مُتَّكِئينَ فيها عَلَى الأَرائِكِ ۖ لا يَرَونَ فيها شَمسًا وَلا زَمهَريرًا
Reclining therein on couches. They will find in it neither any [scorching] sun, nor any [biting] cold.
EXEGESIS
Zamharīr (biting cold) can have two meanings. The first meaning of zamharīr is extreme, biting cold. In this meaning, this verse expresses the gentle weather that presides in heaven such that They will find it in neither any [scorching] sun, nor any [biting] cold.[su_tooltip content=”Tabrisi, 10/621.”][1][/su_tooltip] When applied to the eyes, the expression zamharat ʿaynāhu means ‘his eyes turned red out of anger’. Muzmahir is the person who is very angry.[su_tooltip content=”Lisan, 4/330.”][2][/su_tooltip] From here, we can appreciate why some have used zamharīr to express chastisement.[su_tooltip content=”Tabari, 29/132.”][3][/su_tooltip] When applied to planets or celestial bodies, izmaharrat al-kawākib means ‘the planets have turned so pristinely and luminescently white’.[su_tooltip content=”Lisan, 4/330.”][4][/su_tooltip] In turn, another possible meaning is that zamharīr refers to the moon.[su_tooltip content=”Alusi, 15/175; Daqaiq, 14/60.”][5][/su_tooltip] Hence, this verse would also mean that the very air of heaven itself is lit and does need a sun or a moon.[su_tooltip content=”Qummi, 2/258.”][6][/su_tooltip] In fact, it sometimes gets further lit by some of its inhabitants.[su_tooltip content=”Alusi, 15/175.”][7][/su_tooltip]
EXPOSITION
Comfort, balanced weather and temperature, and low-hanging fruits are always afforded. The perpetual state of comfort that the abrār experience in paradise is such that while they are reclined, like kings,[su_tooltip content=”Tabrisi, 10/621.”][8][/su_tooltip] on their couches, they are never subject to extreme heat or cold. Instead, they eternally enjoy the gentleness of temperate weather.[su_tooltip content=”Mizan, 20/129.”][9][/su_tooltip] But the gentle breeze goes deeper. Their bodies recline at ease because their hearts are finally tranquil. There are no more eruptions, storms, or quakes from within (7:43, 15:47); only peace (6:127, 7:46, 10:10, 13:24, 14:23, 15:46, 16:32, 19:62, 25:75, 33:44).[su_tooltip content=” Amthal, 19/264.”][10][/su_tooltip]
INSIGHTS FROM HADITH
- In Rūḥ al-Maʿānī, it is reported that Ibn Abbas said: ‘Whereas the people of paradise were in heaven, they saw that a light, like the light of the sun, has shined upon the heavens. So they said: “O Riḍwān, what is this? Didn’t our Lord say: They will find in it neither sun, nor moon?” So Riḍwān said: “This is not the sun nor the moon. It is Ali (a) and Fatimah (a) that laughed and caused the heaven to shine from the light of their smile.”’[su_tooltip content=” Alusi, 15/175.”][11][/su_tooltip]
INSIGHTS FROM OTHER TRADITIONS
- They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.[su_tooltip content=” Revelation 7:16-17.”][12][/su_tooltip]
One of the other readings of this verse was: They will find in it neither sun, nor moon. The idea that heavenly abodes are themselves lit up without need for an external source is also found in the Bible:
- And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.[su_tooltip content=” Revelation 21:23-25.”][13][/su_tooltip]
- And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.[su_tooltip content=” Revelation 22:5.”][14][/su_tooltip]
[1] Tabrisi, 10/621.
[2] Lisan, 4/330.
[3] Tabari, 29/132.
[4] Lisan, 4/330.
[5] Alusi, 15/175; Daqaiq, 14/60.
[6] Qummi, 2/258.
[7] Alusi, 15/175.
[8] Tabrisi, 10/621.
[9] Mizan, 20/129.
[10] Amthal, 19/264.
[11] Alusi, 15/175.
[12] Revelation 7:16-17.
[13] Revelation 21:23-25.
[14] Revelation 22:5.