خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا لَا يَبْغُونَ عَنْهَا حِوَلًا 108
Translations
Wherein they abide eternally. They will not desire from it any transfer.
Transliteration
Khalideen feeha la yabtghoon anha hiwala
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the inhabitants of Paradise as eternally dwelling therein, never desiring to depart from it or seeking any change or alternative to it. Ibn Kathir explains that this permanence and contentment reflects the perfect nature of Paradise, where all desires are fulfilled and there exists no deficiency that would cause one to wish for something different. The phrase 'la yabtghoon anha hiwala' (they do not seek from it any alternative) emphasizes that the bliss of Paradise is so complete that the inhabitants will have no inclination whatsoever to leave or exchange it for anything else.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the conclusion of Surah Al-Kahf within the broader Quranic discussion of Paradise and the rewards for believers. It comes in the context of describing the eternal nature of Paradise and the permanent nature of both reward and punishment, themes central to the latter Meccan period when believers faced trials and needed assurance of ultimate divine justice.
Related Hadiths
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'In Paradise, there is that which no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has imagined' (Sahih Bukhari 3244). Additionally, the hadith about the Verse of the Throne (Ayat al-Kursi) and descriptions of Paradise in Sahih Muslim 2824 emphasize the eternal perfection and unchanging nature of Paradise.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that true happiness and fulfillment come only from sincere devotion to Allah and righteous deeds, promising that those who attain Paradise will experience a state of perpetual satisfaction where no worldly desire or longing will disturb their eternal peace. It should inspire us to prioritize the Hereafter and understand that temporary worldly struggles are insignificant compared to the permanent bliss awaiting the righteous.