عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍ مُّتَقَـٰبِلِينَ 44
Translations
On thrones facing one another.
Transliteration
Alaa sururing mutaqabileen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the inhabitants of Paradise seated on couches facing one another in intimate fellowship and conversation. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the phrase 'mutaqabileen' (facing each other) indicates the arrangement of the blessed in Paradise where they sit in comfortable positions, able to see and converse with one another without any awkwardness or hierarchy. This depicts the perfect social harmony and companionship that characterizes the life of the righteous in the Hereafter.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah As-Saffat's description of Paradise (Jannah) and its blessings reserved for the servants of Allah. The surah, revealed in Mecca during the early Islamic period, emphasizes the rewards awaiting the believers as encouragement during the period of persecution. This particular verse contributes to the broader Quranic theme of depicting Paradise's pleasures to motivate righteous conduct.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described Paradise in various hadiths, including in Sahih Bukhari where he mentions the pleasures and companionship of the inhabitants. Related to social bonds in Paradise, a hadith in Sahih Muslim states that people in Paradise will visit one another with utmost joy and harmony.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that Paradise is not merely a place of solitary pleasure but one of meaningful social connection and brotherhood, encouraging Muslims to build genuine relationships based on piety and virtue in this life as a reflection of the eternal bonds awaiting them in the Hereafter.