13.Surah ArRa'd
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
مَّثَلُ
الْجَنَّةِ
الَّتِي وُعِدَ
الْمُتَّقُونَ...
13: 35. The parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised! --
...تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ...
beneath if flow rivers:
...أُكُلُهَا دَآئِمٌ ...
perpetual is the enjoyment thereof
C1854. For the comprehensive meaning of the root akala (literally "to cat"), see 5:66, n. 776.
In its derived meaning it means fruit and enjoyment of all kinds, spiritual as well as other.
The joys of heaven are not like the joys of the earth, which fade away or cloy. The joys of heaven are pure, lasting, and without any of the drawbacks which we associate with the joys of the sense.
... وِظِلُّهَا...
and the shade therein:
C1855. Zillun: literally shade, hence, shelter, protection, security.
All these meanings are implied.
Shade is one of the delights of a garden. Cf. 4:57 and n. 579.
...تِلْكَ عُقْبَى الَّذِينَ اتَّقَواْ...
such is the End of the Righteous;
...وَّعُقْبَى الْكَافِرِينَ النَّارُ ﴿٣٥﴾
and the End of Unbelievers is the Fire.
C1856. In this, as in other places, the Fire is contrasted with the Garden, as Misery is contrasted with Bliss.
We can also imagine other incidents in contrast with those of the Garden, e.g., with the Fire will be drought, aridity, thirst, instead of beautiful rivers; pain and suffering, instead of perpetual delight; no protection against the fierceness of the heat, as contrasted with the cool shades ever deepening as you proceed in the Garden.
Other versions:
13: 35 [ar-R’ad, Medina 96]
Yusuf Ali The parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised! beneath it flow rivers: perpetual is the enjoyment thereof and the shade therein: such is the End of the Righteous; and the End of Unbelievers is the Fire.
Pickthall A similitude of the Garden which is promised unto those who keep their duty (to Allah): Underneath it rivers flow; its food is everlasting, and its shade; this is the reward of those who keep their duty, while the reward of disbelievers is the Fire.
Transliteration Masalul jannatil lati wu'idal muttaqu_n(a), tajri min tahtihal anha_r(u), ukuluha_ da_'imuw wa zilluha_, tilka 'uqbal lazina-ttaqaw, wa 'uqbal ka_firinan na_r(u).
15. Surah Al Hijr
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
إِنَّ
الْمُتَّقِينَ
فِي جَنَّاتٍ
وَعُيُونٍ ﴿٤٥﴾
15: 45. The righteous (will be) amid Gardens and fountains (of clear-flowing water).
ادْخُلُوهَا
بِسَلاَمٍ
آمِنِينَ ﴿٤٦﴾
15: 46. (Their greeting will be): "Enter ye here in Peace and Security."
وَنَزَعْنَا
مَا فِي صُدُورِهِم
مِّنْ غِلٍّ...
15: 47. And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury:
The hearts and minds will be so purified that all past rancour, jealousy, or sense of injury will be obliterated. The true Brotherhood will be realized there, when each will have his own dignity, there will be no question of invidious comparisons; each will face the others with joy and confidence. There will be no sense of toil or fatigue, and the joy will last forever.
...إِخْوَانًا عَلَى سُرُرٍ مُّتَقَابِلِينَ ﴿٤٧﴾
(they will be) brothers (joyfully) facing each other on thrones (of dignity).
لاَ يَمَسُّهُمْ
فِيهَا نَصَبٌ...
15: 48. There no sense of fatigue shall touch them,
...وَمَا هُم مِّنْهَا بِمُخْرَجِينَ ﴿٤٨﴾
nor shall they (ever) be asked to leave.
Other versions:
15: 45 [al-Hijr, Mecca 54]
Yusuf Ali The righteous (will be) amid Gardens and fountains (of clear-flowing water).
Pickthall Lo! those who ward off (evil) are among gardens and watersprings.
Transliteration Innal muttaqina fi janna_tiw wa 'uyu_n(in).
15: 46
Yusuf Ali (Their greeting will be): "Enter ye here in Peace and Security."
Pickthall (And it is said unto them): Enter them in peace, secure.
