۞ وَيَطُوفُ عَلَيْهِمْ غِلْمَانٌ لَّهُمْ كَأَنَّهُمْ لُؤْلُؤٌ مَّكْنُونٌ 24
Translations
There will circulate among them [servant] boys [especially] for them, as if they were pearls well-protected.
Transliteration
Wa-yatoofu 'alayhim ghilmānun lahum ka-annahum lu'lu'un maknūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the servants in Paradise who will attend to the inhabitants of Paradise, described as being like pearls kept in their shells—radiant, pure, and unblemished in appearance. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, these youthful servants (ghilmān) represent part of the honor and comfort awaiting the righteous in the afterlife, emphasizing both the physical beauty and the seamless service of Paradise. The comparison to 'concealed pearls' (lu'lu'u maknūn) highlights their pristine beauty and purity, suggesting they are preserved in perfection and modesty.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan surah At-Tur, which focuses on descriptions of Paradise and Hell to motivate believers toward righteousness. The context of Surah 52 (verses 17-28) depicts the joys and comforts of Paradise, encouraging the early Muslim community during persecution in Mecca to remain steadfast in faith by reminding them of eternal rewards.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described Paradise extensively in various hadiths. See Sahih Muslim 2836, where 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud reports descriptions of Paradise's inhabitants and their eternal bliss. Also relevant is Sahih Bukhari 3244 regarding the creation of the denizens of Paradise and their characteristics.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the rewards of Paradise extend to every aspect of existence, including comfort, beauty, and perfect service, serving as powerful motivation to maintain faith and righteous deeds in this temporary life while striving for the eternal blessings to come.