rituals, magical squares, and other forms of symbolic magic due to its association with divine or cosmic order, stemming from its ancient mystical roots.
In these contexts, the number 72 is often seen as representing divine order, balance, and the interplay between the physical and spiritual realms. Its appearance in various religious and mystical traditions suggests a symbolic significance that transcends specific cultural boundaries.
