يَطوفُ عَلَيهِم وِلدانٌ مُخَلَّدونَ
They will be waited upon by immortal youths.
EXEGESIS
Yaṭūfu means to circle and circumambulate. Therefore, it is not just about being served and waited upon by heavenly servants and waiters, but it is a constant waiting and a ceaseless circling of heavenly food and drinks by these waiters.
Mukhalladūn is apparently from the root khulūd, meaning stability and lack of change, and sometimes immortality and eternality. It could also be from the root khalad or khilad, referring to young servants with earrings, which were a sign of servitude and serfdom. Apparently, the earring of servitude has the same root as khulūd as it is always attached to the ear. Thus, the servants of the close ones are unchanging – in terms of their youth and/or in terms of their service.
EXPOSITION
The immortal youths who serve their masters eternally are for those who constantly served the cause of God and were always obedient to Him. Those who are persevering in their prayers (70:23). It was their intention to serve and worship God no matter how long they live, and that is why they will be waited upon eternally in paradise: They will be waited upon by immortal youths, whom, when you see them, you will suppose them to be scattered pearls (76:19). They will indulge in heavenly drinks, served in vessels of the shape, size, and colour that they desire (76:16).
INSIGHTS FROM HADITH
- There are many traditions narrated with regard to this verse saying that the children that die in their childhood – including the children of polytheists – will become the servants of the inhabitants of paradise.
Note: Of course, God could create heavenly youth servants anew, but if one were to take the word wildān literally (meaning those who have been born), then it would best comply with children who were born in this world.
[1] Tahqiq, under ṭ-w-f.
[2] Raghib; Tahqiq, under w-ḍ-n.
[3] Mizan, 19/122; Maqayis, under th-l-l.
[4] Kafi, 2/85, h. 5.
[5] Zamakhshari, 4/459; Tabrisi, 9/327.
[6] Razi, 29/393.