وَحُورٌ عِينٌ 22
Translations
And [for them are] fair women with large, [beautiful] eyes,
Transliteration
wa-hūrun 'īn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the 'Hur al-'Īn' (beautiful-eyed maidens) of Paradise, described as companions for the righteous believers in the afterlife. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi note that 'Hur' refers to women of extraordinary beauty with intense whiteness of eyes and intense blackness of pupils, created specifically for the inhabitants of Paradise. This description emphasizes the abundant blessings and rewards that await the faithful in Paradise.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Waqi'ah is a Meccan chapter revealed to provide comfort and certainty to believers about the reality of the Day of Judgment and the rewards of Paradise. This ayah appears within the context of describing the luxuries and blessings prepared for the righteous (As'hab al-Yameen), contrasting with the fate of the disbelievers, serving as motivation for believers to remain steadfast in faith.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) 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, regarding the Hur al-'Īn specifically, various hadiths describe their beauty and eternal nature as part of the blessings of Paradise, emphasizing the completeness of reward for the righteous.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the rewards of Paradise transcend worldly understanding and material comforts, encouraging steadfastness in faith and virtue. It emphasizes that ultimate fulfillment and joy come not from transient earthly pleasures, but from obedience to Allah and the eternal blessings He has prepared for those who believe and do righteous deeds.