وَكَأسًا دِهاقًا

And brimming cups.

EXEGESIS

This is the only usage of the root d-h-q in the Quran. There are four possible meanings for this verse given the different definitions of dihāq: 1. They are provided with cups that are full, brimming, and filled to capacity.^{‎[1]Jawharī, al-Ṣiḥāḥ, under d-h-q; Raghib, under d-h-q; Tahqiq, under d-h-q. This is narrated from Ibn Abbas, Mujāhid, Hasan al-Baṣrī, and Qatādah. Tabari, 30/13; Razi, 31/22.} This could be a way of describing their maximum pleasure, such that there is no room for more.^{‎[2]Tibyan, 10/247.} 2. They are successively and consecutively provided with cups of heavenly drinks.^{‎[3]Tabari, 30/13; Tibyan, 10/247; Tabrisi, 10/646, narrated from Mujāhid, Saʿīd ibn Jubayr, and Abū Hurayrah.} 3. Their cups are filled with drinks that flow and pour down with force and intensity. 4. They will have drinks that are absolutely clear, filtered, and pure of any adulteration.^{‎[4]Lisan, under d-h-q; Nemuneh, 26/49, this is narrated from ʿIkramah. Tabari, 30/13; Razi, 31/22.} In all of these cases, dihāq is an infinitive that is used as an adjective, which is a way of emphasis.^{‎[5]Mizan, 20/169, with some elaboration.} Regardless of the meaning of dihāq, all of these qualities hold for heavenly drinks.

The first meaning is what most lexicologists have reported. The second and third meanings are confirmed by the usage of this term in Nahj al-Balāghah.^{‎[6]Nahj, sermon 83.} The second meaning can be further confirmed by the Quranic theme that the inhabitants of paradise will be circled and waited upon by young and immortal waiters that serve them heavenly foods and drinks (37:45, 43:71, 52:23-24, 56:17-18, 76:15, 76:19). The fourth meaning is confirmed by the description of heavenly drinks as clear (37:45, 56:18). Overall, it means that they will have abundant drinks to enjoy, without any delay or limit.

EXPOSITION

Their cups are described elsewhere as follows: Served around with a cup from a clear fountain, snow-white, delicious to the drinkers, wherein there will be neither headache nor will it cause them stupefaction (37:45-47).

[1] Jawharī, al-Ṣiḥāḥ, under d-h-q; Raghib, under d-h-q; Tahqiq, under d-h-q. This is narrated from Ibn Abbas, Mujāhid, Hasan al-Baṣrī, and Qatādah. Tabari, 30/13; Razi, 31/22.
[2] Tibyan, 10/247.
[3] Tabari, 30/13; Tibyan, 10/247; Tabrisi, 10/646, narrated from Mujāhid, Saʿīd ibn Jubayr, and Abū Hurayrah.
[4] Lisan, under d-h-q; Nemuneh, 26/49, this is narrated from ʿIkramah. Tabari, 30/13; Razi, 31/22.
[5] Mizan, 20/169, with some elaboration.
[6] Nahj, sermon 83.