ٱنطَلِقُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ ظِلٍّ ذِى ثَلَـٰثِ شُعَبٍ 30
Translations
Proceed to a shadow [of smoke] having three columns.
Transliteration
Intaliqoo ila dhillin dhee thalaathi shu'ab
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the command to the people of Paradise to depart towards a shade with three branches, representing a place of comfort and rest in the afterlife. According to classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, this shade symbolizes the abundant blessing and protection that the righteous will experience in Paradise, with the three branches potentially referring to different levels or aspects of the shade's excellence. The phrase emphasizes God's generous provision and the ultimate reward for those who believed and acted righteously.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Mursalat, a Meccan chapter that emphasizes the Day of Judgment and the fate of the righteous versus the wicked. The surah presents contrasting scenes of Paradise and Hell, with verse 30 depicting one of the rewards awaiting the believers who pass the divine test, establishing hope and motivation for righteous conduct among the early Muslim community.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'In Paradise there are things that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has ever thought of.' (Sahih Bukhari 3244). Additionally, hadiths describing the shade of the Throne on the Day of Judgment relate to the concept of divine shade and protection, such as in Muslim 1031.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that steadfastness in faith and righteous deeds lead to unimaginable comfort and peace in the eternal life to come. It encourages Muslims to maintain focus on the ultimate goal of Paradise and to find solace in the knowledge that God has prepared extraordinary blessings for those who obey Him.