فَأَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْمَيْمَنَةِ مَآ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْمَيْمَنَةِ 8
Translations
Then the companions of the right - what are the companions of the right?
Transliteration
Fa-ashhabu al-maymana maa ashhabu al-maymana
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah introduces the people of the right hand (al-maymana), referring to the blessed inhabitants of Paradise on the Day of Judgment. The rhetorical exclamation 'what are the people of the right hand!' expresses the magnificence and honor of this group, emphasizing their elevated status and the indescribable blessings they will receive. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that this question structure is used to highlight the excellence and superiority of these believers who will be on Allah's right side—a position of honor in Islamic tradition.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Waqi'ah was revealed in Mecca during the mid-Meccan period and focuses on the inevitability of the Day of Judgment and the three categories of people it creates. This ayah specifically begins the description of the first group (the people of the right hand), contrasting them with the companions of the left hand and those brought near to Allah (muqarrabun). The surah aims to awaken the hearts of believers to the reality of the afterlife.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Every soul shall taste death, and We test you with evil and good as trial. Then to Us you will be returned' (Quran 21:35). Additionally, Tirmidhi narrates that the Prophet emphasized the joy of those who will be on the right side on the Day of Judgment, as they will enter Paradise with ease.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers of the ultimate goal of righteous deeds—to be among the people of the right hand in the afterlife. It encourages us to reflect on our actions in this life, as our eternal position depends on our obedience to Allah and His guidance, inspiring both hope and accountability.
Related Ayahs
وَيَقُولُونَ سُبْحَـٰنَ رَبِّنَآ إِن كَانَ وَعْدُ رَبِّنَا لَمَفْعُولًا
And they say, "Exalted is our Lord! Indeed, the promise of our Lord has been fulfilled."
لِيُكَفِّرَ ٱللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ أَسْوَأَ ٱلَّذِى عَمِلُوا۟ وَيَجْزِيَهُمْ أَجْرَهُم بِأَحْسَنِ ٱلَّذِى كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ
That Allāh may remove from them the worst of what they did and reward them their due for the best of what they used to do.
ٱلَّذِينَ يَجْعَلُونَ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَـٰهًا ءَاخَرَ ۚ فَسَوْفَ يَعْلَمُونَ
Who make [equal] with Allāh another deity. But they are going to know.
سَلَـٰمٌ عَلَيْكُم بِمَا صَبَرْتُمْ ۚ فَنِعْمَ عُقْبَى ٱلدَّارِ
"Peace [i.e., security] be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home."