Surah Waqiah– A depiction of Jannah

As I sat on the couch in my room, looking at my trophies with my names and position engraved on them that I won during my academic life. A thought suddenly struck my mind. Will we have the same kind of positions and rewards in Jannah or will everybody be rewarded equally no matter the number of good deeds one has performed. Will a 50 percent marks holder be equal to say 80 or 90 percent marks holder. This intrigued me to learn more about Jannah and its level of rewards based on the merit of an individual. This pursuit led me to a very beautiful Surah of Qur’an, Surah Waqiah.

Surah Waqiah is a Makki Surah and it has 96 verses. This surah ideally focuses on the depiction of Jannah. As I learned more about this Surah. I was astonished to witness the amount of rewards for the righteous people in the form of Jannah. But will all be treated equally? Is there only one Jannah with the same blessings for everyone? No, rather the righteous people based on their deeds will be divided into 2 categories and 1 category for the hell dwellers. Allah says,

“And you (all) will be in three kinds (i.e. separate groups).” (Verse 7)

“So those on the Right Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Records in their right hands), Who will be those on the Right Hand? (As a respect for them, because they will enter Paradise).” (Verse 8)

“And those on the Left Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Record in their left hands), who will be those on the Left Hand? (As a disgrace for them, because they will enter Hell).” (Verse 9)

“And those foremost [(in Islamic Faith of Monotheism and in performing righteous deeds) in the life of this world on the very first call for to embrace Islam,] will be foremost (in Paradise).” (Verse 10)

These verses give a clear indication that everybody will be treated according to their level of righteous deeds. The more righteous the deeds of a person, the higher the level of reward. In the subsequent verses, Allah highlights the qualities and the attributes of the Jannah for those who are “Foremost”. Allah says,

“These will be those nearest to Allah.” (Verse 11)

“In the Gardens of delight (Paradise).” (Verse 12)

“A multitude of those (foremost) will be from the first generations (who embraced Islam).” (Verse 13)

“And a few of those (foremost) will be from the later time (generations).” (Verse 14)

“(They will be) on thrones woven with gold and precious stones,” (Verse 15)

“Reclining thereon, face to face.” (Verse 16)

“They will be served by immortal boys,” (Verse 17)

“With cups, and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine,” (Verse 18)

“Wherefrom they will get neither any aching of the head nor any intoxication.” (Verse 19)

“And fruit; that they may choose.” (Verse 20)

“And the flesh of fowls that they desire.” (Verse 21)

“And (there will be) Houris (fair females) with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious), (Verse 22)

Like unto preserved pearls.” (Verse 23)

“A reward for what they used to do.” (Verse 24)

“No Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk) will they hear therein, nor any sinful speech (like backbiting, etc.).” (Verse 25)

“But only the saying of Salam! Salam! (Greetings with peace)!” (Verse 26)

It then pens down the attributes of Jannah for the “Right Hand” people, Allah says,

“And those on the Right Hand, — Who will be those on the Right Hand?” (Verse 27)

“(They will be) among thornless lote trees,” (Verse 28)

“Among Talh (banana-trees) with fruits piled one above another,” (Verse 29)

“In shade long-extended,” (Verse 30)

“By water flowing constantly,” (Verse 31)

“And fruit in plenty,” (Verse 32)

“Whose season is not limited, and their supply will not be cut off,” (Verse 33)

“And on couches or thrones, raised high.” (Verse 34)

“Verily, We have created them (maidens) of special creation.” (Verse 35)

“And made them virgins.” (Verse 36)

“Loving (their husbands only), equal in age.” (Verse 37)

“For those on the Right Hand.” (Verse 38)

“A multitude of those (on the Right Hand) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islam).” (Verse 39)

“And a multitude of those (on the Right Hand) will be from the later times (generations).” (Verse 40)

This revelation urged me to be become more righteous, more kind and humble human being who not only fulfill the commands of Allah (S.W.T) and Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) but also fulfills the rights of humans of Allah (S.W.T). It also made me realize the importance of reading and understanding Qur’an. Qur’an has a lot to offer in terms of guidance, life lessons and these glad tidings that compel you to be a better Muslim and human being.