لَهُم فيها فاكِهَةٌ وَلَهُم ما يَدَّعونَ

There they have fruits, and they have whatever they want.

EXEGESIS

Fākihah (fruit) is used in the indefinite form, which implies a lack of our comprehension of the type of fruits in that realm. It is called fruit, but it is not necessarily like what we call fruit here. It also may have a broader meaning to refer to the fruits of one’s actions performed in this world that they receive there, day after day, hour by hour. It is the realisation of the verse, Have you not regarded how Allah has drawn a parable? A good word is like a good tree: its roots are steady, and its branches are in the sky. It gives its fruit every so often by the leave of its Lord. Allah draws these parables for mankind so that they may take admonition (14:24-25).

EXPOSITION

A fascinating point can be understood from the word yaddaʿūn (they demand) in this verse. It is a very interesting and telling statement. It tells us that demand and aspiration never cease in man. This is one of the signs of the infinite nature of Allah. Despite having everything at our disposal, demands and aspirations are also fulfilled. The fact that our aspirations are infinite is a sign that there is an infinite being out there who has placed such an infinite desire in our creation.

But if everything is given to us in paradise to our total satisfaction, why is there demand and desire for more pleasure? Apparently, it comes from the eternal growth in paradise. Whatever we shall see in paradise will be a representation of our inner state, and because that state will be continually changing as we grow wiser and love God more deeply, we demand more and more is given to us. That is why paradise will not stay the same the next day. The nature, colour, and fragrance of everything in paradise will constantly improve and become more impressive and wondrous.

INSIGHTS FROM HADITH

1. Imam al-Ṣādiq (a) said: ‘Five of the fruits of paradise are in this world … pomegranate, apple, quince, grapes, and dates.’^{‎[1]Bihar, 63/155.}
2. The Messenger of God said: ‘There is no pomegranate unless it has a grain of paradise. Therefore, I desire not to leave any of it.’^{‎[2]Bihar, 63/155.}
3. Imam Ali (a) said: ‘The date and the pomegranate are from the fruits of paradise. God, the mighty and the exalted, said: In both of them will be fruits, date-palms, and pomegranates [55:68].’^{‎[3]Bihar, 63/156.}

REVIEW OF TAFSĪR LITERATURE

The verb yaddaʿūn indicates several probabilities: the first is that whatever they could otherwise get through supplication, prayer, command, or demand, they would have it by mere wish and desire before even asking for it. On the other hand, even if they ask, they will have the enjoyment of asking God for it and have the joy of taking it from Him; such an asking and taking, by itself, has a great joy of directly bonding with God. The second probable indication of yaddaʿūn is that they would get whatever the people of paradise ask from each other. The third is that whatever they used to pray, wish, and claim for others in this world, they will have in the hereafter, which is the closest probability.^{‎[4]Razi, 26/93-94.}

INSIGHTS FROM OTHER TRADITIONS

1. However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”, the things God has prepared for those who love him.^{‎[5]1 Corinthians 2:9.}
2. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.^{‎[6]Psalms 37:3-4.}

[1] Bihar, 63/155.
[2] Bihar, 63/155.
[3] Bihar, 63/156.
[4] Razi, 26/93-94.
[5] 1 Corinthians 2:9.
[6] Psalms 37:3-4.