The Qur’an presents the food and drink of Paradise as everlasting, pure, effortless and perfectly suited to the desires of its inhabitants. It describes abundant fruits, bird meat, golden dishes, silver vessels, flowing springs, rivers of water, milk, wine and purified honey, as well as the special drinks of Kāfūr, Zanjabīl, Salsabīl, sealed nectar and Tasnīm.
The narrations of Prophet Muhammad and the Ahl al-Bayt, peace be upon them, further explain:
- how the food will reach the inhabitants;
- how its taste will differ from worldly food;
- how fruits and branches will respond to desire;
- what kinds of meat and drinks will be available;
- why the people of Paradise will eat and drink;
- what benefits certain drinks will provide;
- and what will happen to food after it is consumed.
Only the complete relevant food-and-drink passages of longer narrations are included. Unrelated portions concerning clothing, houses, spouses or other blessings have been omitted without shortening the relevant passage itself.
Part One: The Complete Qur’anic Description
1. Fruits Resembling Worldly Fruits
Surah al-Baqarah 2:25
Arabic
وَبَشِّرِ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ كُلَّمَا رُزِقُوا مِنْهَا مِنْ ثَمَرَةٍ رِزْقًا قَالُوا هَذَا الَّذِي رُزِقْنَا مِنْ قَبْلُ وَأُتُوا بِهِ مُتَشَابِهًا وَلَهُمْ فِيهَا أَزْوَاجٌ مُطَهَّرَةٌ وَهُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ.
English Translation
“Give glad tidings to those who believe and perform righteous deeds that they will have Gardens beneath which rivers flow. Whenever they are provided with a fruit from them as provision, they will say, ‘This is what we were provided with before,’ and they will be given things resembling one another. They will have purified spouses therein, and they will remain there forever.”
Short Comment
The fruits may resemble worldly fruits in name or appearance, but their true nature, taste and purity will be different.
2. Water and Provision Possessed by the People of Paradise
Surah al-A‘rāf 7:50
Arabic
وَنَادَى أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ أَصْحَابَ الْجَنَّةِ أَنْ أَفِيضُوا عَلَيْنَا مِنَ الْمَاءِ أَوْ مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ اللَّهُ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ حَرَّمَهُمَا عَلَى الْكَافِرِينَ.
English Translation
“The inhabitants of the Fire will call to the inhabitants of Paradise: ‘Pour upon us some water or some of what Allah has provided you.’ They will reply: ‘Allah has forbidden both of them to the unbelievers.’”
Short Comment
The verse explicitly identifies water and divine provision as blessings possessed by the inhabitants of Paradise.
3. Rivers and Praise After Enjoyment
Surah Yūnus 10:9–10
Arabic
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ يَهْدِيهِمْ رَبُّهُمْ بِإِيمَانِهِمْ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهِمُ الْأَنْهَارُ فِي جَنَّاتِ النَّعِيمِ دَعْوَاهُمْ فِيهَا سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَتَحِيَّتُهُمْ فِيهَا سَلَامٌ وَآخِرُ دَعْوَاهُمْ أَنِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ.
English Translation
“Those who believe and perform righteous deeds—their Lord will guide them through their faith. Rivers will flow beneath them within Gardens of Bliss. Their call therein will be, ‘Glory be to You, O Allah’; their greeting therein will be peace; and the conclusion of their call will be, ‘All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds.’”
Short Comment
Their enjoyment of Paradise will remain connected with glorification, peace and gratitude to Allah.
4. Everlasting Fruit
Surah al-Ra‘d 13:35
Arabic
مَثَلُ الْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي وُعِدَ الْمُتَّقُونَ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ أُكُلُهَا دَائِمٌ وَظِلُّهَا تِلْكَ عُقْبَى الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا وَعُقْبَى الْكَافِرِينَ النَّارُ.
English Translation
“The description of the Paradise promised to the God-conscious is that rivers flow beneath it; its fruit is everlasting, and so is its shade. That is the final home of those who were God-conscious, while the final home of the unbelievers is the Fire.”
Short Comment
The fruit of Paradise will not be seasonal, exhausted or affected by decay.
5. Gardens and Springs
Surah al-Ḥijr 15:45
Arabic
إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَعُيُونٍ.
English Translation
“The God-conscious will be within Gardens and springs.”
Short Comment
Flowing springs will be a permanent feature of the environment of Paradise.
6. Whatever the Inhabitants Desire
Surah al-Naḥl 16:31
Arabic
جَنَّاتُ عَدْنٍ يَدْخُلُونَهَا تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ لَهُمْ فِيهَا مَا يَشَاءُونَ كَذَلِكَ يَجْزِي اللَّهُ الْمُتَّقِينَ.
English Translation
“They will enter Gardens of Eden beneath which rivers flow. They will have therein whatever they desire. In this way Allah rewards the God-conscious.”
Short Comment
The inhabitants will not be restricted to a predetermined selection of food or drink.
7. Provision Morning and Evening
Surah Maryam 19:62
Arabic
لَا يَسْمَعُونَ فِيهَا لَغْوًا إِلَّا سَلَامًا وَلَهُمْ رِزْقُهُمْ فِيهَا بُكْرَةً وَعَشِيًّا.
English Translation
“They will hear no meaningless speech therein, but only peace, and they will have their provision therein morning and evening.”
Short Comment
Paradise will contain regular and continuously available provision without labour or uncertainty.
8. Every Desire Fulfilled Eternally
Surah al-Furqān 25:15–16
Arabic
قُلْ أَذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ أَمْ جَنَّةُ الْخُلْدِ الَّتِي وُعِدَ الْمُتَّقُونَ كَانَتْ لَهُمْ جَزَاءً وَمَصِيرًا لَهُمْ فِيهَا مَا يَشَاءُونَ خَالِدِينَ كَانَ عَلَى رَبِّكَ وَعْدًا مَسْئُولًا.
English Translation
“Say: Is that better, or the eternal Paradise promised to the God-conscious as their reward and destination? They will have therein whatever they desire, remaining forever. This is a promise whose fulfilment is requested from your Lord.”
Short Comment
Every fulfilled desire will remain available without the fear of losing it.
9. Fruit and Whatever Is Requested
Surah Yā-Sīn 36:55–58
Arabic
إِنَّ أَصْحَابَ الْجَنَّةِ الْيَوْمَ فِي شُغُلٍ فَاكِهُونَ هُمْ وَأَزْوَاجُهُمْ فِي ظِلَالٍ عَلَى الْأَرَائِكِ مُتَّكِئُونَ لَهُمْ فِيهَا فَاكِهَةٌ وَلَهُمْ مَا يَدَّعُونَ سَلَامٌ قَوْلًا مِنْ رَبٍّ رَحِيمٍ.
English Translation
“The inhabitants of Paradise will on that day be happily occupied. They and their spouses will be reclining upon couches in the shade. They will have fruit therein and whatever they request. ‘Peace’—a word from a Merciful Lord.”
Short Comment
Fruit is specifically named, followed by the unrestricted promise of whatever the inhabitants request.
10. Known Provision, Fruits and a Harmless Drink
Surah al-Ṣāffāt 37:40–47
Arabic
إِلَّا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ الْمُخْلَصِينَ أُولَئِكَ لَهُمْ رِزْقٌ مَعْلُومٌ فَوَاكِهُ وَهُمْ مُكْرَمُونَ فِي جَنَّاتِ النَّعِيمِ عَلَى سُرُرٍ مُتَقَابِلِينَ يُطَافُ عَلَيْهِمْ بِكَأْسٍ مِنْ مَعِينٍ بَيْضَاءَ لَذَّةٍ لِلشَّارِبِينَ لَا فِيهَا غَوْلٌ وَلَا هُمْ عَنْهَا يُنْزَفُونَ.
English Translation
“Except the purified servants of Allah. They will have a known provision: fruits, while they are honoured, within Gardens of Bliss, seated upon couches facing one another. A cup from a flowing spring will be passed around them, white and delightful to those who drink. It will contain no harmful effect, nor will they become intoxicated by it.”
Short Comment
Their food and drink will be presented as an honour and will produce neither intoxication nor harm.
11. Abundant Fruit and Drink That Never End
Surah Ṣād 38:50–54
Arabic
جَنَّاتِ عَدْنٍ مُفَتَّحَةً لَهُمُ الْأَبْوَابُ مُتَّكِئِينَ فِيهَا يَدْعُونَ فِيهَا بِفَاكِهَةٍ كَثِيرَةٍ وَشَرَابٍ وَعِنْدَهُمْ قَاصِرَاتُ الطَّرْفِ أَتْرَابٌ هَذَا مَا تُوعَدُونَ لِيَوْمِ الْحِسَابِ إِنَّ هَذَا لَرِزْقُنَا مَا لَهُ مِنْ نَفَادٍ.
English Translation
“Gardens of Eden whose gates will be opened for them. Reclining therein, they will call for abundant fruit and drink. With them will be companions of restrained gaze and equal age. This is what you are promised for the Day of Reckoning. Indeed, this is Our provision, which will never be exhausted.”
Short Comment
The supply of fruit and drink will neither diminish nor come to an end.
12. Provision Without Measure
Surah Ghāfir 40:40
Arabic
مَنْ عَمِلَ سَيِّئَةً فَلَا يُجْزَى إِلَّا مِثْلَهَا وَمَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَأُولَئِكَ يَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ يُرْزَقُونَ فِيهَا بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ.
English Translation
“Whoever commits an evil deed will be repaid only with its equivalent, while whoever performs a righteous deed, whether male or female, while believing—such people will enter Paradise and will be provided therein without measure.”
Short Comment
Paradise provision will not be rationed, counted or limited by material resources.
