كَأَمْثَـٰلِ ٱللُّؤْلُؤِ ٱلْمَكْنُونِ 23
Translations
The likenesses of pearls well-protected,
Transliteration
Ka-amthali al-lu'lu'i al-maknun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the wives of the inhabitants of Paradise as being like pearls hidden in their shells, emphasizing their purity, beauty, and precious nature. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as a metaphor for the concealment and protection of these women, as well as their incomparable beauty and value—just as pearls are rare, lustrous, and kept within protective shells. The comparison underscores both their chastity and the incomprehensible beauty of Paradise's blessings.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Waqi'ah, a Meccan chapter that describes the Day of Judgment and the three categories of people—the companions of the right hand, the companions of the left hand, and the foremost believers. This specific verse is part of the description of the rewards for the believers in Paradise, illustrating the superiority and uniqueness of the pleasures awaiting the righteous.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said regarding the women of Paradise: 'The best women in the world are Maryam, Asiyah, Khadijah, and Fatimah' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet described the women of Paradise with exceptional beauty and virtue, which aligns with this description of their pearl-like perfection.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the rewards of Paradise are beyond earthly comprehension and that righteousness leads to blessings of unparalleled beauty and value. It also emphasizes the honor and dignity of women in Islamic tradition, depicting them not as objects but as precious treasures worthy of protection and respect.