وَأُزْلِفَتِ ٱلْجَنَّةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ غَيْرَ بَعِيدٍ 31
Translations
And Paradise will be brought near to the righteous, not far,
Transliteration
Wa-uzlifat al-jannatu lil-muttaqīna ghayra ba'īd
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Paradise will be brought near to the God-fearing believers on the Day of Judgment, not at a distance from them. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as Allah's merciful proximity of Paradise to the righteous, emphasizing both the reward's reality and its immediate accessibility to those who feared Him in this life. The phrase 'ghayra ba'īd' (not far) conveys both physical closeness and the elimination of any barrier between the pious and their eternal reward.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Qaf (a Meccan surah), which focuses on themes of the Day of Judgment, resurrection, and divine recompense. It is part of a passage (50:31-35) describing the ultimate joy and comfort of the righteous in Paradise, serving to encourage believers toward piety and prepare them for the Hereafter.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'Paradise is nearer to any of you than the thong of your shoe, and so is the Hell-fire' (Sahih Bukhari 6571). Additionally, Surah Qaf 50:31 is referenced in contexts discussing the Day of Judgment and the rewards detailed in Surah At-Tur 52:20 and beyond.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that proximity to Paradise depends on one's relationship with Allah through piety and God-consciousness during this life; the righteous need not fear distance or separation from their reward. For modern readers, it emphasizes that spiritual preparation and mindfulness of Allah bring one closer to ultimate success and divine favor, making the eternal reward feel tangible and motivating.