Surah al-Nabaʾ (The Great News)

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.

[Surah al-Nabaʾ (78): verses 31–33]
“Indeed, for the righteous there will be triumph: (31) gardens and grapevines, (32) and full-breasted maidens of equal age. (33)”

Kawāʿib is the plural of kāʿib, meaning a maiden with prominent breasts. This is the explanation given by Qatādah, Mujāhid and the Quran commentators. Al-Kalbī said: “They are round-breasted maidens whose breasts have become prominent and rounded.”

The word’s basic meaning derives from roundness. What is meant is that their breasts are prominent, like pomegranates, rather than hanging down. Such women are called nawāhid (maidens with prominent breasts) and kawāʿib (maidens with rounded breasts).