13. Whatever the Souls Desire and Request
Surah Fuṣṣilat 41:30–32
Arabic
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنْتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ نَحْنُ أَوْلِيَاؤُكُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَشْتَهِي أَنْفُسُكُمْ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَدَّعُونَ نُزُلًا مِنْ غَفُورٍ رَحِيمٍ.
English Translation
“Those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then remain steadfast will have the angels descend upon them, saying, ‘Do not fear and do not grieve, but receive the glad news of the Paradise you were promised. We are your guardians in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. You will have therein whatever your souls desire, and you will have therein whatever you request, as a welcoming gift from the All-Forgiving, the Merciful.’”
Short Comment
The fulfilment of desire is described as a welcoming gift from Allah.
14. Whatever Is Desired With Allah
Surah al-Shūrā 42:22
Arabic
تَرَى الظَّالِمِينَ مُشْفِقِينَ مِمَّا كَسَبُوا وَهُوَ وَاقِعٌ بِهِمْ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فِي رَوْضَاتِ الْجَنَّاتِ لَهُمْ مَا يَشَاءُونَ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ ذَلِكَ هُوَ الْفَضْلُ الْكَبِيرُ.
English Translation
“You will see the wrongdoers fearful of what they earned, while it will certainly fall upon them. Those who believe and perform righteous deeds will be within the meadows of the Gardens. They will have whatever they desire with their Lord. That is the great favour.”
Short Comment
Whatever is desired will be granted as part of Allah’s great favour.
15. Golden Dishes, Cups and Abundant Fruit
Surah al-Zukhruf 43:69–73
Arabic
الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِآيَاتِنَا وَكَانُوا مُسْلِمِينَ ادْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ أَنْتُمْ وَأَزْوَاجُكُمْ تُحْبَرُونَ يُطَافُ عَلَيْهِمْ بِصِحَافٍ مِنْ ذَهَبٍ وَأَكْوَابٍ وَفِيهَا مَا تَشْتَهِيهِ الْأَنْفُسُ وَتَلَذُّ الْأَعْيُنُ وَأَنْتُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ وَتِلْكَ الْجَنَّةُ الَّتِي أُورِثْتُمُوهَا بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ لَكُمْ فِيهَا فَاكِهَةٌ كَثِيرَةٌ مِنْهَا تَأْكُلُونَ.
English Translation
“Those who believed in Our signs and submitted will be told, ‘Enter Paradise, you and your spouses, rejoicing.’ Golden dishes and cups will be passed around them. There will be whatever the souls desire and whatever delights the eyes, and you will remain there forever. That is the Paradise you have inherited because of what you used to do. You will have abundant fruit therein from which you will eat.”
Short Comment
The food will delight both the appetite and the eyes and will be served in honoured vessels.
16. Every Kind of Fruit in Complete Security
Surah al-Dukhān 44:51–55
Arabic
إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي مَقَامٍ أَمِينٍ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَعُيُونٍ يَلْبَسُونَ مِنْ سُنْدُسٍ وَإِسْتَبْرَقٍ مُتَقَابِلِينَ كَذَلِكَ وَزَوَّجْنَاهُمْ بِحُورٍ عِينٍ يَدْعُونَ فِيهَا بِكُلِّ فَاكِهَةٍ آمِنِينَ.
English Translation
“The God-conscious will be in a secure position, within Gardens and springs, wearing fine silk and brocade and facing one another. So it will be, and We will unite them with wide-eyed companions. There they will call for every kind of fruit, living in complete security.”
Short Comment
They will request every type of fruit without fearing shortage, illness or loss.
17. Rivers of Water, Milk, Wine and Honey
Surah Muhammad 47:15
Arabic
مَثَلُ الْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي وُعِدَ الْمُتَّقُونَ فِيهَا أَنْهَارٌ مِنْ مَاءٍ غَيْرِ آسِنٍ وَأَنْهَارٌ مِنْ لَبَنٍ لَمْ يَتَغَيَّرْ طَعْمُهُ وَأَنْهَارٌ مِنْ خَمْرٍ لَذَّةٍ لِلشَّارِبِينَ وَأَنْهَارٌ مِنْ عَسَلٍ مُصَفًّى وَلَهُمْ فِيهَا مِنْ كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ كَمَنْ هُوَ خَالِدٌ فِي النَّارِ وَسُقُوا مَاءً حَمِيمًا فَقَطَّعَ أَمْعَاءَهُمْ.
English Translation
“The description of the Paradise promised to the God-conscious is that within it are rivers of water that never becomes stale, rivers of milk whose taste never changes, rivers of wine delightful to those who drink, and rivers of purified honey. They will have every kind of fruit therein and forgiveness from their Lord. Are they like those who remain forever in the Fire and are given boiling water that tears their intestines apart?”
Short Comment
Every river will remain perfectly pure and free from the defects affecting its worldly counterpart.
18. Whatever Is Desired and Even More
Surah Qāf 50:31–35
Arabic
وَأُزْلِفَتِ الْجَنَّةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ غَيْرَ بَعِيدٍ هَذَا مَا تُوعَدُونَ لِكُلِّ أَوَّابٍ حَفِيظٍ مَنْ خَشِيَ الرَّحْمَنَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَجَاءَ بِقَلْبٍ مُنِيبٍ ادْخُلُوهَا بِسَلَامٍ ذَلِكَ يَوْمُ الْخُلُودِ لَهُمْ مَا يَشَاءُونَ فِيهَا وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيدٌ.
English Translation
“Paradise will be brought near to the God-conscious, no longer distant. ‘This is what you were promised—for every person who frequently returned to Allah and guarded His commands, who feared the Most Merciful without seeing Him and came with a heart turning to Him. Enter it in peace. This is the Day of Eternity.’ They will have whatever they desire therein, and with Us is even more.”
Short Comment
Allah promises not only everything desired but blessings beyond what the inhabitants initially imagine.
19. Gardens and Springs
Surah al-Dhāriyāt 51:15
Arabic
إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَعُيُونٍ.
English Translation
“The God-conscious will be within Gardens and springs.”
Short Comment
The repeated mention of springs shows their permanent importance in the landscape of Paradise.
20. Fruit, Meat and Cups Without Sin
Surah al-Ṭūr 52:19, 22–23
Arabic
كُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا هَنِيئًا بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ.
وَأَمْدَدْنَاهُمْ بِفَاكِهَةٍ وَلَحْمٍ مِمَّا يَشْتَهُونَ.
يَتَنَازَعُونَ فِيهَا كَأْسًا لَا لَغْوٌ فِيهَا وَلَا تَأْثِيمٌ.
English Translation
“Eat and drink pleasantly because of what you used to do.”
“We will continually provide them with fruit and meat from whatever they desire.”
“They will pass among themselves a cup containing neither meaningless speech nor sin.”
Short Comment
Food and drink will provide pleasure without producing sinful speech, conflict or loss of dignity.
21. Gardens and a River
Surah al-Qamar 54:54–55
Arabic
إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَنَهَرٍ فِي مَقْعَدِ صِدْقٍ عِنْدَ مَلِيكٍ مُقْتَدِرٍ.
English Translation
“The God-conscious will be within Gardens and a river, in a seat of truth near an all-powerful King.”
Short Comment
The river is mentioned together with the honoured nearness granted to the God-conscious.
22. Two Gardens, Flowing Springs and Two Kinds of Every Fruit
Surah al-Raḥmān 55:46–54
Arabic
وَلِمَنْ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِ جَنَّتَانِ فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ذَوَاتَا أَفْنَانٍ فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ فِيهِمَا عَيْنَانِ تَجْرِيَانِ فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ فِيهِمَا مِنْ كُلِّ فَاكِهَةٍ زَوْجَانِ فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ مُتَّكِئِينَ عَلَى فُرُشٍ بَطَائِنُهَا مِنْ إِسْتَبْرَقٍ وَجَنَى الْجَنَّتَيْنِ دَانٍ.
English Translation
“For whoever fears standing before his Lord will be two Gardens. Which of your Lord’s blessings will you both deny? Both will possess spreading branches. Which of your Lord’s blessings will you both deny? Within both will be two flowing springs. Which of your Lord’s blessings will you both deny? Within both will be two kinds of every fruit. Which of your Lord’s blessings will you both deny? They will recline upon furnishings lined with brocade, while the fruit of both Gardens will be near.”
Short Comment
Every fruit will have more than one variety, and its harvest will remain within easy reach.
23. Two Further Gardens, Gushing Springs, Dates and Pomegranates
Surah al-Raḥmān 55:62–68
Arabic
وَمِنْ دُونِهِمَا جَنَّتَانِ فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ مُدْهَامَّتَانِ فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ فِيهِمَا عَيْنَانِ نَضَّاخَتَانِ فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ فِيهِمَا فَاكِهَةٌ وَنَخْلٌ وَرُمَّانٌ.
English Translation
“Beyond those two will be two further Gardens. Which of your Lord’s blessings will you both deny? Both will be intensely green. Which of your Lord’s blessings will you both deny? Within both will be two gushing springs. Which of your Lord’s blessings will you both deny? Within both will be fruit, date palms and pomegranates.”
Short Comment
Dates and pomegranates are specifically named alongside the general abundance of fruit.
24. Cups, Pitchers, Selected Fruit and Desired Bird Meat
Surah al-Wāqi‘ah 56:17–21
Arabic
يَطُوفُ عَلَيْهِمْ وِلْدَانٌ مُخَلَّدُونَ بِأَكْوَابٍ وَأَبَارِيقَ وَكَأْسٍ مِنْ مَعِينٍ لَا يُصَدَّعُونَ عَنْهَا وَلَا يُنْزِفُونَ وَفَاكِهَةٍ مِمَّا يَتَخَيَّرُونَ وَلَحْمِ طَيْرٍ مِمَّا يَشْتَهُونَ.
