وَبَيْنَهُمَا حِجَابٌ ۚ وَعَلَى ٱلْأَعْرَافِ رِجَالٌ يَعْرِفُونَ كُلًّۢا بِسِيمَىٰهُمْ ۚ وَنَادَوْا۟ أَصْحَـٰبَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ أَن سَلَـٰمٌ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ لَمْ يَدْخُلُوهَا وَهُمْ يَطْمَعُونَ 46
Translations
And between them will be a partition [i.e., wall], and on [its] elevations are men who recognize all by their mark. And they call out to the companions of Paradise, "Peace be upon you." They have not [yet] entered it, but they long intensely.
Transliteration
Wa baynahuma hijab, wa 'ala al-a'raf rijal ya'rifun kulla bi-simahum, wa nadu ashhab al-jannah an assalam alaikum, lam yadkhuluhah wa hum yatma'un.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes a barrier between Paradise and Hell, upon which stand men of righteous deeds who can recognize the inhabitants of both realms by their distinctive features. These men greet the people of Paradise with peace, while themselves remaining hopeful of eventually entering Paradise, not having yet been admitted despite their good deeds. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, these men represent those whose deeds are balanced or in a state of evaluation, and their recognition of both groups demonstrates the comprehensive knowledge granted to the righteous on the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the detailed Quranic description of the Day of Judgment and the final states of the righteous and the wicked found in Surah Al-A'raf (Meccan period). It contextually follows discussions of accountability and precedes further descriptions of Paradise and Hell, serving to illustrate the hierarchical nature of the afterlife and divine justice.
Related Hadiths
The concept of al-a'raf (the Heights) is referenced in various hadiths about the Day of Judgment. Tirmidhi reports from Abu Sa'id al-Khudri regarding the people of al-a'raf who will eventually enter Paradise. Additionally, hadiths in Sahih Bukhari and Muslim describe the recognition of people by their deeds and marks on the Day of Judgment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that our deeds are witnessed and recorded with precision, and that on the Day of Judgment, the righteous will be distinguished by visible marks of their righteousness. For believers today, it emphasizes the importance of consistent good deeds and maintaining hope in Allah's mercy, as even those of great standing remain hopeful until they fully enter Paradise.