Transliteration Udkhulu_ha_ bi sala_min a_minin(a)
15: 47
Asad And [by then] We shall have removed whatever unworthy thoughts or feelings may have been [lingering] in their breasts, as brethren, facing one another upon thrones of happiness. [see Asad note 34 of the meaning of ‘surur’]
Yusuf Ali And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury: (they will be) brothers (joyfully) facing each other on thrones (of dignity).
Pickthall And We remove whatever rancor may be in their breasts. As brethren, face to face, (they rest) on couches raised.
Transliteration Wa naza'na_ ma_ fi sudu_rihim min gillin ikhwa_nan 'ala_ sururim mutaqa_bilin(a).
15: 48
Yusuf Ali There no sense of fatigue shall touch them nor shall they (ever) be asked to leave.
Pickthall Toil cometh not unto them there, nor will they be expelled from thence.
Transliteration La_ yamassuhum fiha_ nasabuw wa ma_ hum minha_ bi mu'jizin(a).
16.Sura al-Nahl
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَقِيلَ لِلَّذِينَ
اتَّقَوْاْ
مَاذَا أَنزَلَ
رَبُّكُمْ...
16: 30. To the righteous (when) it is said, "What is it that your Lord has revealed?"
C2053. The contrast and parallelism is with 16:24, where the ungodly in their levity and their deliberate rejection of guidance find no profit from Allah's Revelation.
... قَالُواْ خَيْرًا...
they say, "All that is good."
... لِّلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُواْ فِي هَذِهِ الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةٌ...
To those who do good, there is good in this world,
... وَلَدَارُ الآخِرَةِ خَيْرٌ...
and the Home of the Hereafter is even better.
C2054. Unlike the ungodly, the good find good everywhere, -in this world and in the Hereafter; because they understand and are in accord with the truths around them.
... وَلَنِعْمَ دَارُ الْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿٣٠﴾
And excellent indeed is the Home of the righteous --
جَنَّاتُ
عَدْنٍ يَدْخُلُونَهَا
تَجْرِي مِن
تَحْتِهَا
الأَنْهَارُ...
16: 31. Gardens of Eternity which they will enter:
beneath them flow (pleasant) rivers:
... لَهُمْ فِيهَا مَا يَشَآؤُونَ...
they will have therein all that they wish:
... كَذَلِكَ يَجْزِي اللّهُ الْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿٣١﴾
thus doth Allah reward the righteous --
الَّذِينَ
تَتَوَفَّاهُمُ
الْمَلآئِكَةُ
طَيِّبِينَ...
16: 32. (Namely) those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity,
C2055. In a state of purity: from the evils of this world, from want of faith and want of grace. Purity from such evil is the mark of true Islam, and those who die in such purity will be received into Felicity with a salutation of Peace.
... يَقُولُونَ سَلامٌ عَلَيْكُمُ ادْخُلُواْ الْجَنَّةَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ ﴿٣٢﴾
saying (to them),
"Peace be on you; enter ye the Garden, because of the good which ye did (in the world)."
Other versions:
16: 30 [an-Nahl, Mecca 70]
Yusuf Ali To the righteous (when) it is said "What is it that your Lord has revealed?" they say "All that is good." To those who do good there is good in this world and the Home of the Hereafter is even better. And excellent indeed is the Home of the righteous
Pickthall And it is said unto those who ward off (evil): What hath your Lord revealed? They say Good: For those who do good in this world there is a good (reward) and the home of the Hereafter will be better. Pleasant indeed will be the home of those who ward off (evil).
Transliteration Wa qila lillazina-ttaqau ma_za_ anzala rabbukum, qa_lu_ khaira_(n), lillazina ahsanu_ fi ha_zihid dunya_ hasanah(tun), wa lada_rul a_khirati khair(un), wa lani'ma da_rul muttaqin(a),
16: 31
Yusuf Ali Gardens of Eternity which they will enter: beneath them flow (pleasant) rivers: they will have therein all that they wish: thus doth Allah reward the righteous
Pickthall Gardens of Eden which they enter, underneath which rivers flow, wherein they have what they will. Thus Allah repayeth those who ward off (evil),
Transliteration Janna_tu 'adniy yadkhulu_naha_ tajri min tahtihal anha_ru lahum fiha_ ma_ yasya_'u_n(a), kaza_lika yajzilla_hul muttaqin(a),
16: 32
Yusuf Ali (Namely) those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity saying (to them) "Peace be on you; enter ye the Garden because of the good which ye did (in the world)."