English Translation
“Everlasting youths will circulate among them with cups, pitchers and a drink from a flowing spring. It will cause neither headache nor intoxication. They will have fruit from whatever they choose and the meat of birds from whatever they desire.”
Short Comment
The inhabitants will personally choose their fruits and receive whichever bird meat they desire.
25. Lote Trees, Layered Clusters, Poured Water and Unending Fruit
Surah al-Wāqi‘ah 56:27–33
Arabic
وَأَصْحَابُ الْيَمِينِ مَا أَصْحَابُ الْيَمِينِ فِي سِدْرٍ مَخْضُودٍ وَطَلْحٍ مَنْضُودٍ وَظِلٍّ مَمْدُودٍ وَمَاءٍ مَسْكُوبٍ وَفَاكِهَةٍ كَثِيرَةٍ لَا مَقْطُوعَةٍ وَلَا مَمْنُوعَةٍ.
English Translation
“The people of the right—how blessed are the people of the right! They will be among thornless lote trees, layered clusters of ṭalḥ, extended shade, poured water and abundant fruit, neither ending nor withheld.”
Short Comment
The fruit will be continuously available, free from thorns, restriction and interruption.
26. Fruit Brought Near and the Command to Eat and Drink
Surah al-Ḥāqqah 69:21–24
Arabic
فَهُوَ فِي عِيشَةٍ رَاضِيَةٍ فِي جَنَّةٍ عَالِيَةٍ قُطُوفُهَا دَانِيَةٌ كُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا هَنِيئًا بِمَا أَسْلَفْتُمْ فِي الْأَيَّامِ الْخَالِيَةِ.
English Translation
“He will be in a pleasing life, within a lofty Garden whose clusters of fruit are near. ‘Eat and drink pleasantly because of what you sent ahead during the days that have passed.’”
Short Comment
The food will be close, pleasant and presented as a reward for righteous deeds.
27. The Drink Mixed With Kāfūr
Surah al-Insān 76:5–6
Arabic
إِنَّ الْأَبْرَارَ يَشْرَبُونَ مِنْ كَأْسٍ كَانَ مِزَاجُهَا كَافُورًا عَيْنًا يَشْرَبُ بِهَا عِبَادُ اللَّهِ يُفَجِّرُونَهَا تَفْجِيرًا.
English Translation
“The righteous will drink from a cup whose mixture is Kāfūr, from a spring from which the servants of Allah will drink and cause to flow abundantly.”
Short Comment
The drink of Kāfūr will flow from a spring placed at the service of Allah’s righteous servants.
28. Nearby Fruit, Silver Vessels, Ginger, Salsabīl and the Purifying Drink
Surah al-Insān 76:14–18, 21
Arabic
وَدَانِيَةً عَلَيْهِمْ ظِلَالُهَا وَذُلِّلَتْ قُطُوفُهَا تَذْلِيلًا وَيُطَافُ عَلَيْهِمْ بِآنِيَةٍ مِنْ فِضَّةٍ وَأَكْوَابٍ كَانَتْ قَوَارِيرَا قَوَارِيرَ مِنْ فِضَّةٍ قَدَّرُوهَا تَقْدِيرًا وَيُسْقَوْنَ فِيهَا كَأْسًا كَانَ مِزَاجُهَا زَنْجَبِيلًا عَيْنًا فِيهَا تُسَمَّى سَلْسَبِيلًا.
عَالِيَهُمْ ثِيَابُ سُنْدُسٍ خُضْرٌ وَإِسْتَبْرَقٌ وَحُلُّوا أَسَاوِرَ مِنْ فِضَّةٍ وَسَقَاهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ شَرَابًا طَهُورًا.
English Translation
“Its shade will be close over them, and its clusters of fruit will be lowered within easy reach. Vessels of silver and cups as clear as glass will be passed around them—glass-like vessels of silver measured according to the exact amount desired. They will be given a cup whose mixture is ginger, from a spring therein called Salsabīl.”
“Upon them will be green garments of fine silk and brocade, and they will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a purifying drink.”
Short Comment
The vessels, quantity and flavour of the drinks will be perfectly suited to the inhabitants, while the Lord Himself will grant the purifying drink.
29. Springs and Desired Fruits
Surah al-Mursalāt 77:41–43
Arabic
إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي ظِلَالٍ وَعُيُونٍ وَفَوَاكِهَ مِمَّا يَشْتَهُونَ كُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا هَنِيئًا بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ.
English Translation
“The God-conscious will be amid shades and springs, and fruits from whatever they desire. ‘Eat and drink pleasantly because of what you used to do.’”
Short Comment
The fruits will correspond directly to personal desire and will be enjoyed without harmful consequences.
30. Gardens, Grapes and a Full Cup
Surah al-Naba’ 78:31–34
Arabic
إِنَّ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ مَفَازًا حَدَائِقَ وَأَعْنَابًا وَكَوَاعِبَ أَتْرَابًا وَكَأْسًا دِهَاقًا.
English Translation
“The God-conscious will have a place of triumph: gardens, grapes, youthful companions of equal age and a full, overflowing cup.”
Short Comment
The cup will be fully supplied rather than measured according to scarcity.
31. Sealed Nectar and Tasnīm
Surah al-Muṭaffifīn 83:22–28
Arabic
إِنَّ الْأَبْرَارَ لَفِي نَعِيمٍ عَلَى الْأَرَائِكِ يَنْظُرُونَ تَعْرِفُ فِي وُجُوهِهِمْ نَضْرَةَ النَّعِيمِ يُسْقَوْنَ مِنْ رَحِيقٍ مَخْتُومٍ خِتَامُهُ مِسْكٌ وَفِي ذَلِكَ فَلْيَتَنَافَسِ الْمُتَنَافِسُونَ وَمِزَاجُهُ مِنْ تَسْنِيمٍ عَيْنًا يَشْرَبُ بِهَا الْمُقَرَّبُونَ.
English Translation
“The righteous will certainly be in bliss, looking from their couches. You will recognise the radiance of bliss upon their faces. They will be given sealed nectar to drink, whose finishing fragrance is musk. For this, then, let those who compete compete. Its mixture will be from Tasnīm, a spring from which those brought near will drink.”
Short Comment
Sealed nectar will carry the fragrance of musk and will be mixed with the elevated spring of Tasnīm.
32. A Flowing Spring and Cups Set Ready
Surah al-Ghāshiyah 88:8–16
Arabic
وُجُوهٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ نَاعِمَةٌ لِسَعْيِهَا رَاضِيَةٌ فِي جَنَّةٍ عَالِيَةٍ لَا تَسْمَعُ فِيهَا لَاغِيَةً فِيهَا عَيْنٌ جَارِيَةٌ فِيهَا سُرُرٌ مَرْفُوعَةٌ وَأَكْوَابٌ مَوْضُوعَةٌ وَنَمَارِقُ مَصْفُوفَةٌ وَزَرَابِيُّ مَبْثُوثَةٌ.
English Translation
“Faces on that day will be joyful, pleased with their efforts, within a lofty Garden where no meaningless speech will be heard. Within it will be a flowing spring, raised couches, cups set ready, cushions arranged in rows and carpets spread out.”
Short Comment
The flowing spring and prepared cups show that drink will remain immediately available without effort.
Part Two: Shia Tafsir and Hadith Encyclopedia
33. The Fruits Will Have Familiar Names but Perfectly Different Qualities
In a tafsir report transmitted from Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be upon him, and preserved in the tafsir attributed to Imam al-Hasan al-‘Askari, the words of Qur’an 2:25 are explained.
Complete Relevant Arabic
كُلَّمَا رُزِقُوا مِنْهَا مِنْ ثَمَرَةٍ رِزْقًا، طَعَامًا يُؤْتَوْنَ بِهِ، قَالُوا هَذَا الَّذِي رُزِقْنَا مِنْ قَبْلُ، فِي الدُّنْيَا، فَأَسْمَاؤُهُ كَأَسْمَاءِ مَا فِي الدُّنْيَا مِنْ تُفَّاحٍ وَسَفَرْجَلٍ وَرُمَّانٍ وَكَذَا وَكَذَا، وَإِنْ كَانَ مَا هُنَاكَ مُخَالِفًا لِمَا فِي الدُّنْيَا، فَإِنَّهُ فِي غَايَةِ الطِّيبِ، وَإِنَّهُ لَا يَسْتَحِيلُ إِلَى مَا تَسْتَحِيلُ إِلَيْهِ ثِمَارُ الدُّنْيَا مِنْ عَذِرَةٍ وَسَائِرِ الْمَكْرُوهَاتِ، مِنْ صَفْرَاءَ وَسَوْدَاءَ وَدَمٍ وَبَلْغَمٍ، بَلْ لَا يَتَوَلَّدُ عَنْ مَأْكُولِهِمْ إِلَّا الْعَرَقُ الَّذِي يَجْرِي مِنْ أَعْرَاضِهِمْ، أَطْيَبَ مِنْ رَائِحَةِ الْمِسْكِ.
وَأُتُوا بِهِ مُتَشَابِهًا، يُشْبِهُ بَعْضُهُ بَعْضًا بِأَنَّهَا كُلَّهَا خِيَارٌ لَا رَذْلَ فِيهَا، وَبِأَنَّ كُلَّ صِنْفٍ مِنْهَا فِي غَايَةِ الطِّيبِ وَاللَّذَّةِ، لَيْسَ كَثِمَارِ الدُّنْيَا الَّتِي بَعْضُهَا نِيءٌ، وَبَعْضُهَا مُتَجَاوِزٌ لِحَدِّ النُّضْجِ وَالْإِدْرَاكِ إِلَى حَدِّ الْفَسَادِ، مِنْ حُمُوضَةٍ وَمَرَارَةٍ وَسَائِرِ ضُرُوبِ الْمَكَارِهِ، وَمُتَشَابِهًا أَيْضًا مُتَّفِقَاتِ الْأَلْوَانِ مُخْتَلِفَاتِ الطُّعُومِ.
