There's a lot of misinformation about Islam, not just among non-Muslims but even among Muslims themselves. First we have the rule, which applies generally, that quite often the masculine and plural forms are used for convenience rather than to indicate gender or number. For example in the statements 'when a person sees someone he recogises he greets them' and 'man is short sighted' the 'he' and 'man' do not specify gender and neither does the 'them' specify plurality. Despite the above rule the HQ sometimes specifically uses the feminine forms to emphasise gender equality. Here are just two examples, which actualy concern recognition for sacrifice: "And their Lord hath accepted of them, and answered them (their prayers, saying): "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female: Ye are members, one of another: Those who have left their homes, or been driven out therefrom, or suffered harm in My Cause, or fought or been slain,- verily, I will blot out from them their iniquities, and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath"- A reward from the presence of God, and from His presence is the best of rewards." HQ 3:195 "For Muslim men and women,- for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in God's praise,- for them has God prepared forgiveness and great reward." HQ 33:35

G'day Maestrothief, Thank you for your question. My reading is that the virgins are both male and female depending on your preferences. It is also a matter of dispute as to whether that is the literal meaning with some scholars claiming it could refer to raisins. I have attached sources for your reference. Regards Wikipedia Houri http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houri The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/saturday_review/story/0,,631332,00.html The Straight Dope http://www.straightdope.com/columns/011214.html Belief.net http://www.beliefnet.com/story/186/story_18624_1.html

Islam does not give celestial sex for men (I am assuming you are talking about the afterlife?), as sex should not exist in heaven, as sex was created for humans to reproduce on earth (even in Christianity, Adam & Eve did NOT have sexual organs until they eat from a forbidden fruit). Since (in islam) after Judgement day, all humans (to be born) will have been born & died, reproduction (& so, sex) will not be needed in the afterlife & so it is likely, In heaven, humans will not have sexual organs. If you are talking about the virgins that some men receive, they are not likely to be for sex and are likely to be carers (The koran does not even say they are human!), Women are likely to receive something similar but not likely to be female (i.e. better carers than the person being cared for) and for this reason, they have not been mentioned (as humans would not understand). Note: you will find this question exists in answerbag several times, and that I should have a better answer in some of them than this, if you are willing to search it out.

The terrorists aren't getting the benefit of the doubt since the terrorists aren't getting into heaven :) Sorry this response is slow...I just joined AB and am going through some old questions

Well, women in Islam get treated unfairly here on earth, why would it be any different in Heaven?