وَلَحْمِ طَيْرٍ مِّمَّا يَشْتَهُونَ 21
Translations
And the meat of fowl, from whatever they desire.
Transliteration
Wa lahmi tayirin mimma yashtahun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes one of the delights of Paradise, specifically the meat of birds prepared according to the desires of the inhabitants of Jannah. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that this refers to birds of Paradise that will be provided in whatever form and preparation the believers wish, emphasizing the divine provision of all pleasures without limitation or restraint. The phrase 'mimma yashtahun' (from what they desire) underscores the perfect fulfillment of every wish in Paradise, reflecting the infinite generosity of Allah to His righteous servants.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Al-Waqi'ah, a Meccan surah that vividly describes the events of the Day of Judgment and the realities of Paradise and Hell. The broader context (56:12-56) outlines the three categories of people on the Day of Resurrection and the specific rewards of the righteous, with detailed descriptions of the delights awaiting them in Jannah to motivate believers toward righteous action.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'In Paradise there are things which no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no heart has imagined' (Sahih Bukhari 3244), which resonates with the Quranic descriptions of Paradise's indescribable pleasures. Additionally, 'The least of the people of Paradise will have ten times the like of this world' (Sahih Muslim 2834) contextualizes the abundance described in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the true reward for piety and faith lies in the eternal pleasures of Paradise, which transcend worldly imagination and satisfy every sincere desire. It serves as a powerful incentive to maintain righteousness and obedience to Allah, knowing that even our deepest wishes will be fulfilled beyond measure in the presence of our Creator.