Complete English Translation
“‘Whenever they are provided from it with a fruit as provision’ means food brought to them. ‘They will say: This is what we were provided with before,’ meaning in the world.
Its names will resemble the names of worldly fruits, such as apples, quinces, pomegranates and other fruits, although what exists there will be different from what exists in this world and will possess the highest degree of excellence.
It will not transform into the substances into which worldly fruit is transformed, such as excrement and other unpleasant substances, including yellow bile, black bile, blood and phlegm. Nothing will result from their food except perspiration flowing from their bodies, more fragrant than musk.
‘They will be given things resembling one another’ means that the fruits will resemble one another in that all of them will be excellent and none will be inferior. Every kind will possess the highest degree of pleasantness and delight.
They will not resemble worldly fruits, some of which are unripe, while others pass beyond maturity into decay, sourness, bitterness and other unpleasant conditions. They will also resemble one another in colour while differing in taste.”
References
- Tafsīr attributed to Imam al-Hasan al-‘Askari, tafsir of Qur’an 2:25
- Nawādir al-Akhbār, p. 380
- Al-Burhān fī Tafsīr al-Qur’ān, vol. 1
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, pp. 139–141
The preserved Arabic report describes familiar fruit names, different tastes, perfect ripeness and fragrant perspiration instead of impure waste.
Short Comment
The fruits will retain recognisable names while being free from decay, bitterness, impurity and every defect of worldly produce.
34. Fruits Will Come Near and Offer Themselves to the Believer
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, transmitted the following passage concerning the food of Paradise.
Complete Relevant Arabic
وَالْأَنْهَارُ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِ مَسَاكِنِهِمْ، وَذَلِكَ قَوْلُ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهِمُ الْأَنْهَارُ.
وَالثِّمَارُ دَانِيَةٌ مِنْهُمْ، وَهُوَ قَوْلُهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: وَدَانِيَةً عَلَيْهِمْ ظِلَالُهَا وَذُلِّلَتْ قُطُوفُهَا تَذْلِيلًا.
مِنْ قُرْبِهَا مِنْهُمْ يَتَنَاوَلُ الْمُؤْمِنُ مِنَ النَّوْعِ الَّذِي يَشْتَهِيهِ مِنَ الثِّمَارِ بِفِيهِ وَهُوَ مُتَّكِئٌ.
وَإِنَّ الْأَنْوَاعَ مِنَ الْفَاكِهَةِ لَيَقُلْنَ لِوَلِيِّ اللهِ: يَا وَلِيَّ اللهِ، كُلْنِي قَبْلَ أَنْ تَأْكُلَ هَذَا قَبْلِي.
Complete English Translation
“The rivers will flow beneath their residences, as Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says: ‘Rivers flow beneath them.’
The fruits will be close to them, as Allah says: ‘Its shades will be close over them, and its clusters of fruit will be lowered within easy reach.’
Because the fruits will be so near, the believer will take with his mouth whichever variety he desires while reclining.
The different varieties of fruit will say to the friend of Allah: ‘O friend of Allah, eat me before you eat that other fruit instead of me.’”
References
- Al-Kāfī, vol. 8, pp. 99–100, hadith 69
- Al-Wāfī, vol. 25, pp. 673–675
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, pp. 160–161
The al-Kāfī report explicitly describes nearby fruits that offer themselves to the believer.
Short Comment
The desired fruit will approach the reclining believer and will not require harvesting, climbing or physical effort.
35. Every Believer Will Have Many Gardens and Rivers
Complete Relevant Arabic
لَيْسَ مِنْ مُؤْمِنٍ فِي الْجَنَّةِ إِلَّا وَلَهُ جِنَانٌ كَثِيرَةٌ، مَعْرُوشَاتٌ وَغَيْرُ مَعْرُوشَاتٍ، وَأَنْهَارٌ مِنْ خَمْرٍ، وَأَنْهَارٌ مِنْ مَاءٍ، وَأَنْهَارٌ مِنْ لَبَنٍ، وَأَنْهَارٌ مِنْ عَسَلٍ.
فَإِذَا دَعَا وَلِيُّ اللهِ بِغِذَائِهِ، أُتِيَ بِمَا تَشْتَهِي نَفْسُهُ عِنْدَ طَلَبِهِ الْغِذَاءَ، مِنْ غَيْرِ أَنْ يُسَمِّيَ شَهْوَتَهُ.
Complete English Translation
“There will be no believer in Paradise except that he will possess many Gardens, some trellised and others untrellised, rivers of wine, rivers of water, rivers of milk and rivers of honey.
When the friend of Allah calls for his meal, whatever his soul desires will be brought to him without his having to name what he desires.”
References
- Al-Kāfī, vol. 8, p. 99, hadith 69
- Ta’wīl al-Āyāt al-Ẓāhirah, vol. 2, p. 747, hadith 3
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 160, hadith 98
Short Comment
The desired meal will be known and presented even before the believer names it.
36. A Glorification Will Bring Whatever Is Desired
The same narration explains how the inhabitants will call for their blessings.
Complete Relevant Arabic
وَإِذَا أَرَادَ الْمُؤْمِنُ شَيْئًا أَوِ اشْتَهَى، إِنَّمَا دَعْوَاهُ فِيهَا إِذَا أَرَادَ أَنْ يَقُولَ: سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ.
فَإِذَا قَالَهَا تَبَادَرَتْ إِلَيْهِ الْخَدَمُ بِمَا اشْتَهَى، مِنْ غَيْرِ أَنْ يَكُونَ طَلَبَهُ مِنْهُمْ أَوْ أَمَرَ بِهِ.
وَذَلِكَ قَوْلُ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: دَعْوَاهُمْ فِيهَا سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَتَحِيَّتُهُمْ فِيهَا سَلَامٌ.
Complete English Translation
“When the believer wants or desires something, his call will only be to say: ‘Glory be to You, O Allah.’
When he says it, the servants will immediately bring whatever he desires, without his having requested it from them or commanded them to bring it.
This is the meaning of Allah’s words: ‘Their call therein will be: Glory be to You, O Allah, and their greeting therein will be peace.’”
References
- Al-Kāfī, vol. 8, pp. 99–100, hadith 69
- Al-Wāfī, vol. 25, pp. 673–675
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, pp. 160–161
The report links the fulfilment of desire with the glorification “Subḥānaka Allāhumma.”
Short Comment
The believer’s remembrance of Allah will be enough for the desired blessing to be presented.
37. The Servants Will Know the Provision Before Being Asked
Complete Relevant Arabic
وَأَمَّا قَوْلُهُ: أُولَئِكَ لَهُمْ رِزْقٌ مَعْلُومٌ، قَالَ: يَعْلَمُهُ الْخُدَّامُ، فَيَأْتُونَ بِهِ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللهِ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَسْأَلُوهُمْ إِيَّاهُ.
وَأَمَّا قَوْلُهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: فَوَاكِهُ وَهُمْ مُكْرَمُونَ، قَالَ: فَإِنَّهُمْ لَا يَشْتَهُونَ شَيْئًا فِي الْجَنَّةِ إِلَّا أُكْرِمُوا بِهِ.
Complete English Translation
“As for the words, ‘They will have a known provision,’ the servants will know it and will bring it to the friends of Allah before they ask for it.
As for the words, ‘Fruits, while they are honoured,’ they will not desire anything in Paradise except that they will be honoured with it.”
References
- Al-Kāfī, vol. 8, p. 100, hadith 69
- Al-Wāfī, vol. 25, p. 675
- Tafsīr al-Ṣāfī, vol. 4
- Al-Burhān fī Tafsīr al-Qur’ān, vol. 3
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 161
The Imam explains that the “known provision” is already known to the servants responsible for presenting it.
Short Comment
The inhabitants will be honoured with every desired provision before they need to request it.
38. Fruits, Springs and Food Will Be Ready Before the Believer Asks
Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be upon him, said:
Complete Relevant Arabic
إِذَا صَارَ أَهْلُ الْجَنَّةِ فِي الْجَنَّةِ، وَدَخَلَ وَلِيُّ اللهِ إِلَى جِنَانِهِ وَمَسَاكِنِهِ، وَاتَّكَأَ كُلُّ مُؤْمِنٍ مِنْهُمْ عَلَى أَرِيكَتِهِ، حَفَّتْهُ خُدَّامُهُ، وَتَهَدَّلَتْ عَلَيْهِ الثِّمَارُ، وَتَفَجَّرَتْ حَوْلَهُ الْعُيُونُ، وَجَرَتْ مِنْ تَحْتِهِ الْأَنْهَارُ، وَبُسِطَتْ لَهُ الزَّرَابِيُّ، وَصُفَّتْ لَهُ النَّمَارِقُ، وَأَتَتْهُ الْخُدَّامُ بِمَا شَاءَتْ شَهْوَتُهُ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ يَسْأَلَهُمْ ذَلِكَ.
Complete English Translation
“When the inhabitants of Paradise have entered Paradise and the friend of Allah enters his Gardens and residences, every believer will recline upon his couch.
His servants will surround him, fruits will hang down over him, springs will burst forth around him, rivers will flow beneath him, carpets will be spread for him, cushions will be arranged for him and the servants will bring whatever his appetite desires before he asks them for it.”
References
- Tafsīr al-‘Ayyāshī, vol. 2, tafsir of Qur’an 9:72
- Al-Burhān fī Tafsīr al-Qur’ān, vol. 2
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8
The original tafsir report places desired food, fruits, springs and rivers around the reclining believer before any request is made.
Short Comment
The entire environment of food and drink will respond to the believer’s desire before it is verbally expressed.
