أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْجَنَّةِ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا جَزَآءًۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ 14
Translations
Those are the companions of Paradise, abiding eternally therein as reward for what they used to do.
Transliteration
Ulaa'ika ashabu al-jannati khalidina fiha jazaa'an bima kanu ya'malun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that those who believed in Allah and His messengers and performed righteous deeds shall dwell eternally in Paradise as a just reward for their actions. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse emphasizes the principle of divine justice—that Paradise is not granted arbitrarily but as a consequence of sincere faith combined with righteous works, establishing the Islamic doctrine that belief and action are inseparable.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the context of Surah Al-Ahqaf (a Meccan surah), which addresses the disbelievers who reject the Quran and the resurrection. Verse 14 concludes a passage describing the qualities of the righteous—those who believe, do good deeds, and persevere in faith—contrasting sharply with those who arrogantly reject Allah's signs.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'None of you will enter Paradise by his deeds alone.' When asked even about him, he replied: 'Not even I, unless Allah bestows mercy upon me' (Sahih Bukhari 5673). This emphasizes that while deeds are essential, ultimate entry to Paradise depends on Allah's mercy and grace.
Themes
Key Lesson
Our righteous deeds in this world have real and eternal consequences; they are not forgotten or meaningless, but form the basis of our accountability before Allah. This should inspire believers to consistently perform good works with sincere intention, understanding that Paradise is the promised reward for those who maintain faith and righteous conduct throughout their lives.