لَّهُمْ فِيهَا مَا يَشَآءُونَ خَـٰلِدِينَ ۚ كَانَ عَلَىٰ رَبِّكَ وَعْدًا مَّسْـُٔولًا 16
Translations
For them therein is whatever they wish, [while] abiding eternally. It is ever upon your Lord a promise [worthy to be] requested.
Transliteration
Lahum fiha ma yasha'un khalideen, kana 'ala rabbika wa'dan masul'a
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the inhabitants of Paradise who will have whatever they desire while dwelling therein eternally, and affirms that this promise from Allah is one that must be fulfilled and asked for. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse assures the believers of the reality and certainty of Paradise's rewards, while Al-Qurtubi notes that 'masul'a' (asked for/prayed for) indicates that this promise is worthy of supplication and earnest seeking. The ayah presents both the quality of Paradise (wish-fulfillment and immortality) and the reliability of Allah's promise to those who deserve it.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Furqan (Meccan), which addresses fundamental theological concepts during the early Meccan period when the pagan Arabs rejected the concept of the Hereafter. The surah emphasizes the certainty of divine reward and punishment, refuting Meccan objections about resurrection and the afterlife by describing Paradise and Hell in concrete terms.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'In Paradise there are things that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has ever imagined' (Sahih Bukhari 3244). Additionally, Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet said, 'Whoever enters Paradise will have whatever he desires' (Jami' At-Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah should strengthen believers' conviction in Allah's promises and motivate them to strive for Paradise through righteous deeds, knowing that what awaits them far exceeds their imagination and desires. It also reminds us to earnestly supplicate Allah for Paradise, recognizing it as a promise worthy of our deepest aspirations and constant remembrance.