39. Tables Containing Every Desired Food
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, said:
Complete Relevant Arabic
إِنَّ أَهْلَ الْجَنَّةِ تُوضَعُ لَهُمْ مَوَائِدُ، عَلَيْهَا مِنْ سَائِرِ مَا يَشْتَهُونَهُ مِنَ الْأَطْعِمَةِ الَّتِي لَا أَلَذَّ مِنْهَا وَلَا أَطْيَبَ، ثُمَّ يُرْفَعُونَ عَنْ ذَلِكَ إِلَى غَيْرِهِ.
Complete English Translation
“Tables will be placed for the inhabitants of Paradise containing every kind of food they desire, foods more delicious and pleasant than which nothing exists. They will then be moved from that enjoyment to another.”
References
- Kitāb al-Zuhd, Book 2, chapter 19, hadith 12
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, chapter concerning Paradise
The complete narration states that the tables will contain all desired foods before the inhabitants move to another enjoyment.
Short Comment
The variety of meals will continually change without any decline in taste or pleasure.
40. Fruits as Numerous as Leaves and Stars
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, said:
Complete Relevant Arabic
إِنَّ الْجِنَانَ أَرْبَعٌ، وَذَلِكَ قَوْلُ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: وَلِمَنْ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِ جَنَّتَانِ.
فَهَاتَانِ جَنَّتَانِ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالسَّابِقِينَ.
وَأَمَّا قَوْلُهُ: وَمِنْ دُونِهِمَا جَنَّتَانِ، يَقُولُ: مِنْ دُونِهِمَا فِي الْفَضْلِ، وَلَيْسَ مِنْ دُونِهِمَا فِي الْقُرْبِ، وَهُمَا لِأَصْحَابِ الْيَمِينِ، وَهِيَ جَنَّةُ النَّعِيمِ وَجَنَّةُ الْمَأْوَى.
وَفِي هَذِهِ الْجِنَانِ الْأَرْبَعِ فَوَاكِهُ فِي الْكَثْرَةِ كَوَرَقِ الشَّجَرِ وَالنُّجُومِ.
Complete English Translation
“The Gardens are four, as expressed in the words of Allah, Mighty and Majestic: ‘For whoever fears standing before his Lord will be two Gardens.’
These two Gardens are for the believers and the foremost.
As for His words, ‘Beyond those two will be two further Gardens,’ it means below them in excellence, not below them in physical nearness. They are for the people of the right: the Garden of Bliss and the Garden of Refuge.
Within these four Gardens are fruits whose abundance is like the leaves of the trees and the stars.”
References
- Al-Ikhtiṣāṣ, p. 356
- Al-Burhān fī Tafsīr al-Qur’ān, vol. 5
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 218
The report directly connects the four Gardens of Surah al-Raḥmān with fruits beyond practical counting.
Short Comment
The quantity and varieties of fruit will be beyond the ability of the inhabitants to count.
41. Rivers With No Worldly Source and Food Carried by White Birds
Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, peace be upon him, said:
Complete Relevant Arabic
تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهِمُ الْأَنْهَارُ مِنْ مَاءٍ غَيْرِ آسِنٍ، صَافٍ لَيْسَ بِالْكَدِرِ، وَأَنْهَارٌ مِنْ لَبَنٍ لَمْ يَتَغَيَّرْ طَعْمُهُ، لَمْ يَخْرُجْ مِنْ ضَرْعِ الْمَوَاشِي، وَأَنْهَارٌ مِنْ عَسَلٍ مُصَفًّى، لَمْ يَخْرُجْ مِنْ بُطُونِ النَّحْلِ، وَأَنْهَارٌ مِنْ خَمْرٍ لَذَّةٍ لِلشَّارِبِينَ، لَمْ يَعْصِرْهُ الرِّجَالُ بِأَقْدَامِهِمْ.
فَإِذَا اشْتَهَوُا الطَّعَامَ جَاءَتْهُمْ طُيُورٌ بِيضٌ يَرْفَعْنَ أَجْنِحَتَهُنَّ، فَيَأْكُلُونَ مِنْ أَيِّ الْأَلْوَانِ اشْتَهَوْا، جُلُوسًا إِنْ شَاءُوا أَوْ مُتَّكِئِينَ.
وَإِنِ اشْتَهَوُا الْفَاكِهَةَ سَعَتْ إِلَيْهِمُ الْأَغْصَانُ، فَأَكَلُوا مِنْ أَيِّهَا اشْتَهَوْا.
Complete English Translation
“Rivers will flow beneath them: water that never becomes stale, perfectly clear and never murky; rivers of milk whose taste never changes and which did not come from the udders of livestock; rivers of purified honey that did not emerge from the bodies of bees; and rivers of wine delightful to those who drink, which was not pressed beneath the feet of men.
When they desire food, white birds will come to them and raise their wings. They will eat whichever varieties they desire, sitting if they wish or reclining.
When they desire fruit, the branches will move toward them, and they will eat from whichever branch they desire.”
References
- Al-Ikhtiṣāṣ, p. 352
- Al-Burhān fī Tafsīr al-Qur’ān, vol. 5, p. 263
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 214
The preserved Arabic passage explicitly states that the milk, honey and wine will not come from the worldly production processes associated with them.
Short Comment
The rivers and meals will exist through divine creation rather than animals, bees, fermentation, cooking or human labour.
42. Enormous Birds Will Become Cooked Without Fire and Then Return Alive
A narration attributed to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him and his family, states:
Complete Relevant Arabic
إِنَّ فِي الْجَنَّةِ طُيُورًا كَالْبُخَاتِيِّ، عَلَيْهَا مِنْ أَنْوَاعِ الْمَوَاشِي، تَطِيرُ مَا بَيْنَ سَمَاءِ الْجَنَّةِ وَأَرْضِهَا.
فَإِذَا تَمَنَّى مُؤْمِنٌ مُحِبٌّ لِلنَّبِيِّ وَآلِهِ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلَامُ الْأَكْلَ مِنْ شَيْءٍ مِنْهَا، وَقَعَ ذَلِكَ بِعَيْنِهِ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ، فَتَنَاثَرَ رِيشُهُ وَانْشَوَى وَانْطَبَخَ.
فَأَكَلَ مِنْ جَانِبٍ مِنْهُ قَدِيدًا، وَمِنْ جَانِبٍ مِنْهُ مَشْوِيًّا بِلَا نَارٍ.
فَإِذَا قَضَى شَهْوَتَهُ وَنَهْمَتَهُ قَالَ: الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ.
عَادَتْ كَمَا كَانَتْ، فَطَارَتْ فِي الْهَوَاءِ، وَفَخَرَتْ عَلَى سَائِرِ طُيُورِ الْجَنَّةِ تَقُولُ: مَنْ مِثْلِي وَقَدْ أَكَلَ مِنِّي وَلِيُّ اللهِ عَنْ أَمْرِ اللهِ؟
Complete English Translation
“Within Paradise will be birds as large as Bactrian camels, possessing different kinds of meat, flying between the heaven and earth of Paradise.
When a believer who loves the Prophet and his family desires to eat from one of them, that particular bird will fall before him. Its feathers will scatter, and it will become roasted and cooked.
He will eat dried meat from one side and roasted meat from another side, without fire.
When he has fulfilled his appetite and desire, he will say: ‘All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds.’
The bird will return to its former state and fly through the air, boasting before the other birds of Paradise: ‘Who is like me, when a friend of Allah has eaten from me by the command of Allah?’”
References
- Tafsīr attributed to Imam al-Hasan al-‘Askari
- Nawādir al-Akhbār, p. 381
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 141, hadith 58
The complete food passage describes several preparations of meat without fire and the bird’s restoration after the meal.
Short Comment
The bird meat will be prepared instantly according to desire without killing, smoke, fire or permanent loss of the bird.
43. The Rivers Will Flow Without Channels and Will Never Be Depleted
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, reported that the Messenger of Allah said:
Complete Relevant Arabic
إِنَّ أَنْهَارَ الْجَنَّةِ تَجْرِي فِي غَيْرِ أُخْدُودٍ، أَشَدَّ بَيَاضًا مِنَ الثَّلْجِ، وَأَحْلَى مِنَ الْعَسَلِ، وَأَلْيَنَ مِنَ الزُّبْدِ.
طِينُ النَّهَرِ مِسْكٌ أَذْفَرُ، وَحَصَاهُ الدُّرُّ وَالْيَاقُوتُ.
تَجْرِي فِي عُيُونِهِ وَأَنْهَارِهِ حَيْثُ يَشْتَهِي وَيُرِيدُ فِي جِنَانِهِ وَلِيُّ اللهِ.
فَلَوْ أَضَافَ مَنْ فِي الدُّنْيَا مِنَ الْجِنِّ وَالْإِنْسِ لَوَسِعَهُمْ طَعَامًا وَشَرَابًا وَحُلَلًا وَحُلِيًّا، لَا يَنْقُصُهُ مِنْ ذَلِكَ شَيْءٌ.
Complete English Translation
“The rivers of Paradise will flow without excavated channels. They will be whiter than snow, sweeter than honey and softer than butter.
The earth of the river will be fragrant musk, and its pebbles will be pearls and rubies.
Its springs and rivers will flow within the friend of Allah’s Gardens wherever he desires and wishes.
Were he to host every human and jinn living in the world, his food, drink, garments and ornaments would be sufficient for all of them without anything being diminished.”
References
- Al-Ikhtiṣāṣ, p. 357
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, in the chapter describing Paradise
This Shia-preserved report describes rivers without channels and provision sufficient for all humanity and jinn without depletion.
Short Comment
The rivers will move according to the believer’s desire, while the provision connected with them will never decrease.
44. The Date Palms and Fruits of Paradise
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, reported that the Messenger of Allah said:
Complete Relevant Arabic
إِنَّ نَخْلَ الْجَنَّةِ جُذُوعُهَا ذَهَبٌ أَحْمَرُ، وَكَرَبُهَا زَبَرْجَدٌ أَخْضَرُ، وَشَمَارِيخُهَا دُرٌّ أَبْيَضُ، وَسَعَفُهَا حُلَلٌ خُضْرٌ.
