لَـٰكِنِ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوْا۟ رَبَّهُمْ لَهُمْ جَنَّـٰتٌ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا نُزُلًا مِّنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ خَيْرٌ لِّلْأَبْرَارِ 198
Translations
But those who feared their Lord will have gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding eternally therein, as accommodation from Allāh. And that which is with Allāh is best for the righteous.
Transliteration
Lakini alladhina ittaqaw rabbahum lahum jannatin tajri min tahtiha al-anhar khalidina fiha nuzulan min inda Allah wa-ma inda Allah khayrun lil-abrar
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah contrasts the fate of the righteous (al-muttaqun) with those mentioned previously, promising them gardens beneath which rivers flow as an eternal reward (nuzul) from Allah. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this reward is specifically designated for those who feared and obeyed Allah (ittaqaw rabbahum), highlighting that piety and obedience are the prerequisites for Paradise. The phrase 'wa-ma inda Allah khayrun lil-abrar' (and what is with Allah is better for the righteous) underscores that divine rewards far exceed any worldly gains, reinforcing the superiority of spiritual wealth over material possessions.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Ali 'Imran's discussion of the Day of Judgment and the contrast between the righteous and the transgressors. It follows verses describing the fate of disbelievers and serves as a consolation and motivation for believers to maintain taqwa (God-consciousness). The thematic context emphasizes reward and punishment in the afterlife as a fundamental pillar of Islamic belief.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Paradise has one hundred degrees which Allah has reserved for those who strive in His cause' (Sahih Bukhari 2790). Additionally, the Prophet stated: 'For those who fear Allah, He prepares what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and what has never crossed the mind of any human being' (Sahih Bukhari 3072, referencing 1 Corinthians 2:9 in biblical tradition).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that true success lies not in worldly acquisition but in cultivating taqwa, a consciousness of Allah that guides ethical choices and spiritual commitment. For modern readers, it serves as a powerful reminder that investment in one's spiritual development yields eternal rewards far superior to material pursuits, encouraging patience in adversity and steadfastness in faith.