enjoying themselves: “They and their spouses will be in shade, reclining on couches.” [Yā Sīn: 56]

“Cups set ready.” “Cups” is the plural of “cup,” meaning a drinking vessel or the like. “Set ready” means that they are not raised beyond their reach; rather, they are set before them, and whenever they wish, they may use them to drink from the four rivers mentioned above.

“Cushions arranged in rows.” “Cushions” is the plural of “cushion,” meaning a pillow or anything upon which one reclines. They are “arranged in rows” in the most beautiful manner, so that the eye delights in them even before the body enjoys reclining against them.

“And carpets spread out.” These carpets are the finest kind of furnishings. They are “spread out” everywhere. As for these cushions, cups, couches, and carpets, do not imagine that they resemble what exists in this world. If they did, we would know the bliss of the Hereafter and understand its true nature. But they do not resemble it, for Allah Most High 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: 17]

Only the names are the same; the realities are different. Hence Ibn ʿAbbās—may Allah be pleased with them both—said, “Nothing in the Hereafter is the same as anything in this world except the names.” (1) We therefore do not know the true nature of these blessings mentioned in Paradise. Although we see things in this world that share their names, there is a vast difference between the two.

“Do they not look at the camels—how they were created * and at the sky—how it was raised * and at the mountains—how they were firmly set * and at the earth—how it was spread out? * So remind them, for you are only one who reminds * you have no power to compel them * but as for whoever turns away and disbelieves * Allah will punish him with the greatest punishment * surely to Us is their return * then surely upon Us is their reckoning.”