وَرُطَبُهَا أَشَدُّ بَيَاضًا مِنَ الْفِضَّةِ، وَأَحْلَى مِنَ الْعَسَلِ، وَأَلْيَنُ مِنَ الزُّبْدِ، لَيْسَ فِيهِ عَجَمٌ.
طُولُ الْعِذْقِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ ذِرَاعًا، مَنْضُودَةٌ مِنْ أَعْلَاهُ إِلَى أَسْفَلِهِ.
لَا يُؤْخَذُ مِنْهُ شَيْءٌ إِلَّا أَعَادَهُ اللهُ كَمَا كَانَ، وَذَلِكَ قَوْلُ اللهِ: لَا مَقْطُوعَةٍ وَلَا مَمْنُوعَةٍ.
وَإِنَّ رُطَبَهَا لَأَمْثَالُ الْقِلَالِ، وَمَوْزَهَا وَرُمَّانَهَا أَمْثَالُ الدِّلَاءِ.
Complete English Translation
“The trunks of the date palms of Paradise will be red gold, their thick leaf bases will be green chrysolite, their clusters will be white pearls and their palm leaves will be green garments.
Their fresh dates will be whiter than silver, sweeter than honey and softer than butter, and they will contain no stones.
Each cluster will be twelve cubits long, arranged from its top to its bottom.
Nothing will be taken from it except that Allah will restore it exactly as it was. This is the meaning of Allah’s words: ‘Neither ending nor withheld.’
Its fresh dates will be as large as great jars, while its bananas and pomegranates will be as large as buckets.”
References
- Al-Ikhtiṣāṣ, p. 357
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8
- Musnad al-Imām al-Bāqir, vol. 5
The complete report is preserved in Shia sources and directly connects the regeneration of fruit with Qur’an 56:33.
Short Comment
Every fruit taken from the tree will be immediately restored, so its supply will never decrease.
45. The Tree of Ṭūbā Will Carry Whatever Fruits Are Desired
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, reported from the Prophet:
Complete Relevant Arabic
أَمَّا طُوبَى فَإِنَّهَا شَجَرَةٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ، سَاقُهَا فِي دَارِ مُحَمَّدٍ صلى الله عليه وآله.
وَلَوْ أَنَّ طَائِرًا طَارَ مِنْ سَاقِهَا لَمْ يَبْلُغْ فَرْعَهَا حَتَّى يَقْتُلَهُ الْهَرَمُ.
وَلَيْسَ فِي الْجَنَّةِ دَارٌ إِلَّا وَفِيهَا غُصْنٌ مِنْ أَغْصَانِهَا.
وَإِنَّ أَغْصَانَهَا لَتُرَى مِنْ وَرَاءِ سُورِ الْجَنَّةِ، تَحْمِلُ لَهُمْ مَا يَشَاءُونَ مِنْ حُلِيِّهَا وَحُلَلِهَا وَثِمَارِهَا.
لَا يُؤْخَذُ مِنْهَا شَيْءٌ إِلَّا أَعَادَهُ اللهُ كَمَا كَانَ.
Complete English Translation
“As for Ṭūbā, it is a tree within Paradise whose trunk is in the residence of Muhammad.
Were a bird to fly from its trunk, it would not reach its highest branch before old age overcame it.
There will be no residence in Paradise without a branch from this tree.
Its branches will be visible beyond the wall of Paradise, carrying for the inhabitants whatever ornaments, garments and fruits they desire.
Nothing will be taken from it except that Allah will restore it exactly as it was.”
References
- Al-Ikhtiṣāṣ, p. 357
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8
- Musnad al-Imām al-Bāqir, vol. 5
The preserved report states that the branches of Ṭūbā reach every residence and carry whatever fruit its inhabitants desire.
Short Comment
The tree of Ṭūbā will supply desired fruits to every residence without ever being depleted.
46. Meat Is the Master of the Foods of This World and the Hereafter
‘Abd Allah ibn Sinān asked Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, peace be upon him:
Complete Arabic
سَأَلْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللهِ عليه السلام عَنْ سَيِّدِ الْإِدَامِ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ.
فَقَالَ: اللَّحْمُ.
أَمَا سَمِعْتَ قَوْلَ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: وَلَحْمِ طَيْرٍ مِمَّا يَشْتَهُونَ؟
Complete English Translation
“I asked Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq about the master of foods in this world and the Hereafter.
The Imam replied: ‘Meat.
Have you not heard the words of Allah, Mighty and Majestic: “And the meat of birds from whatever they desire”?’”
References
- Al-Kāfī, vol. 6, p. 308, hadith 1
- Al-Maḥāsin, p. 460
- Wasā’il al-Shī‘ah, vol. 25
The Imam directly uses Qur’an 56:21 as evidence for the distinguished place of meat in the Hereafter.
Short Comment
Bird meat will hold a distinguished position among the foods of Paradise.
47. Two Further Statements About Meat
First Hadith — Complete Arabic
قَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ عليه السلام:
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وآله:
اللَّحْمُ سَيِّدُ الطَّعَامِ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ.
English Translation
The Commander of the Faithful reported that the Messenger of Allah said:
“Meat is the master of food in this world and the Hereafter.”
Second Hadith — Complete Arabic
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وآله:
سَيِّدُ آدَامِ الْجَنَّةِ اللَّحْمُ.
English Translation
The Messenger of Allah said:
“The master of the foods served in Paradise is meat.”
References
- Al-Kāfī, vol. 6, p. 308, hadith 2
- Al-Maḥāsin, p. 460
- Wasā’il al-Shī‘ah, vol. 25
The two reports preserve the wordings “master of food” and “master of the foods served in Paradise.”
Short Comment
Both narrations emphasise the elevated place of meat among the foods served in Paradise.
48. Water Is the Master of the Drinks of Paradise
First Hadith — Complete Arabic
قَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ عليه السلام:
الْمَاءُ سَيِّدُ الشَّرَابِ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ.
English Translation
The Commander of the Faithful said:
“Water is the master of drinks in this world and the Hereafter.”
Second Hadith — Complete Arabic
قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللهِ عليه السلام:
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وآله:
سَيِّدُ شَرَابِ الْجَنَّةِ الْمَاءُ.
English Translation
Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq reported that the Messenger of Allah said:
“The master of the drinks of Paradise is water.”
Third Hadith — Complete Arabic
قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللهِ عليه السلام:
مَنْ تَلَذَّذَ بِالْمَاءِ فِي الدُّنْيَا، لَذَّذَهُ اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مِنْ أَشْرِبَةِ الْجَنَّةِ.
English Translation
Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq said:
“Whoever appreciates the pleasure of water in this world, Allah, Mighty and Majestic, will grant him delight from the drinks of Paradise.”
References
- Al-Kāfī, vol. 6, Book of Drinks, chapter 1
- Al-Maḥāsin, vol. 2, p. 395
- Makārim al-Akhlāq, vol. 1, p. 336
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 66, p. 454
The Shia collections preserve all three wordings concerning water and the drinks of Paradise.
Short Comment
Despite the many extraordinary drinks of Paradise, water retains the title of their master.
49. Provision in the Morning and Evening
A man complained to Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, peace be upon him, about bodily pain and indigestion.
Complete Relevant Arabic
شَكَوْتُ إِلَى أَبِي عَبْدِ اللهِ عليه السلام مَا أَلْقَى مِنَ الْأَوْجَاعِ وَالتُّخَمِ.
فَقَالَ لِي:
تَغَدَّ وَتَعَشَّ، وَلَا تَأْكُلْ بَيْنَهُمَا شَيْئًا، فَإِنَّ فِيهِ فَسَادَ الْبَدَنِ.
أَمَا سَمِعْتَ اللهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَقُولُ:
لَهُمْ رِزْقُهُمْ فِيهَا بُكْرَةً وَعَشِيًّا؟
Complete English Translation
“I complained to Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq about the pains and indigestion I was suffering.
The Imam said to me:
‘Eat a morning meal and an evening meal, and do not eat anything between them, because doing so harms the body.
Have you not heard Allah, Mighty and Majestic, say: “They will have their provision therein morning and evening”?’”
References
- Al-Kāfī, vol. 6, p. 288, hadith 2
- Wasā’il al-Shī‘ah, vol. 24, p. 328
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 66, p. 342
Short Comment
The Imam cites the verse as evidence that recurring provision will be available in Paradise.
50. Imam Ali Will Be the First to Drink From Salsabīl and Zanjabīl
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him and his family, said:
Complete Relevant Arabic
إِنَّ عَلِيًّا أَوَّلُ مَنْ يَشْرَبُ مِنَ السَّلْسَبِيلِ وَالزَّنْجَبِيلِ، وَإِنَّ لِعَلِيٍّ وَشِيعَتِهِ مِنَ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مَقَامًا يَغْبِطُهُمْ بِهِ الْأَوَّلُونَ وَالْآخِرُونَ.
Complete English Translation
“Ali will be the first to drink from Salsabīl and Zanjabīl, and Ali and his followers possess with Allah, Mighty and Majestic, a station that will be admired by the earlier and later generations.”
References
- Al-Khiṣāl, section concerning the seventy parts of the Banner of Praise
- Al-Amālī of Shaykh al-Ṣadūq, Assembly 94, hadith 10
- Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib, vol. 3
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8
The complete relevant sentence is preserved in both al-Amālī and al-Khiṣāl without a break in its Arabic wording.
Short Comment
The narration connects Salsabīl and the ginger drink with the distinguished station of Imam Ali and his followers.
