Another thing that gives great spiritual pleasure is that a person has sincere and loyal friends, those who are well versed in faith and human trends and are the embodiment of loyalty. Their companionship is so pleasant that it cannot be described. We learn from the Qura’nic verses that all the dwellers of Paradise will have this feature. They will sit and talk with sincere friends but what they will talk about has not been defined for they may be talking about things that are important for us to understand in this world. But one thing is certain that this dialogue will give them great pleasure.

Verses 69 and 70 of Surah Nisa say:

“Whoever obeys God and His Prophet shall be with those upon whom God has bestowed His favors among the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the righteous companions. This is a grace from God and suffices Him that He knows all things.”(1)

The companions of Paradise are the best people in this world, the great Prophets their obedient followers, the truthful, the witnesses (martyrs) and the righteous.

We will understand the world of the hereafter only if we compare it with this world. Here we are at times forced to live with evil people who are a source of problems.

The history of the revelation of this verse has been described by commentators who quoted one hadith (with a little difference between them):

“One day a companion of the Messenger who yearned for his audience came to him and was looking troubled. The Messenger asked him about his problem and he said: “I become very sad when I go far from you. I though that if tomorrow I go to Heaven but I will not be able to reach the station where you will be and I will be deprived from seeing you forever.

 (And if I go to Hell then it will be all the more troublesome). This is why I am so morose.” It was then that this verse was revealed and assurance was given to him and those who were like him that the believers who obey the Messenger will be in the company of chosen ones of God.” (2)

The word “Zaalik” usually refers to something in the distance and here it is used for denoting the prominence of the bounties of God. These bounties are so great that they are far beyond our reach. The words “Al Fazlu minallah” also stress this point. It tells us that this bounty is not achieved only through good deeds but also through the mercy of God and it is His mercy that a person reaches that stage.

It is also notable that four kinds of people have been mentioned in the companions of Paradise. (The Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the righteous). It seems the arrangement signifies their status. Some people have said that the Prophets have been mentioned first because they see God through their hearts; the truthful are those who are on the second stage of enlightenment. They are like the person who sees things at a distance. The martyrs or the witness are third because come to conclusion through logic and intellectual proof. The righteous are fourth because they are like the person who accepts things are it has been accepted and propagated by great scholars. (3)

Sometimes the prophets too are called the witnesses and it is said that when these four attributes come together then they refer to the first.

The best explanation of these four attributes is that it is imperative for the Prophets to come to lead and guide the masses. Then come the truthful ones who with their deeds and words tell us how to recognize the true prophets of God.

When there are obstacles then persons who are willing to sacrifice their lives to enjoin people to the truth and defend them are needed so that the rule of the righteous is established in society.

It is also important to note that these four groups being together are not because they are equals but because there is a link between them like that of the student with the teacher or of the soldier with his commander.

The same meaning in another sense has been conveyed by verse 47 of Surah Hijr.

“And We will root out whatever rancor is there in their hearts; (They shall be as) brothers, on couches facing each other.”

The same meaning is conveyed by verse 31 of Surah Kahf. The existence of these sincere, honorable and righteous friends is a great bounty and pleasure of Paradise.

1. According to some people the word “Rafiqan” here is for distinction so has come in singular form. Some say that it is about the present tense so the word “Rafique” is used singularly as well as plural.

2. See Tafsir Majmaul Bayan, Tafsir Kabeer, Qartabi, Maraghi, Ruhul Ma’ani and Fi Zalalol Qura’n for this verse.

3. Tafsir Ruhul Ma’ani vol. 5 page 68.