—in honored delegations, in throngs—toward Paradise. The denizens of Hell will then enter the Fire, the people of Paradise will enter Paradise, while the Companions of the Heights will remain upon an elevated vantage.

The word aʿrāf (Heights) is the plural of ʿurf, meaning a raised place. Thus those companions are in neither Paradise nor Hell; from their lofty perch they can look upon both. In the end, however, they will be admitted to Paradise, for only two abodes endure forever—Paradise and Hell—whereas everything else will perish.

Allah the Exalted says: “The Companions of the Heights will call out to men they recognize by their marks, saying, ‘Of what use to you was your great company and that over which you used to wax proud?’” (al-Aʿrāf 7:48). That is, by their distinctive signs they know them perfectly. “Your great company” refers to your amassed wealth, children, and clan; none of these availed you. Nor did the multitudes of men who served as your troops—whom you gathered and relied upon—benefit you in the least. “And that over which you used to wax proud” means: your arrogance toward the truth likewise did not profit you.

“Are these the ones of whom you swore that Allah would grant them no mercy?”—namely, the weak. The arrogant leaders who denied the messengers used to mock the believers, saying, “Are these the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favor from among us?” (al-Anʿām 6:53). In other words: Are these the recipients of mercy, the people of Paradise? They ridiculed them, as Allah says: “Indeed, the wicked used to laugh at those who believed; and when they passed by them they would wink at one another; and when they returned to their families they would return jesting” (al-Mutaffifīn 83:29–31).

So the Companions of the Heights will say: “Are these the ones of whom you swore that Allah would never show them mercy? Enter Paradise!”—for it will have been proclaimed to them: “Enter Paradise; no fear shall be upon you, nor shall you grieve” (al-Aʿrāf 7:49).