51. The First Food and Drink After Entering Paradise
A Jewish questioner asked the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him and his family:
Complete Relevant Arabic
فَمَا أَوَّلُ مَا يَأْكُلُ أَهْلُ الْجَنَّةِ إِذَا دَخَلُوهَا؟
قَالَ:
كَبِدُ الْحُوتِ.
قَالَ:
فَمَا شَرَابُهُمْ عَلَى أَثَرِ ذَلِكَ؟
قَالَ:
السَّلْسَبِيلُ.
قَالَ:
صَدَقْتَ.
Complete English Translation
He asked:
“What will be the first food eaten by the people of Paradise after they enter it?”
The Prophet replied:
“The liver of the fish.”
He asked:
“What will they drink immediately after that?”
The Prophet replied:
“Salsabīl.”
The questioner said:
“You have spoken the truth.”
References
- ‘Ilal al-Sharā’i‘, p. 96, hadith 5
- Al-Iḥtijāj, vol. 1, p. 114, hadith 30
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 173, hadith 119
Short Comment
Fish liver is identified as the opening food after entry and Salsabīl as the drink that follows it.
52. A Purifying Spring Will Remove Envy
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him and his family, described a spring at the entrance of Paradise.
Complete Relevant Arabic
وَعَنْ يَمِينِ الشَّجَرَةِ عَيْنٌ مُطَهِّرَةٌ مُزَكِّيَةٌ.
فَيُسْقَوْنَ مِنْهَا شَرْبَةً، فَيُطَهِّرُ اللهُ بِهَا قُلُوبَهُمْ مِنَ الْحَسَدِ، وَيُسْقِطُ عَنْ أَبْشَارِهِمُ الشَّعْرَ.
وَذَلِكَ قَوْلُ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ:
وَسَقَاهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ شَرَابًا طَهُورًا.
مِنْ تِلْكَ الْعَيْنِ الْمُطَهِّرَةِ.
Complete English Translation
“To the right of the tree will be a purifying and cleansing spring.
They will be given a drink from it, through which Allah will purify their hearts from envy and remove hair from their bodies.
This is the meaning of Allah’s words:
‘Their Lord will give them a purifying drink,’
from that purifying spring.”
References
- Al-Kāfī, vol. 8, pp. 96–97, hadith 69
- Tafsīr al-Qummī, vol. 2
- Al-Wāfī, vol. 25
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8
The al-Kāfī passage directly identifies the purifying spring with Qur’an 76:21 and the removal of envy.
Short Comment
This drink will purify the inner emotional state rather than merely quench thirst.
53. The Spring of Life
The same report continues:
Complete Relevant Arabic
ثُمَّ يَنْصَرِفُونَ إِلَى عَيْنٍ أُخْرَى عَنْ يَسَارِ الشَّجَرَةِ، فَيَغْتَسِلُونَ فِيهَا، وَهِيَ عَيْنُ الْحَيَاةِ، فَلَا يَمُوتُونَ أَبَدًا.
Complete English Translation
“They will then proceed to another spring on the left of the tree and bathe in it. It is the Spring of Life, and thereafter they will never die.”
References
- Al-Kāfī, vol. 8, pp. 96–97, hadith 69
- Tafsīr al-Qummī, vol. 2
- Al-Wāfī, vol. 25
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8
Short Comment
The Spring of Life will be used for bathing and will accompany the inhabitants’ everlasting life.
54. The Purifying Drink Will Purify From Everything Other Than Allah
Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, peace be upon him, explained Qur’an 76:21:
Complete Arabic
قَالَ الْإِمَامُ الصَّادِقُ عليه السلام فِي قَوْلِهِ تَعَالَى:
وَسَقَاهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ شَرَابًا طَهُورًا:
يُطَهِّرُهُمْ عَنْ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ سِوَى اللهِ، إِذْ لَا طَاهِرَ مِنْ تَدَنُّسٍ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْأَكْوَانِ إِلَّا اللهُ.
Complete English Translation
Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq explained the words, “Their Lord will give them a purifying drink”:
“It will purify them from everything other than Allah, for none is completely pure from being affected by created things except Allah.”
References
- Majma‘ al-Bayān, vol. 10, p. 623
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 113
Short Comment
The drink will free the heart from every attachment that distracts it from Allah.
55. The Sealed Nectar Will Carry the Fragrance of Musk
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, explained Qur’an 83:25–26:
Complete Arabic
عَنْ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ عليه السلام فِي قَوْلِ اللهِ تَعَالَى:
يُسْقَوْنَ مِنْ رَحِيقٍ مَخْتُومٍ خِتَامُهُ مِسْكٌ.
قَالَ عليه السلام:
مَاءٌ إِذَا شَرِبَهُ الْمُؤْمِنُ وَجَدَ رَائِحَةَ الْمِسْكِ فِيهِ.
Complete English Translation
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir explained the words, “They will be given sealed nectar to drink, whose finishing fragrance is musk”:
“It is a drink in which the believer will perceive the fragrance of musk when drinking it.”
References
- Tafsīr al-Qummī, vol. 2, p. 411
- Al-Burhān fī Tafsīr al-Qur’ān, vol. 5
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 24
- Tafsīr Nūr al-Thaqalayn, vol. 5
Short Comment
The fragrance of musk will be experienced within the nectar itself.
56. Tasnīm Is the Noblest Drink of Paradise
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, said:
Complete Arabic
تَسْنِيمٌ أَشْرَفُ شَرَابٍ فِي الْجَنَّةِ، يَشْرَبُهُ مُحَمَّدٌ وَآلُ مُحَمَّدٍ صِرْفًا، وَيُمْزَجُ لِأَصْحَابِ الْيَمِينِ وَلِسَائِرِ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ.
Complete English Translation
“Tasnīm is the noblest drink in Paradise. Muhammad and the family of Muhammad will drink it pure, while it will be mixed for the people of the right and for the remaining inhabitants of Paradise.”
References
- Ta’wīl al-Āyāt al-Ẓāhirah, vol. 2, p. 779, hadith 12
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 150, hadith 86
Short Comment
Those brought nearest to Allah will drink Tasnīm pure, while the other inhabitants will receive drinks mixed with it.
57. Tasnīm Will Flow Down From the Highest Residences
A longer report transmitted through Imam Muhammad al-Baqir explains:
Complete Relevant Arabic
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وآله فِي قَوْلِهِ تَعَالَى:
وَمِزَاجُهُ مِنْ تَسْنِيمٍ:
هُوَ أَشْرَفُ شَرَابٍ فِي الْجَنَّةِ، يَشْرَبُهُ مُحَمَّدٌ وَآلُ مُحَمَّدٍ، وَهُمُ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ السَّابِقُونَ:
رَسُولُ اللهِ، وَعَلِيُّ بْنُ أَبِي طَالِبٍ، وَالْأَئِمَّةُ، وَفَاطِمَةُ، وَخَدِيجَةُ صَلَوَاتُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِمْ، وَعَلَى ذُرِّيَّتِهِمُ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُمْ بِإِيمَانٍ.
يَتَسَنَّمُ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنْ أَعَالِي دُورِهِمْ.
Complete English Translation
The Messenger of Allah explained the words, “Its mixture will be from Tasnīm”:
“It is the noblest drink in Paradise. Muhammad and the family of Muhammad will drink it, and they are the foremost ones brought near:
the Messenger of Allah, Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Imams, Fatimah and Khadijah—may Allah’s blessings be upon them and upon their descendants who followed them with faith.
It will flow down upon them from the highest parts of their residences.”
References
- Ta’wīl al-Āyāt al-Ẓāhirah, vol. 2, p. 777, hadith 10
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 150, hadith 85
- Tafsīr al-Qummī, vol. 2, p. 411
Short Comment
This report adds that Tasnīm will descend upon the foremost inhabitants from the highest parts of their residences.
58. Great Strength for Food and Drink and Prolonged Enjoyment
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, said:
Complete Relevant Arabic
يُعْطَى أَحَدُهُمْ قُوَّةَ مِائَةِ رَجُلٍ فِي الطَّعَامِ وَالشَّرَابِ وَالشَّهْوَةِ وَالْجِمَاعِ.
قُوَّةُ غِذَائِهِ قُوَّةُ مِائَةِ رَجُلٍ فِي الطَّعَامِ وَالشَّرَابِ.
وَيَجِدُ لَذَّةَ غَدَائِهِ مِقْدَارَ أَرْبَعِينَ سَنَةً، وَلَذَّةَ عَشَائِهِ مِقْدَارَ أَرْبَعِينَ سَنَةً.
Complete English Translation
“Each inhabitant will be given the strength of one hundred men in food, drink, desire and marital intimacy.
His capacity for nourishment will be the capacity of one hundred men in food and drink.
He will experience the pleasure of his morning meal for the equivalent of forty years and the pleasure of his evening meal for the equivalent of forty years.”
References
- Al-Ikhtiṣāṣ, p. 358
- Al-Burhān fī Tafsīr al-Qur’ān, vol. 5, pp. 263–264
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 220
The relevant food passage is preserved in the descriptions transmitted from Imam al-Baqir.
Short Comment
The taste and pleasure of a meal will continue far beyond the brief sensation experienced after worldly food.
59. They Will Eat Without Hunger and Drink Without Thirst
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, said:
Complete Relevant Arabic
وَيَأْكُلُونَ فَلَا يَجُوعُونَ أَبَدًا، وَيَرْوَوْنَ فَلَا يَظْمَئُونَ أَبَدًا.
Complete English Translation
“They will eat but will never become hungry, and they will be fully refreshed but will never become thirsty.”
References
- Al-Ikhtiṣāṣ, p. 358
- Al-Burhān fī Tafsīr al-Qur’ān, vol. 5, p. 264
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 220
The complete description confirms that eating and drinking will coexist with freedom from hunger and thirst.
Short Comment
Eating and drinking will be enjoyed by desire rather than forced by painful hunger, dehydration or bodily weakness.
