وَحورٌ عينٌ

And wide-eyed houris.

EXEGESIS

Ḥūr is the plural of ḥawrāʾ (feminine) or aḥwar (masculine).^{‎[1]Maʿrifat, Shubuhāt wa Rudūd, p. 198.} ʿĪn is the plural of ʿaynāʾ (feminine) or aʿyan (masculine). Ḥūrun ʿīn is often translated as wide-eyed houris, or houris with a highlighted contrast between the dark and white part of their eyes. Both meanings would be a description of their beautiful eyes. It can also be interpreted as those in whom the eyes are dazzled and fascinated (where ḥūr would be from the root ḥāra, and ʿīn would mean eyes).^{‎[2]Tabari, 27/102.}

However, it is more appropriate and plausible to interpret what is meant here by matching it with the other descriptions of heavenly spouses in the Quran. Ḥūr and ʿīn are always coupled together in the Quran, except for one verse where ḥūr is coupled with a different description. This description can be used to interpret ʿīn: Houris secluded (maqṣūrāt) in pavilions (55:72). Therefore, ʿīn means spouses who are restrained or protected in terms of sight (qāṣirāt al-ṭarf, as in 37:48, 38:52, 55:56). This could either mean that their eyes are restrained from looking at that which is unlawful or unbefitting, or that they are protected from the sight of outsiders. Likewise, ḥūr can be matched with the quality that is coupled with qāṣirāt al-ṭarf: In them are maidens of restrained glances, whom no human has touched before, nor jinn (55:56). In other words, ḥūr refers to their utmost purity and chastity, and ʿīn refers to their protection from outsiders, which also emphasises their attribute of purity.

Hence, these two attributes match two very distinct and noble qualities that are found in many other verses that describe heavenly wives: 1. They are chaste mates (2:25, 3:15, 4:57; also see 55:56, 55:74). 2. They are maidens of restrained glances (37:48, 38:52, 55:56). This interpretation also matches the lexical meanings of the two terms. Ḥawwara means to cleanse something and make it white. Thus is the word ḥawāriyyūn, which refers to the pure and sincere disciples of Prophet Jesus (a).^{‎[3]Lisan, under ḥ-w-r.} And ʿīn is from the root ʿayn, meaning eye. This interpretation, though not discussed by the exegetes, has much Quranic support, and is a much deeper and nobler treatment of the Quran (as opposed to interpreting these qualities as merely matters of physical beauty which some may not find attractive). The next verse also strengthens this interpretation of ḥūr and ʿīn to their purity and protection: Like covered pearls.

This verse apparently involves an omitted verb: And [for them there will be] wide-eyed houris.^{‎[4]Tibyan, 9/493.} It is also possible that the and goes back to They will be waited upon by immortal youths (verse 17), meaning that they will also be circled and circumambulated by wide-eyed houris.^{‎[5]Furqan, 28/69.}

EXPOSITION

Another great bounty in paradise is houris or heavenly wives that are well guarded and protected: In it there will be chaste mates for them (2:25). These chaste, courteous, and modest spouses are for those who guard their eyes and private parts in this world: Tell the faithful men to cast down their looks and to guard their private parts … And tell the faithful women to cast down their looks and to guard their private parts (24:30-31).

[1] Maʿrifat, Shubuhāt wa Rudūd, p. 198.
[2] Tabari, 27/102.
[3] Lisan, under ḥ-w-r.
[4] Tibyan, 9/493.
[5] Furqan, 28/69.