عَلَى ٱلْأَرَآئِكِ يَنظُرُونَ 35
Translations
On adorned couches, observing.
Transliteration
Alā al-arā'iki yanẓurūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the righteous believers in Paradise reclining on couches (arā'ik), gazing upon the blessings of their Lord. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the arā'ik (thrones/couches) represent elevated positions of honor and comfort, while the act of looking (yanẓurūn) upon Allah refers to the believers' ability to see their Lord—a distinctive honor promised to the righteous. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this vision of Allah is among the greatest rewards of Paradise, surpassing all physical comforts.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the conclusion of Surah Al-Mutaffifin, which was revealed in Mecca and condemns those who defraud in weights and measures. The surah contrasts the fate of the defrauders with the reward of the righteous believers, culminating in descriptions of Paradise. This ayah represents the final reward promised to those who maintain honesty and piety.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The greatest reward of the inhabitants of Paradise is the vision of Allah.' Additionally, Sahih Bukhari contains hadiths about the reclining of believers on thrones in Paradise as a sign of their honor and proximity to Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that true success lies not in worldly comfort or material gain, but in spiritual integrity and closeness to Allah, whose ultimate reward transcends all earthly pleasures. Maintaining honesty and faith in this life leads to unprecedented honor and divine presence in the Hereafter.