Allah the Exalted says, “Say: the Holy Spirit has brought it down from your Lord in truth so that He may strengthen those who believe, and as guidance and glad tidings for the Muslims” (al-Nahl 102). He likewise says, “The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down” (al-Shuʿarāʾ 193). One of the meanings of the term rūḥ (spirit) is the sense found in this verse: strength.

Thus, “He strengthened them with a spirit from Him” means: with a strength from Him—magnified and exalted be He—namely, a strength of faith in this world; and in the Hereafter, “and He will admit them into Gardens.” Gardens (jannāt) is the plural of janna. In Arabic janna originally denotes an orchard, so called because it is covered and concealed by its trees, their intertwined branches forming a screen. Paradise is therefore shade, foliage, rivers, and palaces, and its highest level—its very roof—is the Throne of the Most Merciful, glorified be He.

His words, “beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein forever,” mean that they will remain there without ever leaving. The Almighty also says, “They will not wish to depart from it” (al-Kahf 108). They will not fear death, nor fear anyone who might drive or expel them—as happens in this world. A person here may reside in palaces, yet he is still vulnerable to death, which removes him, and to enemies, who may overpower him and cast him out. In worldly life mankind is ever fearful.