Surah As-Saaffaat
Chapter 37 · Verse 44 · Revealed in Makkah
“On thrones facing one another.”
Translation: Saheeh International
Listen to recitation
Mishary Rashid Alafasy
Reflection — Ibn Kathir
The Punishment of the Idolators and the Reward of the sincere Believers
Allah says, addressing the people:
إِنَّكُمْ لَذَآئِقُو الْعَذَابَ الاٌّلِيمِ - وَمَا تُجْزَوْنَ إِلاَّ مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
Reflection — Maarif ul Quran
4\. After that, it was said: عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍ مُّتَقَابِلِينَ (` ala sururim-mutagabilin: facing each other on couches. - 37:44). This is a portrayal of the state in which the people of Jannah will be sitting - no backs against each other. How would that seating arrangement turn out to be in practice? That only Allah knows best. Some commentators say that the circuit of the seating arrangement would be so extensive that no one will need to sit with one's back towards anyone, and Allah Ta’ ala will bless the people of Jannah with such power of sight, audition and speech that they would be able to comfortably converse with people sitting at varying distances. Then, there are some other commentators who have also said that these couches, thrones or settees will be revolving - readily zooming towards whomsoever one wishes to talk to. And Allah knows best.
What does this verse bring up for you today?