60. Eating Without Defecation
A Christian asked Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him:
Complete Arabic
أَخْبِرْنِي عَنْ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ، كَيْفَ صَارُوا يَأْكُلُونَ وَلَا يَتَغَوَّطُونَ؟ أَعْطِنِي مَثَلَهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا.
فَقَالَ عليه السلام:
هَذَا الْجَنِينُ فِي بَطْنِ أُمِّهِ، يَأْكُلُ مِمَّا تَأْكُلُ أُمُّهُ وَلَا يَتَغَوَّطُ.
Complete English Translation
“Tell me about the people of Paradise. How will they eat without defecating? Give me an example of this from the world.”
The Imam replied:
“The unborn child inside its mother eats from what its mother eats, yet it does not defecate.”
References
- Al-Kāfī, vol. 8, p. 123, hadith 94
- Tafsīr al-Qummī, vol. 1, p. 99
- Al-Kharā’ij wa al-Jarā’iḥ, vol. 1, p. 292, hadith 25
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 60, p. 255
Short Comment
Imam al-Baqir uses the unborn child as a worldly example of nourishment without ordinary excretion.
61. Neither Urination nor Defecation
In a report preserved in the Shia hadith corpus, ‘Abd Allah ibn Salām asked the Messenger of Allah:
Complete Relevant Arabic
أَخْبِرْنِي عَنْ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ، يَأْكُلُونَ وَيَشْرَبُونَ وَلَا يَتَغَوَّطُونَ وَلَا يَبُولُونَ؟
فَقَالَ:
نَعَمْ يَا ابْنَ سَلَامٍ، مَثَلُهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا كَمَثَلِ الْجَنِينِ فِي بَطْنِ أُمِّهِ، يَأْكُلُ مِمَّا تَأْكُلُ أُمُّهُ، وَيَشْرَبُ مِمَّا تَشْرَبُهُ، وَلَا يَبُولُ وَلَا يَتَغَوَّطُ.
Complete English Translation
“Tell me about the people of Paradise. Will they eat and drink without defecating or urinating?”
The Prophet replied:
“Yes, O Ibn Salām. Their example in this world is like an unborn child inside its mother. It eats from what its mother eats and drinks from what she drinks, yet it neither urinates nor defecates.”
Reference
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 60, p. 255, quoting an earlier transmitted book
Short Comment
The bodies of Paradise will process food and drink without the impure waste functions of worldly bodies.
62. Food and Drink Will End With Praise of Allah
The narration explaining Qur’an 10:10 states:
Complete Relevant Arabic
وَآخِرُ دَعْوَاهُمْ أَنِ الْحَمْدُ لِلهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ.
يَعْنِي بِذَلِكَ عِنْدَ مَا يَقْضُونَ مِنْ لَذَّاتِهِمْ مِنَ الْجِمَاعِ وَالطَّعَامِ وَالشَّرَابِ، يَحْمَدُونَ اللهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ عِنْدَ فَرَاغَتِهِمْ.
Complete English Translation
“‘The conclusion of their call will be: All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds.’
This means that after they have completed their pleasures of marital intimacy, food and drink, they will praise Allah, Mighty and Majestic, upon finishing.”
References
- Al-Kāfī, vol. 8, p. 100, hadith 69
- Al-Wāfī, vol. 25, p. 675
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 8, p. 161
Short Comment
The pleasure of eating and drinking will increase gratitude rather than produce heedlessness.
63. The Heavenly Call to Eat and Drink Pleasantly
Imam Ali, peace be upon him, described a heavenly announcement:
Complete Relevant Arabic
كُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا هَنِيئًا، قَدْ نَظَرَ إِلَيْكُمُ الرَّحْمَنُ نَظْرَةً، فَلَا بُؤْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَلَا حِسَابَ وَلَا عَذَابَ.
Complete English Translation
“Eat and drink pleasantly. The Most Merciful has looked upon you with mercy, so there will be no misery, reckoning or punishment upon you.”
References
- Tafsīr Furāt al-Kūfī, p. 349
- Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 7, p. 198
Short Comment
Eating and drinking will be part of Allah’s welcome, security and mercy toward the inhabitants.
Complete Qur’anic Reference Index
The explicit Qur’anic passages reproduced in this chapter are:
- Al-Baqarah 2:25 — similar fruits and flowing rivers
- Al-A‘rāf 7:50 — water and divine provision
- Yūnus 10:9–10 — rivers, glorification and praise
- Al-Ra‘d 13:35 — everlasting fruit
- Al-Ḥijr 15:45 — Gardens and springs
- Al-Naḥl 16:31 — whatever the inhabitants desire
- Maryam 19:62 — provision morning and evening
- Al-Furqān 25:15–16 — every desire fulfilled eternally
- Yā-Sīn 36:55–58 — fruit and every request
- Al-Ṣāffāt 37:40–47 — known provision, fruit and harmless drink
- Ṣād 38:50–54 — abundant fruit and unending provision
- Ghāfir 40:40 — provision without measure
- Fuṣṣilat 41:30–32 — whatever the souls desire
- Al-Shūrā 42:22 — whatever is desired with Allah
- Al-Zukhruf 43:69–73 — golden dishes, cups and abundant fruit
- Al-Dukhān 44:51–55 — every fruit in security
- Muhammad 47:15 — rivers of water, milk, wine and honey
- Qāf 50:31–35 — every desire and even more
- Al-Dhāriyāt 51:15 — Gardens and springs
- Al-Ṭūr 52:19, 22–23 — fruit, meat and a cup without sin
- Al-Qamar 54:54–55 — Gardens and a river
- Al-Raḥmān 55:46–54 — two Gardens, flowing springs and paired fruits
- Al-Raḥmān 55:62–68 — gushing springs, dates and pomegranates
- Al-Wāqi‘ah 56:17–21 — cups, pitchers, fruit and bird meat
- Al-Wāqi‘ah 56:27–33 — lote trees, poured water and unending fruit
- Al-Ḥāqqah 69:21–24 — nearby fruit and pleasant eating
- Al-Insān 76:5–6 — the drink mixed with Kāfūr
- Al-Insān 76:14–18, 21 — silver vessels, ginger, Salsabīl and purification
- Al-Mursalāt 77:41–43 — springs and desired fruits
- Al-Naba’ 78:31–34 — gardens, grapes and a full cup
- Al-Muṭaffifīn 83:22–28 — sealed nectar, musk and Tasnīm
- Al-Ghāshiyah 88:8–16 — a flowing spring and prepared cups
Additional Verses Repeating the Flowing-Rivers Promise
The Qur’an also repeatedly uses the expression:
جَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ
“Gardens beneath which rivers flow.”
These verses confirm the presence of rivers but do not add a new type of food or drink beyond the detailed passages already reproduced:
- Āl ‘Imrān 3:15, 3:136, 3:195 and 3:198
- Al-Nisā’ 4:13, 4:57 and 4:122
- Al-Mā’idah 5:12, 5:85 and 5:119
- Al-A‘rāf 7:43
- Al-Tawbah 9:72, 9:89 and 9:100
- Ibrāhīm 14:23
- Al-Kahf 18:31
- Ṭā-Hā 20:76
- Al-Ḥajj 22:14 and 22:23
- Al-Furqān 25:10
- Al-‘Ankabūt 29:58
- Al-Zumar 39:20
- Muhammad 47:12
- Al-Fatḥ 48:5 and 48:17
- Al-Ḥadīd 57:12
- Al-Mujādilah 58:22
- Al-Ṣaff 61:12
- Al-Taghābun 64:9
- Al-Ṭalāq 65:11
- Al-Taḥrīm 66:8
- Al-Burūj 85:11
- Al-Bayyinah 98:8
Final Summary
According to the Qur’an and the Shia narrations of Prophet Muhammad and the Ahl al-Bayt, peace be upon them:
- every pure and desired food will be available;
- food will arrive before it is verbally named;
- servants will know the believer’s provision before being asked;
- the fruits will possess familiar names but completely superior qualities;
- similar-looking fruits may contain different tastes;
- no fruit will be unripe, rotten, bitter or sour;
- fruit will hang near the reclining believer;
- fruits may invite the believer to eat them;
- branches will move toward the person who desires their fruit;
- fruit taken from a tree will be immediately replaced;
- fruit will be as abundant as leaves and stars;
- enormous tables will contain every desired food;
- birds will supply different varieties of meat;
- bird meat will be prepared without smoke or fire;
- meat will be the master of the foods of Paradise;
- the first food after entry will be fish liver;
- rivers of water, milk, Paradise wine and purified honey will flow;
- the milk will not come from animals;
- the honey will not come from bees;
- the wine will not be produced through worldly pressing or fermentation;
- the rivers will flow without excavated channels;
- the rivers will flow wherever the believer desires;
- the provision of one believer could feed all humans and jinn without decreasing;
- water will be the master of the drinks of Paradise;
- Paradise wine will cause neither headache, intoxication, sin nor foolish speech;
- the special drinks will include Kāfūr, Zanjabīl, Salsabīl, sealed nectar and Tasnīm;
- sealed nectar will contain the fragrance of musk;
- Tasnīm will be the noblest drink;
- the people brought nearest to Allah will drink Tasnīm pure;
- one purifying drink will remove envy from the heart;
- another explanation describes it as purification from everything besides Allah;
- the Spring of Life will accompany everlasting life;
- the inhabitants will eat without suffering hunger;
- they will drink without suffering thirst;
- the pleasure of a meal will remain for an extraordinarily long period;
- they will neither urinate nor defecate;
- food will not become excrement, blood, bile, phlegm or another impure substance;
- its bodily result will be perspiration more fragrant than musk;
- and every completed meal and drink will lead them to praise Allah.
The food and drink of Paradise will therefore combine desire, taste, honour, purity, gratitude, spiritual cleansing and complete bodily comfort, without labour, expense, shortage, spoilage, disease or impurity.