وَإِذا رَأَيتَ ثَمَّ رَأَيتَ نَعيمًا وَمُلكًا كَبيرًا

As you look, you will see there bliss and a great kingdom.

EXEGESIS

Thamma is a locative that means ‘far there’.^{‎[1]Raghib, p. 177.} As far as one can cast their sight in paradise, they would behold nothing but indescribable bliss and a kingdom unfathomable by any human being.^{‎[2]Mizan, 20/130.}

EXPOSITION

In line with the principle that in paradise they will have whatever they wish (35:50), the abrār will be served ethereal drinks, served to them exactly as they wanted.^{‎[3]Mizan, 20/129.} Drinks, which are characterised with the qualities of ginger and drawn from a fountain known for the agreeability of its offerings, are put forth for them.^{‎[4]Mizan, 20/130.} They are waited upon by immortal youths of remarkable beauty, as if circumambulating around the abrār.^{‎[5]Razi, 30/753.} Despite their perpetual efforts to serve the abrār, their faces never lose their radiance and beauty.^{‎[6]Razi, 30/753.} Like scattered pearls, they mirror each others’ clear complexions and brilliant countenances as they spread out to serve the abrār in their gatherings.^{‎[7]Mizan, 20/130.}

While the abrār are served in a splendid expression of unearthly beauty, they are invited to enjoy their view. Behold; before them is bounty and bliss, as far as they can see, and a kingdom dubbed great by God Himself.

INSIGHTS FROM HADITH

1. Abbas ibn Zayd asked Imam al-Ṣādiq (a) about As you look, you will see there bliss and a great kingdom. He said: ‘What is this kingdom that God, exalted is He and manifest, has exalted and called great?’ The Imam replied: ‘When God brings the people of heaven into paradise, [they are treated with such great honour that if] He would send a messenger to one of His friends (i.e. one of them), His messenger would meet a guard at the door that would say: “Wait here until we seek permission for you to enter.” Hence, [they are so honoured] that [even] the messenger of their Lord does not reach them without permission.’^{‎[8]Maani, p. 210, h. 1.}
2. Imam al-Ṣādiq (a) is reported to have said about As you look, you see there bliss and a great kingdom: ‘[It will remain] never to depart, never to perish.’^{‎[9]Tabrisi, 10/623.}

[1] Raghib, p. 177.
[2] Mizan, 20/130.
[3] Mizan, 20/129.
[4] Mizan, 20/130.
[5] Razi, 30/753.
[6] Razi, 30/753.
[7] Mizan, 20/130.
[8] Maani, p. 210, h. 1.
[9] Tabrisi, 10/623.