Surah An-Nisaa 4:57 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah An-Nisaa, Ayah 57
Arabic Text
وَالَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا وَعَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ سَنُدۡخِلُهُمۡ جَنّٰتٍ تَجۡرِىۡ مِنۡ تَحۡتِهَا الۡاَنۡهٰرُ خٰلِدِيۡنَ فِيۡهَاۤ اَبَدًاؕ لَّهُمۡ فِيۡهَاۤ اَزۡوٰجٌ مُّطَهَّرَةٌ وَّنُدۡخِلُهُمۡ ظِلاًّ ظَلِيۡلاً
Transliteration
Wallatheena amanoowaAAamiloo assalihati sanudkhiluhum jannatintajree min tahtiha al-anharu khalideenafeeha abadan lahum feeha azwajun mutahharatunwanudkhiluhum thillan thaleela
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Quran 4:57 from Surah An-Nisa presents a beautiful contrast to the previous verse about Hell, describing the magnificent rewards awaiting believers: 'But those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide forever. For them therein are purified spouses, and We will admit them to deepening shade' (والذين امنوا وعملوا الصالحات سندخلهم جنات تجري من تحتها الأنهار خالدين فيها أبدا لهم فيها أزواج مطهرة وندخلهم ظلا ظليلا). This verse, revealed in Madinah, establishes the eternal nature of Paradise rewards with the phrase 'خالدين فيها أبدا' (abiding therein forever), emphasizing that unlike worldly pleasures, these blessings are permanent and increasing. According to classical Islamic scholarship, the 'gardens beneath which rivers flow' (جنات تجري من تحتها الأنهار) refers to gardens of Eden where pure rivers flow wherever the inhabitants desire - through their palaces, gardens, and pathways. The 'purified spouses' (أزواج مطهرة) are described by scholars like Ibn Abbas as being free from all physical and moral impurities, while Mujahid adds they are pure from all bodily functions and shortcomings. The phrase 'ظلا ظليلا' (deepening shade) uses Arabic linguistic emphasis, indicating dense, extensive, and eternally pleasant shade. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described a tree in Paradise whose shade a rider cannot cross in a hundred years, identified as the Tree of Eternal Life. This verse demonstrates Allah's perfect balance of justice - while rejectors face punishment, believers receive unimaginable bliss, making it a powerful motivation for righteous living and a source of hope for the faithful.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Tafsir & Context
Detailed tafsir and context for Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 57 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 57
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What are the Paradise rewards described in Quran 4:57 for believers?
Quran 4:57 describes three main rewards for believers who do righteous deeds: (1) Gardens beneath which rivers flow, where they abide forever; (2) Purified spouses who are free from all physical and moral impurities; (3) Deep, extensive shade that provides eternal comfort and coolness. These rewards are permanent and increasing, unlike temporary worldly pleasures.
❓What does 'gardens beneath which rivers flow' mean in Islamic Paradise?
According to Islamic scholars, these refer to the gardens of Eden where pure rivers flow wherever the inhabitants desire - through their palaces, gardens, pathways, and any location they wish. The rivers are under their control and provide both beauty and sustenance. This represents the perfect fulfillment of human desires in a pure, divine environment.
❓Who are the 'purified spouses' mentioned in this verse?
Classical Islamic scholars like Ibn Abbas explain that purified spouses (azwaj mutahharatun) are free from all physical impurities like menstruation, postnatal bleeding, and bodily functions, as well as moral shortcomings like bad manners. Mujahid adds they are pure from urine, spit, mucous, and pregnancies. They represent perfect companionship in Paradise, free from all worldly limitations and imperfections.
❓What is the significance of 'deepening shade' (dhillan dhaleela) in Paradise?
The Arabic phrase 'dhillan dhaleela' uses linguistic emphasis to indicate dense, extensive, and eternally pleasant shade. Prophet Muhammad described a tree in Paradise whose shade a rider cannot cross in a hundred years - the Tree of Eternal Life. Some scholars identify this as the shade of Allah's Throne. This represents ultimate comfort, protection, and spiritual serenity in Paradise.
❓How does this verse contrast with the previous verse about Hell's punishment?
This verse provides a deliberate contrast to verse 4:56 about Hell's punishment. While disbelievers face skin replacement and fire, believers enjoy flowing gardens and cool shade. While the condemned experience eternal torment, the righteous receive eternal bliss. This contrast demonstrates Allah's perfect justice - appropriate consequences for both rejection and acceptance of divine guidance.
❓What does 'abiding forever' (khalideen feeha abadan) emphasize about Paradise rewards?
The phrase emphasizes the eternal and permanent nature of Paradise rewards. Unlike worldly pleasures that decrease with time or become boring, Paradise blessings are ever-increasing and eternally fresh. Believers will never be transferred, removed, or want to leave Paradise. This permanence makes the rewards infinitely valuable compared to temporary worldly gains.
❓What righteous deeds lead to these Paradise rewards according to the verse?
The verse mentions two requirements: (1) Belief (iman) - faith in Allah, His messengers, books, and teachings; (2) Righteous deeds (amal salih) - good actions that please Allah and benefit others. Islamic scholars explain these include prayer, charity, honesty, justice, kindness, and following Islamic teachings. Both faith and action are necessary - belief without deeds is insufficient, as is action without proper faith.
❓How does this verse motivate believers in their spiritual journey?
The verse provides powerful motivation by offering hope and clear goals. It shows that temporary struggles and sacrifices in this life lead to eternal, unimaginable rewards. The detailed description helps believers visualize their ultimate destination, making current difficulties more bearable. It also emphasizes that righteousness has both immediate spiritual benefits and eternal consequences, encouraging consistent good behavior.
❓What does this verse teach about Allah's justice and mercy?
The verse demonstrates Allah's perfect balance of justice and mercy. While the previous verse showed consequences for rejecting guidance, this verse shows generous rewards for accepting it. The rewards far exceed what believers deserve, showing Allah's infinite mercy. Yet they're earned through faith and deeds, showing divine justice. This balance encourages both hope in Allah's mercy and commitment to righteous living.
Translations & Commentary
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