“A spring from which the servants of Allah drink”—that is, the source of that delightful drink from which they partake. They do not fear that it will run out; rather, it has an unfailing supply: an ever-gushing, ever-flowing spring which Allah’s servants cause to flow abundantly wherever and however they wish. If they wish, they direct it toward flourishing gardens, verdant meadows, among the palaces and ornate dwellings, or toward any other pleasing place they choose.
He has mentioned (1) several of their deeds at the beginning of this surah, saying: “They fulfill their vows”—that is, the vows and covenants they have made binding upon themselves for Allah. Since they fulfill their vows, although these were not obligatory (2) until they imposed them upon themselves, it follows all the more that they perform and uphold the duties that were originally prescribed. “And they fear a Day whose evil will spread far and wide”—that is, its evil will be widespread and pervasive. Fearing that its evil might befall them, they abandon every cause that would bring it upon them. “And they give food, despite their love for it”—that is, while they love wealth and food, they give precedence to their love of Allah over their love of themselves. In feeding others, they seek out those who have the greatest claim and the greatest need: “the poor, the orphan, and the captive.”
Through their spending and feeding, they seek the countenance of Allah the Exalted, saying by their conduct: “We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We desire neither reward nor thanks from you”—that is, neither material recompense nor verbal praise.
“Indeed, we fear from our Lord a grim”—that is, severely forbidding and evil—“and distressful Day.” “So Allah protected them from the evil of that Day.” The greatest terror will not grieve them, and the angels will receive them, saying, [“This is your Day which you were promised.”]
“And He granted them”—that is, He honored them and gave them—“radiance” upon their faces “and joy” within their hearts. Thus He combined for them outward and inward bliss. “And He rewarded them for their patience”: their patience in obeying Allah, by doing as much as they were able; their patience in refraining from disobedience to Allah, by abandoning it; and their patience with Allah’s painful decrees, without resenting them. He rewarded them with “a Garden” containing every delight and free of every disturbance and vexation, “and silk,” as [the Exalted says:] “And their garments therein will be silk.” Perhaps Allah singled out silk because it is their outward attire, which reflects the state of its wearer.
“Reclining therein upon couches.” Reclining means sitting comfortably in a state of ease, tranquility, and [rest]. The couches are raised seats furnished with ornate coverings. “They will see therein”—that is, in Paradise—“neither sun” whose heat could harm them “nor bitter cold.” Rather, they will spend all their time in deep shade, with neither heat nor cold, so that their bodies take pleasure in it and suffer from neither heat nor cold.
“And its shades will hang close over them, and its clusters will be brought completely within reach”—that is, its fruits will be brought so near to anyone who desires them that they may be reached while standing, sitting, or reclining.
The people of Paradise will be served—that is, servants and youths (3) will circulate among them—“with vessels of silver and cups that are crystal, crystal made of silver.” Their substance is silver, ⦗902⦘[yet they are] as clear as glass. This is among the most wondrous of things: despite silver’s solidity, the purity of its essence and the excellence of its substance will make it as clear as glass.
“They will have measured them precisely”—that is, they will have measured the aforementioned vessels according to the exact amount needed to quench their thirst, neither more nor less. Had there been more, its pleasure would have diminished; and had there been less, it would not have sufficed to quench their thirst (4). It may also mean that the people of Paradise themselves determine an amount suited to their pleasure, whereupon the vessels come to them exactly as they had imagined.
“And they will be given to drink therein”—that is, in Paradise—“from a cup,” meaning a vessel filled with wine and pure drink, “whose mixture”—that with which it is blended—“is ginger,” making its flavor and aroma delightful.
“A spring therein”—that is, in Paradise—“called Salsabīl.” It is so named because of its smooth flow, deliciousness, and beauty.
“And there will circulate” among the people of Paradise, serving their food and drink and attending to them,
“youths of everlasting youth”—that is, they were created in Paradise to remain forever; they neither change nor grow older, and they are exceedingly beautiful. “When you see them” dispersed in their service, “you would think them,” because of their beauty, “scattered pearls.” Part of the perfect delight of the people of Paradise is that their servants will be youths of everlasting youth whose appearance brings joy. They will enter their dwellings with no fear of any adverse consequences from them, and they will bring whatever they request and whatever their souls desire. “And when you look there”—that is, in Paradise—and gaze upon the bliss they enjoy (5), “you will see bliss and a vast kingdom.” Each of them will possess palaces, dwellings, and beautifully adorned chambers beyond all description. They will have flourishing gardens, low-hanging fruit, delicious produce, flowing rivers, delightful meadows, and melodious [soul-stirring] birds that captivate hearts and gladden souls.
They will have wives of the utmost beauty and goodness, combining outward and inward beauty—virtuous and beautiful—who fill the heart with joy, pleasure, and delight. Around them will be youths of everlasting youth and servants who remain forever, through whom comfort and tranquility are attained, the pleasure of life is perfected, and happiness is made complete.
Beyond all this—and greatest of all—is attaining the sight (6) of the Merciful Lord, hearing His address, experiencing the delight of nearness to Him, rejoicing in His pleasure, abiding forever, and enjoying ever-increasing bliss at every moment. Glory be to the King, the Sovereign, the manifest Truth, whose treasures are never exhausted and whose goodness never diminishes. Just as there is no end to His attributes, there is no end to His benevolence and kindness.
“Upon them are garments of green sundus”—that is, they will be enveloped in green garments of sundus and istabraq, the two finest varieties of silk. Sundus is the thick form of brocade (7), while istabraq is its fine form. “And they will be adorned with bracelets of silver”—that is, silver bracelets will adorn the hands of both their men and their women. This is a promise Allah has made to them, and His promise will assuredly be fulfilled, for none is more truthful than He in word or speech.
His words, “And their Lord will give them a purifying drink,” mean that it will be entirely free of every impurity and will cleanse their insides of every harm and filth.
“Indeed, this”—this abundant reward and splendid gift—“is your recompense” for the deeds you previously performed, “and your efforts have been appreciated.” That is, for even a little effort, Allah will grant you everlasting bliss beyond all reckoning.
After mentioning the bliss of Paradise, Allah the Exalted says: “Indeed, it is We who have sent down the Quran to you in successive revelation.” It contains promises and warnings and explains everything His servants need. It commands them to uphold His commands and laws in the fullest manner, strive to put them into practice, and remain patient in doing so. He therefore says: “So be patient with your Lord’s decree, and do not obey any sinner or disbeliever among them.” That is, be patient with His decree governing creation and do not resent it; and adhere to His religious command, allowing no obstacle to deter you from it. “And do not obey” any of those obstinate people who seek to turn you away: neither “a sinner”—one who commits sin and disobedience—nor “a disbeliever.” Obedience to disbelievers, wicked people, and evildoers must inevitably involve acts of disobedience, for they command (8) only what their souls desire. Since patience is aided by devotion to the worship of Allah (9) and by remembering Him frequently, Allah commanded him to do so, saying: “And remember the name of your Lord morning and evening”—that is, at the beginning and end of the day. This includes the prayers ⦗903⦘ prescribed as obligations, the voluntary prayers connected to them, and the remembrance, glorification, declaration of Allah’s oneness, and magnification of Allah at those times.