Pickthall Those whom the angels cause to die (when they are) good. They say: Peace be unto you! Enter the Garden because of what ye used to do.
Transliteration Allazina tatawaffa_humul mala_'ikatu tayyibin(a), yaqu_lu_na sala_mun 'alaikum-udkhulul jannata bima_ kuntum ta'malu_n(a).
19. Surah Maryam
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
تِلْكَ
الْجَنَّةُ
الَّتِي نُورِثُ
مِنْ عِبَادِنَا
مَن كَانَ
تَقِيًّا ﴿٦٣﴾
19: 63. Such is the Garden which We give as an inheritance to those of Our Servants who guard against evil.
Other versions:
19: 63
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25.Surah Al Furqan
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
لَا
تَدْعُوا الْيَوْمَ
ثُبُورًا وَاحِدًا
وَادْعُوا
ثُبُورًا كَثِيرًا
﴿١٤﴾
25:14. "This day plead not for a single destruction: plead for destruction oft-repeated!"
قُلْ
أَذَلِكَ
خَيْرٌ أَمْ
جَنَّةُ الْخُلْدِ
الَّتِي وُعِدَ
الْمُتَّقُونَ...
25:15. Say:
"Is that best, or the eternal Garden, promised to the righteous?
... كَانَتْ لَهُمْ جَزَاء وَمَصِيرًا ﴿١٥﴾
For them, that is a reward as well as a goal (of attainment).
لَهُمْ
فِيهَا مَا
يَشَاؤُونَ
خَالِدِينَ...
25:16. "For them there will be therein all that they wish for:
they will dwell (there) for aye:
... كَانَ عَلَى رَبِّكَ وَعْدًا مَسْؤُولًا ﴿١٦﴾
a promise to be prayed for from thy Lord."
C3071. That is the sort of thing
- to be prayed for from Allah which he has made binding upon Himself and not ephemeral things, even though they may be good.
Asad’s Version:
25:14 [al-Furqan, Mecca 42]
[But they will be told:] "Pray not today for one single extinction, but pray for many extinctions!" 11
(25:15) Say: "Which is better - that, or the paradise of life abiding which has been promised to the God-conscious as their reward and their journey's end –
(25:16) a promise given by thy Sustainer, (always] to be prayed for?"
[[Asad’s note - 1 1 Although the concept of "extinction" (thubur) implies finality and is, therefore, unrepeatable, the sinners' praying for "many extinctions" is used here as a metonym for their indescribable suffering and a corresponding, indescribable desire for a final escape.]]
38 Surah Sad [88 verses]
Mecca Period 38
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
هَذَا
ذِكْرٌ...
38: 49. This is a Message (of admonition):
... وَإِنَّ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ لَحُسْنَ مَآبٍ ﴿٤٩﴾
and verily, for the Righteous, is a beautiful place of (final) Return. --
C4206. Some of the preeminent examples of the Elect and the Good having been mentioned, we have now a reference to the Righteous as a body (rank and file as well as leaders) and their future in the Hereafter as won by victory over Evil.
جَنَّاتِ
عَدْنٍ مُّفَتَّحَةً
لَّهُمُ الْأَبْوَابُ
﴿٥٠﴾
38: 50. Gardens of Eternity, whose doors will (ever) be open to them;
C4207. The Final Bliss will not be a hole-and-comer thing, a pale reflection of some Palace or Retreat, where mystery reigns behind closed doors. Its doors will be open, and its inmates will be free to go in and out as they will, because their wins will be purified and brought into accord with the Universal Law.
مُتَّكِئِينَ
فِيهَا يَدْعُونَ
فِيهَا بِفَاكِهَةٍ
كَثِيرَةٍ
وَشَرَابٍ ﴿٥١﴾
38: 51. Therein will they recline (at ease);
therein can they call (at pleasure) for fruit in abundance, and (delicious) drink;
C4208. See n. 4003 to 36:57.
- the free Gardens are types of satisfaction in external surroundings;
- the comfortable reclining thrones, the fruit and the drink are types of the soul's individual satisfaction;
- and the society of pure-minded companions of equal ages, in the type of a soul's social satisfaction.
وَعِندَهُمْ
قَاصِرَاتُ
الطَّرْفِ ...
