نُزُلًا مِّنْ غَفُورٍ رَّحِيمٍ 32
Translations
As accommodation from a [Lord who is] Forgiving and Merciful."
Transliteration
Nuzulan min ghafurin raheem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Paradise as a 'provision' or 'gift' (nuzul) from Allah, the Forgiving and the Merciful. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that this emphasizes how entry into Paradise is fundamentally an act of divine grace and mercy rather than solely earned through deeds, though righteous actions are the means by which Allah's mercy is manifested. The pairing of 'Ghafoor' (The Forgiving) and 'Raheem' (The Merciful) underscores that Paradise is ultimately granted through Allah's forgiveness of sins and His boundless compassion.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Fussilat's description of Paradise and its rewards for the righteous (41:30-32). The surah, revealed in Mecca, addresses believers about the consequences of faith and disbelief, with this particular passage consoling believers about the eternal rewards awaiting them through Allah's mercy.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'None of you will enter Paradise by his deeds alone.' They asked, 'Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?' He replied, 'Not even me, unless Allah covers me with His Mercy' (Sahih Muslim 2816). This directly relates to the concept of Paradise being a gift of mercy.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that while righteous deeds are essential, entry into Paradise ultimately depends on Allah's mercy and forgiveness—encouraging both sincere effort and humble reliance on divine grace. It offers comfort to struggling believers that perfection is not required; rather, sincere repentance and faith in Allah's mercy are what secure Paradise.