of Nekounam (May His Sacred Spirit Be Sanctified) Session 195

Introduction

Verse 25 of Surah Al-Baqarah, like a window opening onto the endless divine blessings, presents an exalted portrayal of Paradise and its characteristics. This verse, by describing the heavenly gardens, flowing rivers, orderly provisions, and purified spouses, invites the believers to a realm replete with perfection and spirituality. This treatise, compiled and rewritten from the lecture delivered on 29 April 2009 (9/2/1388 in the Persian calendar), undertakes a comprehensive and scholarly analysis of this verse. The objective is to offer a systematic and refined text for a learned audience, employing a specialised lexicon and utilising allegories and metaphors to elucidate the features of Paradise and divine blessings. This exegesis, while maintaining the original content intact, is enriched with supplementary analyses and presented as a resource for theological and spiritual research.

Section One: Qur'anic Methodology in the Description of Paradise

The depiction of Paradise and the hereafters blessings, like a map drawn solely with the instruments of divine revelation, must be founded exclusively upon the verses of the Holy Qur'an and authentic narrations from the Infallibles (peace be upon them). Claims made by individuals professing to have witnessed the afterlife, even if they are verified mystics, do not constitute conclusive evidence for others, since there remains the possibility of error in these observations.

The Verse in Question

وَبَشِّرِ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ ۚ كُلَّمَا رُزِقُوا مِنْهَا مِنْ ثَمَرَةٍ رِزْقًا ۙ قَالُوا هَٰذَا الَّذِي رُزِقْنَا مِنْ قَبْلُ ۖ وَأُتُوا بِهِ مُتَشَابِهًا ۚ وَلَهُمْ فِيهَا أَزْوَاجٌ مُطَهَّرَةٌ ۙ وَهُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ

Translation: And give good tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds, that they shall have gardens beneath which rivers flow. Whenever they are provided therewith with fruit as provision, they say, This is what we were provided with before. And they are given the like thereof in likeness, and therein they have purified spouses, and they abide therein eternally.

This verse, by depicting the heavenly blessings, invites the believers to a world abundant with perfection and tranquility.

The matters of the hereafter, like summits beyond the reach of human intellect, cannot be portrayed accurately through mere rational conjectures. Only the divine word and the sayings of the Infallibles can unveil this truth.

Conclusion of Section One

The Qur'anic and narrational methodology is the sole authentic approach for describing Paradise. This approach prevents unfounded speculations and preserves the interpretation within the framework of divine revelation.

Section Two: The Concept of Exclusivity in لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ (For Them Gardens)

The phrase أَنَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ, like a key unlocking a specific lock, signifies the exclusivity of the heavenly gardens for the believers. This Lam neither denotes material ownership nor lease or usufruct, but indicates a special belonging of the paradisians to these blessings.

Just as the saddle is for the horse, but the horse does not own the saddle and its master does not derive material benefit from it, Paradise is exclusively designated for the believers, yet not implying material ownership or worldly benefit.

Some interpretations, like winding roads, have construed the exclusive Lam as material ownership or benefit, which is incompatible with the spiritual reality of Paradise.

Conclusion of Section Two

The exclusive Lam in لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ indicates the special belonging of the paradisians to divine blessings. This exclusivity transcends material concepts of ownership or benefit, reflecting the divine wisdom in rewarding the believers.

Section Three: Characteristics of the Heavenly Gardens

The utilisation of the plural term جَنَّاتٍ instead of the singular جَنَّة, like countless gardens, denotes the variety and vastness of the heavenly gardens.

The rivers flowing beneath the trees, like the lifeblood of Paradise, signify absolute verdure and vitality. These rivers are not only material but symbolise the infinite grace and mercy of God.

Paradise, like a garden constantly renewed, is a dynamic and transformative environment. Its trees and heavenly breeze are perpetually in motion and renewal.

Conclusion of Section Three

The heavenly gardens, with their diversity, flowing rivers, and vitality, depict an environment filled with perfection and life that manifests the infinite wisdom and power of God.

Section Four: Divine Provisions in Paradise and Their Systematic Nature

The provisions in Paradise, like fruits presented anew each time, are varied and orderly. This variety is indicative of divine wisdom in fulfilling the needs of the paradisians.

The paradisians, upon seeing the fruits, say: This is what we were provided with before. This apparent similarity, like a mirror reflecting perfection, denotes the order and proportion of the provisions.

The term مُتَشَابِهًا, meaning outward similarity with variation in quality, reflects internal diversity of provisions, granting the paradisians a new experience each time.

Some interpretations have considered the provisions solely material, whereas these provisions, like a light emanating from a divine source, are both material and spiritual.

Conclusion of Section Four

The provisions of Paradise, through their variety, order, and apparent similarity, manifest divine wisdom in fulfilling the paradisians needs. These provisions are simultaneously material and spiritual, offering a renewed experience.

Section Five: Purified Spouses and Spiritual Purity

The phrase أَزْوَاجٌ مُطَهَّرَةٌ, like pure jewels, refers to spouses free from any defect, sin, or impurity. This purity includes exemption from menstruation, sin, error, and transgression.

The word أَزْوَاجٌ, as a term encompassing both male and female, does not specify a particular gender and refers to spouses of either gender.

In Paradise, like a realm full of light, coverings are radiant and merciful, with no need for material coverings such as cloth. These coverings manifest divine attributes.

In Paradise, like an environment free from envy and deficiency, unlawful glances do not exist because perfection and abundance of blessings eliminate all need.

Conclusion of Section Five

The purified spouses in Paradise, endowed with spiritual purity and luminous coverings, reside in an environment free from defects and unlawful glances, manifesting divine perfection.

Section Six: Eternity and Dynamism of Paradise

Eternity in Paradise, like a boundless ocean, indicates the unlimited nature of divine blessings in terms of time and quality.

Paradise, like a garden perpetually blossoming, is a dynamic and ever-renewing environment. Trees, breeze, and blessings are continuously renewed.