لا يَسمَعونَ فيها لَغوًا وَلا كِذّابًا
Therein they shall hear neither vain talk nor lies.
EXEGESIS
The indefinite form of the bounties in these verses (and the next one) indicates their magnificence. That is: they will have such a triumph, such gardens, such vineyards, and so on. When used in a negative sentence, this form indicates a universal negation: they shall hear no vain talk or lie whatsoever.
As discussed under verse 28, kidhdhāban is apparently derived from the verbal form mukādhabah, which is used when there is mutual denial, negation, and ascription of lie between two parties. In this context it could mean that they will not be denied anything that they want. Another possibility is to connect this word with the next: they shall not be lied to concerning the promised reward of the Lord. However, some early exegetes have suggested that kidhdhāban here means kadhiban, and thus most exegetes and translators have interpreted it as: they shall not hear any lies there. In the common recitation, the exaggerated form of kidhdhāban should be interpreted as exaggeration and emphasis of negation, not as negation of big lies only. Therefore, the exaggerated form serves to indicate that they will not hear any lies whatsoever. Finally, given the context of the verse, this does not include lies alone, but lies represents any speech that is false, unbefitting, or sinful. This is confirmed by the verse, They will not hear therein any vain talk or sinful speech (56:25).
EXPOSITION
There are two possibilities for this verse: 1. Therein refers to Gardens and vineyards in verse 32 (i.e. paradise). 2. Therein refers to brimming cups in the last verse. The first meaning is more apparent and inclusive. It is similar to the following verses: They will not hear therein any vain talk or sinful speech, but only the saying ‘Peace!’ ‘Peace!’ (56:25-26). The second meaning is also correct and it can be compared with verse 37:47 and, There they will pass from hand to hand a cup wherein there will be neither any vain talk nor sinful speech (52:23).
This verse marks a difference between the hereafter and this world. People in paradise are not required to work and labour in order to make a living. They have complete leisure, yet their leisure is not accompanied by vain talk and sinful speech, as it is often seen among individuals in this world who have failed to identify a higher objective for their lives. In other words, what is there is leisure accompanied by pleasure, not idleness accompanied by boredom.
One should realise that we build our eternal life and treatment with our own hands (52:21, 59:18, 89:24). There is a real congruence and compatibility between one’s retribution in the hereafter (whether that is a reward or a punishment) and one’s actions, intentions, and words in this world. Some practical lessons that can possibly be inferred from the rewards mentioned here are as follows: the enclosed gardens of paradise are for those who are reserved and self-restrained; those who set a cap and limit on their actions and interactions. The vine and wine of paradise are for those who develop a love relationship with their Lord and turn away their hearts from being fascinated with the pleasures of this world, and sever their attachments from all but their Lord. Imam al-Sajjād (a) prays to God: ‘I ask forgiveness from Thee for every pleasure but Thy remembrance, from every comfort but Thy intimacy, from every joy but Thy proximity, and from every occupation but Thy obedience.’ Protected or sublime spouses are for those who dedicate themselves to their Lord, strive to rise to spiritual elevations, and preserve their monotheistic nobility, honour, and dignity from turning to anyone for help. Subservient spouses are for those who are humble in spirit and subservient to God in worship. Full, successive cups are for those whose good and charity consecutively reached the poor, whose hearts were filled with faith, and who bore the thirst of long summer days to please their Lord by fasting. Finally, the true believers Who avoid vain talk (23:3), who pass by vanity nobly (25:72, 28:55), and who never lie whatsoever, will be blessed with a life wherein They will not hear vain talk, but only ‘Peace!’ (19:62).
It should be noted and emphasised that this is neither a complete list, nor the direct meaning of the verses, but some practical tips and inferences intended to encourage the reader to think further and find personal applications for the verses.
[1] Tabrisi, 10/646.
[2] Tabrisi, 10/646, narrated from Abū Ali al-Fārsī.
[3] Razi, 31/22.
[4] Bursawi, 10/308.
[5] Kashif, 7/503.
[6] Bihar, 91/151.
[7] Barqi, 1/118, h. 126; Majmūʿat Warrām, 1/114.