عَيْنًا يَشْرَبُ بِهَا ٱلْمُقَرَّبُونَ 28
Translations
A spring from which those near [to Allāh] drink.
Transliteration
'Aynan yashrabu biha al-muqarrabun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to a spring or fountain in Paradise from which the close servants of Allah (al-muqarrabun) drink. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that this 'ain (spring) is one of the rivers of Paradise, specifically associated with the highest ranks of the righteous. The ayah emphasizes the exclusive privilege and honor granted to those nearest to Allah, highlighting the hierarchical blessings of Paradise based on one's proximity to the Divine.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the concluding section of Surah Al-Mutaffifin, which addresses the consequences of defrauding and dishonesty in transactions. After warning against cheating, the surah contrasts the fate of the righteous with that of the evildoers by describing the bliss awaiting the believers in Paradise. This ayah specifically depicts the rewards for those of highest spiritual rank.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned the rivers of Paradise in various hadiths. In Sahih Bukhari, it is narrated that the Prophet described four rivers flowing from Paradise: two visible and two hidden. Additionally, in Tirmidhi, there are narrations about the different levels of Paradise and the exclusive drinks reserved for the close servants of Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that Paradise contains rewards beyond material comfort—spiritual privileges of nearness to Allah that are reserved for those who purify their hearts and deeds. It encourages striving for sincere worship and righteousness, knowing that the greatest reward is not merely physical pleasure but the honor of proximity to the Divine presence.