إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُدْخِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ جَنَّـٰتٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ ۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ يَتَمَتَّعُونَ وَيَأْكُلُونَ كَمَا تَأْكُلُ ٱلْأَنْعَـٰمُ وَٱلنَّارُ مَثْوًى لَّهُمْ 12
Translations
Indeed, Allāh will admit those who have believed and done righteous deeds to gardens beneath which rivers flow, but those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as grazing livestock eat, and the Fire will be a residence for them.
Transliteration
Inna Allaha yudkhilu alladhina amanu wa amilu al-salihati jannatin tajri min tahtiha al-anharu wa alladhina kafaru yatamattaun wa ya'kuluna kama ta'kulu al-an'amu wa al-naru mathwan lahum
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents a stark contrast between the believers and the disbelievers: those who have faith and perform righteous deeds will enter Paradise with rivers flowing beneath them, while those who reject faith live a temporary life of indulgence like cattle, with Hellfire as their final abode. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, the comparison of disbelievers eating like livestock emphasizes their deprivation of spiritual sustenance and intellectual elevation, despite physical enjoyment in this world. The ayah underscores that worldly comfort without faith is hollow and fleeting, culminating in eternal punishment.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Muhammad, a Medinan chapter that frequently addresses the contrast between believers and disbelievers in the context of early Islamic community struggles. The surah was revealed during a period when the Muslim community faced opposition, and this verse serves to strengthen the resolve of believers by reminding them of the ultimate reward for faith and righteous action, while warning of the consequences of disbelief.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The example of this life compared to the life hereafter is like a man who puts his finger in the ocean—how much water has he taken out?' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Also relevant: 'This worldly life compared to the hereafter is like one of you putting his finger in the sea. Let him see how much water clings to it.' (Sahih Muslim 2858)
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that true success lies not in material abundance or worldly indulgence, but in faith combined with righteous action, which leads to eternal reward. For modern readers, it serves as a powerful corrective against measuring life's success solely through material gain, encouraging instead a focus on spiritual development and ethical living as the foundation of lasting fulfillment.