عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍ مَّوْضُونَةٍ 15
Translations
On thrones woven [with ornament],
Transliteration
Alaa sururing mawdoonah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the inhabitants of Paradise reclining upon couches or thrones that are woven/adorned (mawdoonah), indicating comfort and beauty. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, these seats represent the elevated status and ease granted to the righteous in the afterlife, with 'mawdoonah' (وضونة) suggesting they are intricately crafted and placed in readiness. The imagery conveys both physical comfort and spiritual dignity, emphasizing the honor bestowed upon those who pleased Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Waqi'ah, a Meccan surah that vividly describes the Day of Judgment and the conditions of the people in Paradise and Hell. The broader context (verses 15-26) depicts the ultimate reward of the righteous (As-Sabiqun), providing motivation for believers to strive for piety and righteousness.
Related Hadiths
Related to the general theme of Paradise's beauty: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Paradise has eight gates, and Hell has seven gates, and among the people, the poor will enter Paradise five hundred years before the rich' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Also relevant: descriptions in Sahih Muslim of the Prophet's descriptions of Paradise's adornments and comforts.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that steadfastness in faith and righteousness brings not only spiritual elevation but also unimaginable comfort and honor in the eternal life, encouraging patience through worldly hardships with the promise of ultimate peace and dignity.