إِنَّ لِلمُتَّقينَ مَفازًا

Indeed for the God-wary awaits a place of triumph.

EXEGESIS

Fawz means success, happiness, and felicity. Mafāz can be either an infinitive or a locative from this root. In the first case it would again mean triumph, salvation, felicity, and happiness. In the second case it would mean a place of triumph, salvation, felicity, and happiness.^{‎[1]Raghib, under f-w-z.} The second meaning is more plausible here, especially given that the next verse serves as an interpretation of mafāz, and also given the usage of mafāzah elsewhere in the Quran (3:188, 39:61). If verses 33 and 34 are also considered as interpretations of mafāz here, then they would favour the first meaning. However, verse 35 clearly favours the second meaning. Hence, verses 33-34 apparently describe other bounties that await the God-wary. Also see the Exegesis of verse 39:61.

EXPOSITION

Verse 18 said in brief that you will come in groups. Then, verses 21-30 described the group of rebels who will end up in hell. These verses describe another group: the God-wary, who will achieve a place of triumph. Their description as the God-wary indicates that the cause of their triumph and salvation is their God-wariness (taqwā): Allah will deliver those who were God-wary with their salvation. No ill shall touch them, nor will they grieve (39:61). They are those who will successfully pass the bridge or passage that extends over the fire: There is none of you but will come to it [i.e. hell]: a [matter that is a] decided certainty with your Lord. Then We will deliver those who are God-wary, and leave the wrongdoers in it, fallen on their knees (19:71-72). They are those who abstained and avoided (ittiqāʾ) the threats and sins that God has enumerated in His book (verse 29).^{‎[2]Tabrisi, 10/646, with some elaboration.}

INSIGHTS FROM HADITH

1. It is narrated that Imam al-Bāqir (a) interpreted mafāzan (in this verse) as ‘divine graces’ (karāmāt), and kawāʿiba atrāban (verse 33) as young girls that have grown breasts. In another narration from one of the Infallibles, atrāb has been translated as having the same age as the people of paradise.^{‎[3]Qummi, 2/402.}
2. Concerning Indeed for the God-wary awaits a place of triumph, Ibn Abbas said: ‘This is Ali ibn Abī Ṭālib, who was the head of those who preserve themselves from indecencies.’ He then elaborated verse 36 as follows: A reward from your Lord for your household in particular, and for all the God-wary in general.^{‎[4]Manaqib, 2/109.}

Note: This is an example of how to treat and interpret narrations about the Prophet’s household (Ahl al-Bayt). These narrations do not limit the meaning of the verse to those holy spirits, but they present them as top examples and applications for the verses. The verse maintains its general meaning that can apply to anyone that qualifies for if by demonstrating the given descriptions.

INSIGHTS FROM OTHER TRADITIONS

1. Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him.^{‎[5]Psalms 85:9.}

[1] Raghib, under f-w-z.
[2] Tabrisi, 10/646, with some elaboration.
[3] Qummi, 2/402.
[4] Manaqib, 2/109.
[5] Psalms 85:9.