وَعِندَهُمْ قَـٰصِرَٰتُ ٱلطَّرْفِ عِينٌ 48
Translations
And with them will be women limiting [their] glances, with large, [beautiful] eyes,
Transliteration
Wa 'indahum qasiratu at-tarfi 'iyn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the companions of Paradise as having 'maidens with restrained glances,' emphasizing their modesty and beauty. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as describing the houris (hur al-'ayn) of Paradise, whose eyes are cast down in modesty and chasteness. The phrase 'qasirat at-tarf' (restrained of gaze) indicates both physical beauty and virtuous character, suggesting that the rewards of Paradise combine aesthetic perfection with moral excellence.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah As-Saffat, a Meccan surah that describes scenes of Paradise and Hell as part of its message about the afterlife and divine justice. It comes within a broader passage (37:40-49) describing the reward of the righteous servants of Allah in Paradise, serving as an encouragement to believers during the early period of preaching in Mecca.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said regarding the inhabitants of Paradise: 'In it are what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has ever conceived' (Sahih Bukhari 3244). Additionally, Surah An-Noor (24:31) commands believing women to 'restrain their gazes,' creating a thematic parallel between the virtue praised here and the commandment given to believers on Earth.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true beauty in Islam encompasses both external attractiveness and inner virtue, particularly modesty. For believers, it serves as a reminder that Paradise is prepared for those who cultivate both physical and moral excellence, inspiring them to develop righteous character in this life.