BHISTA (BAHISHTA) He holds fasts, offers prayers and recites Kalimah, in this way Bhista (Bahishta) or heaven cannot be achieved….. Having comprehended himself, if one tries to know? others, then he can become a resident of Bhista….. (Asa Kabir, p. 480) You are impure and are not conscious about the Pure Lord, you have not known His secret. Kabir says you have thus missed Bhista and your mind is in consonance with Dojaka (Dozakha—hell). (Prabhati Kabir, p. 1350) Bhista or Bahishta is the heaven Qannat) of Muslims as described in the Koran.
This paradise is a place that gives pleasure through each of the senses. Its inhabitants shall have fruit which they consider the best and also the flesh of the fowl that they desire. The faithful meets the young beautiful damsels there, who are known as houris. In Guru Granth Sahib, we find their mention on page 1084. According to the Sikh Scripture, that person can only be a resident of Bahishta, who comprehends his Pir\’s or Guru\’s discipline. (Maru M. 5, p. 1084). See : Houri
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh ed, Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
1. Bhista in Islamic Thought
Bhista (from the Arabic word Jannah, meaning “garden”) is the Islamic concept of paradise, a place of ultimate reward for those who have lived a life of faith and righteousness. It is mentioned extensively in the Qur’an and Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad) with vivid descriptions:
Physical Bliss: Bhista is described as an eternal abode of gardens with rivers of water, milk, honey, and wine. It offers comfort, peace, and companionship, symbolizing divine generosity.
Spiritual Fulfillment: More than physical pleasures, Bhista represents closeness to Allah. The ultimate joy for believers in Bhista is the opportunity to witness Allah’s presence.
Levels of Paradise: Islamic teachings mention multiple levels of Bhista, with rewards based on one’s deeds and devotion. For example, Firdaus is considered the highest level.
Moral Reminder: Bhista serves as motivation for moral and spiritual discipline. The Qur’an emphasizes that entry into Bhista is granted through Allah’s mercy, coupled with good deeds.
2. Bhista in Sikhism
In Sikhism, Bhista is less of a physical destination and more of a metaphorical or spiritual concept. It aligns with Sikh philosophy’s focus on inner realization and union with the divine:
Union with God: Bhista represents a state of divine bliss and liberation (Mukti), achieved by living according to the teachings of the Gurus and meditating on God’s name (Naam Simran).
Rejection of Rituals: Sikhism critiques the idea of attaining paradise through rituals or outward displays of faith. Instead, it focuses on ethical living, devotion, and selflessness.
Heaven on Earth: The Guru Granth Sahib often emphasizes that paradise can be experienced in life itself when one’s mind is attuned to God’s will (Hukam).
Key Contrasts
While both traditions reference Bhista as a realm of ultimate fulfillment, their approaches differ:
- Islam describes Bhista as a physical and spiritual paradise granted after judgment.
- Sikhism views Bhista as a metaphorical state of union with the divine, experienced either during life or after death.
Bhista in both traditions inspires believers to strive for goodness, piety, and spiritual growth.