38: 52. And beside them will be chaste women restraining their glances,
C4209. Cf. 37:48 and n. 4064, and 36:56, n. 4002.
As we conceive happiness in this life, it is not complete if it is only solitary. How we hanker after some one who can share in our highest joy! That feeling is also figured here.
... أَتْرَابٌ ﴿٥٢﴾
(companions) of equal age.
C4210. To make the social happiness complete, we want companionship of equal age. Age and youth cannot be happy together.
It is not suggested that in the Timeless state figured here, there will be old age; but if it is possible to conceive of temperamental differences then, the company will be so arranged that it will be congenial. Or we can accept the type of youth and freshness as common to all in that happy state.
هَذَا
مَا تُوعَدُونَ
لِيَوْمِ الْحِسَابِ
﴿٥٣﴾
38: 53. Such is the promise made to you for the Day of Account!
إِنَّ
هَذَا لَرِزْقُنَا
مَا لَهُ مِن
نَّفَادٍ ﴿٥٤﴾
38: 54. Truly such will be Our Bounty (to you);
it will never fail --
Asad’s Version:
38:49 LET [all] this be a reminder [to those who believe in God] - for, verily, the most beauteous of all goals awaits the God-conscious:
38:50) gardens of perpetual bliss, 45 with gates wide-open to them,
(38:51) wherein they will recline, [and] wherein they may [freely] call for many a
fruit and drink,
(38:52) having beside them well-matched mates of modest gaze." 46
Yuksel’s version
38:49 This is a reminder, and the righteous will have a wonderful abode.
38:50 The gardens of Eden, whose gates will be open for them.
38:51 Reclining therein, they will be invited to many fruits and drinks.
38:52 With them are attendants with a splendid look and of equal age.
38:53 This is what you have been promised for the day of Reckoning.
38:54 Such is Our provisions, it does not run out.
[[Asad’s notes - 42 Lit., "of the [final] abode".
43 Al-Yasa' in Arabic - the Biblical prophet who succeeded Elijah (see saiah 37, note 48).
44 For an explanation of this rendering of dhu'1-kifl, see surah 2 1 , note 8 1 .
45 In all the eleven instances in which the noun 'adn occurs in the Qur'an - and of which the present is the oldest - it is used as a qualifying term for the "gardens" (jannat) of paradise. This noun is derived from the verb 'adana, which primarily denotes "he remained [somewhere]" or "he kept (to something]", i.e., permanently: cf, the phrase 'adantu '1-balad ("I remained for good [or "settled"] in the country"). In Biblical Hebrew - which, after all, is but a very ancient Arabian dialect -the closely related noun 'eden has also the additional connotation of "delight", "pleasure" or
"bliss". Hence the combination of the two concepts in my rendering of 'adn as "perpetual bliss". As in many other places in the Qur'an, this bliss is here allegorized - and thus brought closer to man's imagination - by means of descriptions recalling earthly joys.
46 Lit., "such as restrain their gaze", i.e., are of modest bearing and have eyes only for their mates (Razi). This allegorical reference to the delights of paradise occurs in the Qur'an three times (apart from the above instance, which is chronologically the earliest, in 37:48 and 55:56 as well). As an allegory, this phrase evidently applies to the righteous of both sexes, who in the life to come will be rejoined with those whom they loved and by whom they were loved in this world: for, "God has promised the believers, both men and women, gardens through which running waters flow, therein to abide, and goodly dwellings in gardens of perpetual bliss" (9:72); and, "anyone -
be it man or woman - who does [whatever he can] of good deeds and is a believer withal, shall enter paradise" (4:124, with similar statements in 16:97 and 40:40). Finally, we are told in 36:56 that in this paradise "will they and their spouses on couches recline" - i.e., will find peace and inner fulfilment with and in one another. (For an explanation of the term atrab, rendered by me as "well-matched", see note 15 on 56:38. ]]
50. Surah Qaf [45 verses]
Mecca Period 34
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَأُزْلِفَتِ
الْجَنَّةُ
لِلْمُتَّقِينَ
غَيْرَ بَعِيدٍ
﴿٣١﴾
50: 31. And the Garden will be brought nigh to the righteous -- no more a thing distant.
