Al-Waqi'ah · Ayah 39

ثُلَّةٌ مِّنَ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ 39

Translations

A company of the former peoples

Transliteration

Thullatun min al-awwalin

Tafsir (Explanation)

This ayah refers to 'a multitude from the former peoples' who will be among the inhabitants of Paradise. According to classical tafsir scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this refers to the righteous believers from previous nations and generations who will enter Jannah. The term 'thullatun' (a large group or multitude) emphasizes that a significant number of the pious predecessors will be rewarded with Paradise, highlighting Allah's mercy across all generations of believers.

Revelation Context

This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Waqi'ah, a Meccan chapter that describes the Day of Judgment and the differentiation between the people of Paradise and Hell. The passage (56:39-56) discusses the three categories of people on the Day of Resurrection, with this particular ayah describing one group blessed with Paradise, providing comfort to believers about the promise of the Hereafter.

Related Hadiths

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of generations is my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them' (Sahih Bukhari 2652). This hadith relates thematically to the recognition and honor given to the righteous from former peoples mentioned in this ayah.

Themes

Resurrection and the AfterlifeDivine Mercy and RewardRighteousness Across GenerationsParadise and its Inhabitants

Key Lesson

This ayah reminds believers that righteousness and faith are timeless values recognized and rewarded by Allah across all generations and nations. It offers assurance that living a pious life according to one's faith will result in divine reward, regardless of when or where one lives.

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Related Ayahs

36:53Ya-Sin

إِن كَانَتْ إِلَّا صَيْحَةً وَٰحِدَةً فَإِذَا هُمْ جَمِيعٌ لَّدَيْنَا مُحْضَرُونَ

It will not be but one blast, and at once they are all brought present before Us.

17:49Al-Isra

وَقَالُوٓا۟ أَءِذَا كُنَّا عِظَـٰمًا وَرُفَـٰتًا أَءِنَّا لَمَبْعُوثُونَ خَلْقًا جَدِيدًا

And they say, "When we are bones and crumbled particles, will we [truly] be resurrected as a new creation?"

39:68Az-Zumar

وَنُفِخَ فِى ٱلصُّورِ فَصَعِقَ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا مَن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ ۖ ثُمَّ نُفِخَ فِيهِ أُخْرَىٰ فَإِذَا هُمْ قِيَامٌ يَنظُرُونَ

And the Horn will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will fall dead except whom Allāh wills. Then it will be blown again, and at once they will be standing, looking on.

17:51Al-Isra

أَوْ خَلْقًا مِّمَّا يَكْبُرُ فِى صُدُورِكُمْ ۚ فَسَيَقُولُونَ مَن يُعِيدُنَا ۖ قُلِ ٱلَّذِى فَطَرَكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ ۚ فَسَيُنْغِضُونَ إِلَيْكَ رُءُوسَهُمْ وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هُوَ ۖ قُلْ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونَ قَرِيبًا

Or [any] creation of that which is great within your breasts." And they will say, "Who will restore us?" Say, "He who brought you forth the first time." Then they will nod their heads toward you and say, "When is that?" Say, "Perhaps it will be soon -