Yet the eyes are not shaped; rather, they are adorned with kohl. Many similar expressions occur. It is also said that the meaning is: they will be honored with fruit, the meat of fowl, and fair women with wide, beautiful eyes.

The remaining reciters read it in the nominative case, meaning: fair women with wide, beautiful eyes will attend upon them. Al-Akhfash said that it is in the nominative in the sense of, “They shall have fair women with wide, beautiful eyes.” Its explanation is given as: “fair women with wide, beautiful eyes”—women of radiant whiteness and large eyes.

“Like well-protected pearls (23), as a reward for what they used to do (24). There they will hear no idle or sinful talk (25), only the saying, ‘Peace, peace’ (26). And those on the Right—how blessed are those on the Right! (27) Amid thornless lote trees (28).”

“Like well-protected pearls”: that is, pearls concealed within their shells, untouched by human hands. It is related that a light will shine forth in Paradise, and they will ask, “What is this?” It will be said, “It is the radiance of the mouth of a fair woman of Paradise who has smiled at her husband.”

It is also related that, when a fair woman of Paradise walks, the glorification of her anklets is heard from her shins, and the praise of her bracelets from her forearms. Her ruby necklace smiles from her upper chest, and upon her feet are two sandals of gold, whose straps are of pearls and resound with declarations of Allah’s transcendence. “As a reward for what they used to do.”

“There they will hear no idle or sinful talk, only the saying”: that is, speech—“Peace, peace.” Both words are in the accusative case in accordance with the word “saying”; that is, they will hear the saying, “Peace, peace.” Ata said: They will greet one another with peace.

Then He mentioned those on the Right and expressed the wondrous nature of their condition, saying—exalted is His mention—“And those on the Right—how blessed are those on the Right! Amid thornless lote trees”: trees containing no thorns, as though their thorns had been cut off and removed. This is the view of Ibn Abbas and Ikrimah (1).

Al-Hasan said: They do not injure the hands. Ibn Kaysan said: It is that which contains no harm. He said: None of the fruits of Paradise are enclosed in pods, as broad beans and other such things are in this world. Rather, all of them may be eaten, drunk, smelled, and looked upon. Al-Dahhak and Mujahid said: It means laden with fruit (2).

Said ibn Jubayr said: Its fruits are larger than great water-jars (3).

Abu al-Aliyah and al-Dahhak said: The Muslims looked upon Wajj—a fertile valley in Taif—and were impressed by its lote trees. They said, “If only we had something like this!” Then Allah revealed this verse (4).