وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ سَنُدْخِلُهُمْ جَنَّـٰتٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَآ أَبَدًا ۖ لَّهُمْ فِيهَآ أَزْوَٰجٌ مُّطَهَّرَةٌ ۖ وَنُدْخِلُهُمْ ظِلًّا ظَلِيلًا 57
Translations
But those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide forever. For them therein are purified spouses, and We will admit them to deepening shade.
Transliteration
Wa-alladhīna āmanū wa-`amilū aṣ-ṣāliḥāti sa-nudkhiluhum jannātin tajrī min taḥtihā al-anhār khālidīn fīhā abadā; lahum fīhā azwāj muṭahharat wa-nudkhiluhum ẓillan ẓalīlā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the reward of the believers who combine faith (īmān) with righteous deeds (amal aṣ-ṣāliḥ), promising them eternal paradise with flowing rivers, pure spouses, and pleasant shade. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse demonstrates the complementary nature of belief and action—neither alone is sufficient for salvation. Al-Qurṭubī notes that the mention of 'pure spouses' (azwāj muṭahharat) highlights the spiritual and physical perfection of all things in paradise, free from the defects and impurities of worldly life.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nisā (Medinan), which was revealed to address community matters in Medina. The broader context of this passage discusses the characteristics of believers and contrasts their eternal reward with the punishment of disbelievers, reinforcing Islamic teachings on accountability and divine justice.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Paradise has one hundred degrees which Allah has reserved for the mujāhidīn (those who strive in His cause)' (Sahih Bukhari 2790). Additionally, 'Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger, performs prayers, and gives zakāh, will enter paradise' (Sahih Bukhari 1387), reflecting the combination of faith and righteous action emphasized in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that genuine faith must be accompanied by righteous action—the two are inseparable pillars of spiritual success. For modern readers, it serves as motivation to maintain moral integrity and good deeds, knowing that Allah's promise of reward is certain for those who sincerely believe and continuously strive to improve themselves and benefit others.