سَلَـٰمٌ قَوْلًا مِّن رَّبٍّ رَّحِيمٍ 58
Translations
[And] "Peace," a word from a Merciful Lord.
Transliteration
Salamun qawlan mir-Rabbir-raheem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the greeting of peace (salam) that the inhabitants of Paradise will receive from their Lord, the Most Merciful. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this greeting signifies Allah's ultimate mercy, approval, and the complete absence of any hardship or displeasure in the Hereafter. The word 'qawlan' (as a word/utterance) emphasizes that this salam is a direct communication from Allah Himself, making it the greatest honor and blessing for the people of Paradise.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the latter portion of Surah Ya-Sin (verses 55-58), which describes the final state of the righteous in Paradise. The broader context of this surah, revealed in Mecca during the early period of Islam, addresses the reality of resurrection and the ultimate reward for believers, serving as both a consolation to the persecuted early Muslims and a warning to the disbelievers.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The first group of people to enter Paradise will have faces as bright as the full moon... and when they enter, they will hear a greeting of salam from their Lord.' (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, with variations). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized greetings of peace as the foundation of Islamic brotherhood, reflecting the supreme nature of Allah's salam in the Hereafter.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that ultimate peace and contentment come only from Allah's mercy and approval, motivating us to seek His pleasure through righteous deeds in this life. The emphasis on a direct greeting from the Merciful Lord offers profound comfort that those who turn to Allah with sincerity will experience His boundless compassion.