has ever crossed the mind of any human being. Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, says:
“No soul knows what delights of the eye have been hidden for them as a reward for what they used to do.” [al-Sajdah: 11]
He also says:
“Successful indeed are the believers: those who humble themselves in prayer * those who turn away from idle talk * and those who give zakah”—up to His words—“It is they who are the inheritors, who will inherit al-Firdaws, where they will abide forever.” [al-Mu'minūn: 10, 11]
Allah Most High also says:
“Therein is whatever souls desire and eyes delight in, and therein you will abide forever.” [al-Zukhruf: 71]
Thus, they will be in “a lofty Garden.” Loftiness is the opposite of lowness, and this Garden is above the seven heavens. It is well known that on the Day of Resurrection the seven heavens and the earths will pass away, and nothing will remain except Paradise and Hell. Paradise is lofty, and its highest and central part is al-Firdaws, above which is the Throne of the Lord, Majestic and Exalted is He.
“Where they will hear no idle speech.” That is, in this Garden one will hear neither an idle utterance nor an idle-speaking person. Rather, everything therein is meaningful; everything therein is peace, glorification of Allah, praise of Him, declaration of His oneness, and proclamation of His greatness. They will be inspired to glorify Allah just as they are inspired to breathe; that is, it will cause them no hardship. They will constantly remember Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, glorifying Him in delight and happiness. They will visit one another in incomparable joy.
“Therein is a flowing spring.” Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, has explained that this spring consists of rivers:
“Therein are rivers of water that never spoils, rivers of milk whose taste never changes, rivers of wine delightful to those who drink, and rivers of purified honey.” [Muhammad: 15]
“Flowing” means that it flows wherever the people of Paradise wish. It requires neither the digging of an irrigation channel nor the construction of a watercourse. As Ibn al-Qayyim—may Allah have mercy on him—said:
Its rivers flow with no channels to contain;
Glory to Him who keeps them from overflowing their domain.
“Therein are raised couches, cups set ready, cushions arranged in rows, and carpets spread out.” Notice the contrast: “Therein are raised couches”—high couches upon which they will sit.