(14) “And only a few from the later generations.”

This indicates that, on the whole, the early generations of this nation are superior to its later generations, because those brought near from among the earlier generations are more numerous than those from the later generations.

Those brought near are the elect of creation. “Upon couches interwoven”—that is, woven with gold, silver, pearls, precious stones, and other forms of [jewelry] and adornment known only to Allah Most High.

“Reclining upon them”—that is, upon those couches, seated in complete ease, tranquility, comfort, and repose. “Facing one another,” each one facing his companion, because of the purity of their hearts, their refined manners, and the harmony between their hearts.