Why does the Qur’an place such great emphasis on gardens and/or feasts?
From prior knowledge of the Islam, followers of this religion attend Hajj, which is a pilgrimage to Mecca. Throughout this journey, the people are required to fast as they would for Muslim holidays such as Ramadan, follow the rules of Islam, and pray multiple times a day. The Qur’an states that in order to fulfil your obligations, you may only consume the food announced to you. “You are forbidden to kill game while you are on pilgrimage… do not violate the Sacred Month, the offerings, the garlands, nor those going to the Sacred House to seek bounty or pleasure on their lord (The Feast, 74).” The Qur’an places such great emphasis on feasts because within the month on the pilgrimage, one must show respect to God as well as be pure when entering God’s home. It is forbidden to eat pig’s meat or meat from any type of animal that has been strangled or a victim of violent blow or fall but it must be slaughtered in the correct manner. Those who follow Islam must abide by the rules of God and if they shall not do so, they will be on the wrong path and will be distanced from other Muslims. As for those who are faithful to the religious are then rewarded by wiping away your sins and admitting you to the gardens, representing paradise and good fortune.
Perhaps one reason the Qur’an places such an emphasis on gardens and feasts is because the followers have to abide by such strict rules during their lives. In the afterlife, gardens and feasts are considered rewards for such faithful following of the religion, and are therefore looked upon as goals for them to reach. Another reason is that the original believers in Islam lived in harsh deserts and had to fast so often, so gardens and feasts were the opposite of what they had.