هُمْ وَأَزْوَٰجُهُمْ فِى ظِلَـٰلٍ عَلَى ٱلْأَرَآئِكِ مُتَّكِـُٔونَ 56
Translations
They and their spouses - in shade, reclining on adorned couches.
Transliteration
Hum wa azwajuhum fee zilal ala al-ara'ik muttaki'un
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the inhabitants of Paradise reclining comfortably with their spouses in shaded gardens upon couches and thrones. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the 'zilal' (shades/shadows) refers to the abundant gardens and trees of Paradise, while the 'ara'ik' (couches/thrones) signifies their elevated status and honor. The verb 'muttaki'un' (reclining) conveys a state of complete ease, tranquility, and freedom from toil—depicting the ultimate rest and contentment of the blessed in the afterlife.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Ya-Sin, a Meccan surah that extensively describes the Day of Judgment and the states of the righteous in Paradise versus the wicked in Hell. It comes in a section (verses 54-58) painting vivid scenes of Paradise to remind believers of the reward awaiting them, serving as motivation for righteous conduct during the trials of early Islamic Mecca.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'In Paradise, there are things that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has imagined' (Sahih Bukhari 3244). Additionally, 'The lowest of the people of Paradise will have ten times the like of the greatest kingdom of this world' (Sahih Muslim 188), emphasizing the unimaginable comfort described in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the temporary struggles and hardships of this world are insignificant compared to the eternal peace and comfort awaiting the righteous in Paradise, encouraging patience, piety, and steadfastness in faith.