عَلَى ٱلْأَرَآئِكِ يَنظُرُونَ 35
Translations
On adorned couches, observing.
Transliteration
Alā al-arā'iki yanẓurūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the righteous believers in Paradise reclining on couches (arā'ik), gazing upon the blessings of their Lord. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the arā'ik (thrones/couches) represent elevated positions of honor and comfort, while the act of looking (yanẓurūn) upon Allah refers to the believers' ability to see their Lord—a distinctive honor promised to the righteous. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this vision of Allah is among the greatest rewards of Paradise, surpassing all physical comforts.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the conclusion of Surah Al-Mutaffifin, which was revealed in Mecca and condemns those who defraud in weights and measures. The surah contrasts the fate of the defrauders with the reward of the righteous believers, culminating in descriptions of Paradise. This ayah represents the final reward promised to those who maintain honesty and piety.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The greatest reward of the inhabitants of Paradise is the vision of Allah.' Additionally, Sahih Bukhari contains hadiths about the reclining of believers on thrones in Paradise as a sign of their honor and proximity to Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that true success lies not in worldly comfort or material gain, but in spiritual integrity and closeness to Allah, whose ultimate reward transcends all earthly pleasures. Maintaining honesty and faith in this life leads to unprecedented honor and divine presence in the Hereafter.
Related Ayahs
جَنَّـٰتُ عَدْنٍ يَدْخُلُونَهَا وَمَن صَلَحَ مِنْ ءَابَآئِهِمْ وَأَزْوَٰجِهِمْ وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِهِمْ ۖ وَٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ يَدْخُلُونَ عَلَيْهِم مِّن كُلِّ بَابٍ
Gardens of perpetual residence; they will enter them with whoever were righteous among their forefathers, their spouses and their descendants. And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, [saying],
قِيلَ ٱدْخُلِ ٱلْجَنَّةَ ۖ قَالَ يَـٰلَيْتَ قَوْمِى يَعْلَمُونَ
It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know
إِنَّ لَكُمْ فِيهِ لَمَا تَخَيَّرُونَ
That indeed for you is whatever you choose?
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ جَنَّـٰتُ عَدْنٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهِمُ ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ يُحَلَّوْنَ فِيهَا مِنْ أَسَاوِرَ مِن ذَهَبٍ وَيَلْبَسُونَ ثِيَابًا خُضْرًا مِّن سُندُسٍ وَإِسْتَبْرَقٍ مُّتَّكِـِٔينَ فِيهَا عَلَى ٱلْأَرَآئِكِ ۚ نِعْمَ ٱلثَّوَابُ وَحَسُنَتْ مُرْتَفَقًا
Those will have gardens of perpetual residence; beneath them rivers will flow. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and will wear green garments of fine silk and brocade, reclining therein on adorned couches. Excellent is the reward, and good is the resting place.