C4968. In this life, the ideas of the spirit, the accomplishment of the things in our hearts and our hopes, seem to be ever so far, seem even to recede as we think we come nearer. Not so in the Hereafter. The fruits of righteousness will no longer be in the distance. They will be realized. They will seem themselves to approach the Righteous.
هَذَا
مَا تُوعَدُونَ
لِكُلِّ أَوَّابٍ
حَفِيظٍ
﴿٣٢﴾
50: 32. (A voice will say:)
"This is what was promised for you, for everyone who turned (to Allah) in sincere repentance, who kept (his law).
C4969. The description of the Righteous is given in four masterly clauses:
1. those who turned away from Evil in sincere repentance;
2. those whose new life was good and righteous;
3. those who in their innermost hearts and in their most secret doings were actuated by Allah-fearing love, the fear that is akin to love in remembering Allah under His title of "Most Gracious"; and
4. who gave up their whole heart and being to Him.
مَنْ
خَشِيَ الرَّحْمَن
بِالْغَيْبِ
...
50: 33. "Who feared (Allah) Most Gracious unseen,
C4970. Cf. 36:11 and n. 3952; and 35:18, and n. 3902.
... وَجَاء بِقَلْبٍ مُّنِيبٍ ﴿٣٣﴾
and brought a heart turned in devotion (to Him):
ادْخُلُوهَا
بِسَلَامٍ ...
50: 34. "Enter ye therein in Peace and Security;
C4971. The true meaning of Islam: peace, security, salutation, and accord with Allah's Plan in all Eternity.
... ذَلِكَ يَوْمُ الْخُلُودِ ﴿٣٤﴾
this is a Day of Eternal Life!"
Asad’s Version:
(50:31) And [on that Day) paradise will be brought within the sight of 22 the God-conscious, and will no longer be far away; [and they will be told:)
(50:32) "This is what you were promised - [promised) unto everyone who was wont to turn unto God and to keep Him always in mind –
(50:33) [everyone) who stood in awe of the Most Gracious although He is beyond the reach of human perception, and who has come [unto Him] with a heart full of contrition. 23
(50:34) Enter this [paradise] in peace; this is the Day on which life abiding begins! " 24
[[Asad’s notes -
22 Lit., "brought near to".
23 See last sentence of 24:31 and the corresponding note 41.
24 Lit., "the Day of Abiding". ]]
54. Surah Al-Qamar (The Moon)
Mecca Period 37
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
إِنَّ
الْمُتَّقِينَ
فِي جَنَّاتٍ
وَنَهَرٍ
﴿٥٤﴾
54: 54. As to the Righteous, they will be in the midst of Gardens and Rivers.
C5168. The record, in the case of those who dishonoured and violated Truth, will lead to their undoing; but in the case of those who honoured the Truth and adopted it so as to shine in their righteous lives, the result is expressed by four metaphors, in an ascending degree of sublimity:
they will be in the midst of Gardens where rivers flow;
they will be in sure abode;
with Allah;
Whose sovereignty is omnipotent.
"Gardens" with Rivers (flowing beneath): this has been explained more than once already:
Cf. n. 4668 to 43:70.
The Garden suggests all the Bliss we can imagine through our senses. (R).
54: 55. In an Assembly of Truth,
C5169. While we possess our bodily senses, the best conceptions we can form are through our sense-perceptions, and the Garden is a good symbol from that point of view.
The next higher understanding of spiritual truth is through our intellect and social satisfaction. This is best symbolized by the Assembly of Truth - the gathering in which we sit with our fellows and enjoy the realisation of Truth and the dissipation of falsehood and half-truths.
... عِندَ مَلِيكٍ ...
in the Presence ....
C5170. But there is a higher conception still, something that it can only be expressed by reference to the Presence of Allah. (R).
... مُّقْتَدِرٍ ﴿٥٥﴾
.. of a Sovereign Omnipotent.
C5171. Muqtadir, which is translated Omnipotent, implies something more: the eighth- declension form denotes not only complete mastery, but the further idea that the mastery arises from Allah's own nature, and depends on nothing else whatever. (R).
Asad’s Version:
54:54 [Hence, too,] behold, the God-conscious will find themselves in [a paradise of] gardens and running waters,
(54:55) in a seat of truth, in the presence of a Sovereign who determines all things....
Yuksel’s version
54:54 The righteous will be in paradises and rivers.
54:55 In a position of honor, at an Omnipotent King.
