خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَآ أَبَدًا ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥٓ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ 22
Translations
[They will be] abiding therein forever. Indeed, Allāh has with Him a great reward.
Transliteration
Khālidīna fīhā abadā. Inna Allāha 'indahu ajrun 'aẓīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes the description of Paradise, emphasizing that the believers will dwell in it eternally (abadan). The phrase 'Indeed, with Allah is a great reward' (Inna Allāha 'indahu ajrun 'aẓīm) underscores that Paradise itself is the ultimate reward from Allah for the righteous. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that this eternal residence in Paradise represents the culmination of Divine mercy and justice, as Allah grants His servants an everlasting abode of bliss as recompense for their faith and righteous deeds.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah At-Tawbah (Chapter 9), a Medinan surah dealing with repentance, obligations of believers, and the distinction between the faithful and the hypocrites. The broader passage (9:21-22) describes the rewards promised to those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, establishing the eternal nature of Paradise as motivation for spiritual commitment and righteous action.
Related Hadiths
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'In Paradise there are things that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has ever imagined' (Sahih Bukhari 4779). Additionally, Jābir ibn 'Abdullah reported that the Prophet said: 'Whoever enters Paradise will not wish to return to this world, even if he were offered all that is in it' (Sahih Muslim 2838).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the reward for faith and obedience is not temporary worldly gain, but eternal residence in Paradise—a blessing beyond human comprehension. The certainty of this promise should inspire unwavering commitment to Islamic principles and help believers maintain perspective on life's trials and tribulations.
Related Ayahs
لَّيْسَ عَلَى ٱلضُّعَفَآءِ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلْمَرْضَىٰ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَجِدُونَ مَا يُنفِقُونَ حَرَجٌ إِذَا نَصَحُوا۟ لِلَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ ۚ مَا عَلَى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ مِن سَبِيلٍ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
There is not upon the weak or upon the ill or upon those who do not find anything to spend any discomfort [i.e., guilt] when they are sincere to Allāh and His Messenger. There is not upon the doers of good any cause [for blame]. And Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.
وَإِذَا مَآ أُنزِلَتْ سُورَةٌ فَمِنْهُم مَّن يَقُولُ أَيُّكُمْ زَادَتْهُ هَـٰذِهِۦٓ إِيمَـٰنًا ۚ فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ فَزَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَـٰنًا وَهُمْ يَسْتَبْشِرُونَ
And whenever a sūrah is revealed, there are among them [i.e., the hypocrites] those who say, "Which of you has this increased in faith?" As for those who believed, it has increased them in faith, while they are rejoicing.
وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَقُولُ ٱئْذَن لِّى وَلَا تَفْتِنِّىٓ ۚ أَلَا فِى ٱلْفِتْنَةِ سَقَطُوا۟ ۗ وَإِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ لَمُحِيطَةٌۢ بِٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ
And among them is he who says, "Permit me [to remain at home] and do not put me to trial." Unquestionably, into trial they have fallen. And indeed, Hell will encompass the disbelievers.
وَلَا تُعْجِبْكَ أَمْوَٰلُهُمْ وَأَوْلَـٰدُهُمْ ۚ إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ أَن يُعَذِّبَهُم بِهَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَتَزْهَقَ أَنفُسُهُمْ وَهُمْ كَـٰفِرُونَ
And let not their wealth and their children impress you. Allāh only intends to punish them through them in this world and that their souls should depart [at death] while they are disbelievers.