(27) He then mentioned the bliss of the companions of the right, saying: (1) “And the companions of the right—what of the companions of the right!” That is, their standing is exalted and their condition magnificent.
“Amid thornless lote trees”—that is, their thorns and harmful, inferior branches have been removed and replaced with wholesome fruit. Among the special qualities of lote trees are their dense shade and the bodily comfort found beneath them.
“And talh trees laden with fruit.” Talh is a well-known large tree found in the desert, whose branches are laden with delicious, delectable fruit.
“And water poured forth”—that is, abundant ⦗834⦘ water from springs, coursing rivers, and rushing streams.
“And abundant fruit, neither ending nor withheld.” That is, it is unlike the fruit of this world, which becomes unavailable at certain times and may be beyond the reach of those who seek it. Rather, it is always present, and its fruit hangs close at hand so that the servant may pluck it in whatever position he may be.
“And couches raised high”—that is, raised far above the bedsteads. Those furnishings are made of silk, gold, pearls, and other things known only to Allah.
“Indeed, We have created them anew.” That is, We have created the women of Paradise in a form unlike their former creation in this world: a perfect creation that will never perish.
“And made them virgins”—the young and the old among them alike.
The general wording includes both the fair maidens with large, beautiful eyes and the women of this world. This quality—virginity—will remain with them in every circumstance, just as their being “loving and of equal age” will remain with them at all times. A loving woman is one who endears herself to her husband through her gracious speech, pleasing appearance, coquettish charm, beauty, and love. When she speaks, she captivates minds, and the listener wishes that her words would never end—especially when they sing with those mellow voices and enchanting melodies. When her husband beholds her refined manners, bearing, and coy charm, she fills his heart with joy and happiness. When she goes forth (2) from one place to another, she fills that place with a delightful fragrance and light. This also includes her coquettish allure during intercourse.
Those of equal age are all thirty-three years old, an age that represents the utmost one could desire and the culmination of youth. Thus, their women will be loving and of equal age, harmonious and congenial, pleased and pleasing. They will neither grieve nor cause grief; rather, they will bring joy to souls, delight to the eyes, and radiance to sight.
“For the companions of the right”—that is, prepared and made ready for them.
“A multitude from the earlier peoples and a multitude from the later peoples.” That is, this group of the companions of the right will comprise a great many from the earlier peoples and a great many from the later peoples.