and sheltered, protected women of lesser rank are prevented from going out, whether on a journey or otherwise, to a place of recreation, a garden, or the like. Their abiding characteristic is seclusion within the home, although they may occasionally go out with servants to gardens and similar places.

Mujāhid, however, said: “Their hearts are devoted exclusively to their husbands, in tents of pearl.”

The first group of women has already been described as restraining their gaze, and these as being kept secluded. Both descriptions apply to both groups, for both are qualities of perfection. The former means restraining their gaze from looking longingly at anyone other than their husbands; the latter means keeping them from displaying their beauty, coming forth, and appearing before men.

[Surah al-Rahmān (55): verse 76]
“Reclining on green cushions and beautiful fine carpets.” (76)

Allah Most High also says:

88: 13–15 “Therein are raised couches, cups set out, cushions arranged in rows, and carpets spread out.”

Hishām related from Abū Bishr, from Sa‘īd ibn Jubayr, who said: “Rafraf means the meadows of Paradise, and ‘abqarī means the finest carpets.” Ismā‘īl ibn ‘Ulayyah related from Abū Rajā’, from al-Hasan, concerning the words of Allah Most High, “Reclining on green cushions and beautiful fine carpets,” that he said: “They are carpets.” He added: “The people of Medina also say they are carpets.”

As for namāriq, al-Wāhidī said: “Everyone agrees that they are cushions. The singular is numruqah, with an initial u-vowel.” Al-Farrā’ also recorded nimruqah, with an initial i-vowel. Abū ‘Ubaydah quoted:

When pleasure’s carpet is spread,
And its rugs and cushions brought close for delight.

Al-Kalbī said: “Cushions arranged beside one another.” Muqātil said: “They are cushions arranged on rugs.” Zarābī means carpets and rugs.