مُتَّكِئينَ عَلَيها مُتَقابِلينَ

Reclining on them, face to face.

EXPOSITION

The inhabitants of paradise will have a firm and secure position. This is a result of their firmness and forbearance in the way of God in this world. Allah fortifies those who have faith with an immutable word in the life of this world and in the hereafter (14:27); Indeed the God-wary will be in a secure place (44:51); They have a sure footing with their Lord (10:2). Moreover, they will neighbour each other in paradise and enjoy the company of one another, and excellent companions are they (4:69). This is exactly the opposite of the inmates of hell, who will suffer from being chained with other disbelievers and devils (7:38, 38:59-64, 43:38-39).

They recline in their heavenly positions, indicating their stability and comfort. This idea of leaning and reclining on the robust and comfortable heavenly couches is repeatedly emphasised in the Holy Quran (18:31, 36:56, 38:51, 52:20, 55:54, 55:76, 76:13). A feeling of security, stability, and composure is a lost object of mankind, and it is something that is not found in this life: ‘Whenever one feels assured to something desirable in this world, it [the world] suddenly drags him out to something undesirable; and whenever one feels assured to its comfort, it replaces it with discomfort.’^{‎[1]Nahj, letter 68.}

They also meet and confront each other face to face. This may be a result of their amiability and sincere friendship in this world; they were not a people of deceit and deception in this world, they would not backbite one another, and they would not turn their backs to their fellow brothers.^{‎[2]Mizan, 19/122.} These qualities will manifest as an open friendship and a face to face confrontation in paradise. They are gathered together in friendly circles and assemblies: We will remove whatever rancour there is in their breasts; [intimate like] brothers, [they will be reclining] on couches, facing one another (15:47).

[1] Nahj, letter 68.
[2] Mizan, 19/122.