statement—a Book whose passages resemble one another and are repeated.” [Surah al-Zumar 23]

Thus, following the best of what has been sent down to us from our Lord means following the best speech.

This is what He commanded the Children of Israel to do when He said:

“And We wrote for him on the Tablets an admonition concerning all things and a detailed explanation of all things. So hold firmly to them and command your people to follow the best of them.” [Surah al-Aʿrāf 145]

Then Abu al-Qāsim said: “Allah Most High says, ‘They will be delighted in a garden.’ [Surah al-Rūm 15] It is stated in Quranic commentary that this refers to listening.”

I say: It has indeed been reported from a number of the early generations that this refers to listening to beautiful sounds in Paradise, and that the wide-eyed maidens of Paradise sing with voices more beautiful than any that creation has ever heard. However, Allah Most High’s granting His servants the pleasure of beautiful voices and listening to them in Paradise does not imply that He prescribes or permits listening to every sound in this world. He has promised things in the Hereafter that He has forbidden in this world, such as wine, silk, and vessels of gold and silver.

Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Whoever drinks wine in this world will not drink it in the Hereafter.” He also said: “Whoever wears silk in this world will not wear it in the