It happens at times that a person is invited to visit some beautiful gardens and manner of entertainment is provided for him but he does not enjoy anything because his soul is troubled. Man can enjoy the bounties of God only if his soul is content and happy.
From various verses of the Qura’n we learn that the people in Paradise will be so engrossed in the bounties that their faces will be radiant. Qura’n has used some very beautiful sentences about it. Verse 70 of Surah Zukhruf says:
“Enter the garden you and your wife in rejoicing.”
The word “Tuhbaruun” is derived from “Hibar” and according to Maqayis-ol-Loghat it defines beautiful effects and so decorated things are called ‘Muhabbar”. Ink is called “Hibar” because it leaves a beautiful effect. The Ulema are called “Ahbaar” because they too leave behind very good effects. This word is use for extreme happiness the affect of which is seen on the faces and this is what it means here.(1)
Verse 24 of Surah Mutafffifin says the same thing in other words:
“You will see on their faces the beaming brightness of bliss.”
The word “Nazarat” here denotes beauty and “Nazaratan Naiim” means a special radiance that is evident on the faces due to a peaceful and contented life. This tells us that the person is happy in his heart. (2)
Some commentators have taken it to mean “being well to do”. Verses 38 and 39 of Surah A’basa tell us:
“Some faces that Day will be beaming, laughing and rejoicing.” (3)
But the foregoing verses tell us that this describes the condition of the believers in the arena of gathering and not in Paradise. Some have taken it to mean a radiance, beauty and brightness that cannot be described. (4)
Some people have taken it to mean freshness that radiates from the faces because of their acceptance by God. (5)
Verses 8-9 of Surah Ghashiya say:
“(Other) faces that day will be joyful pleased with their striving.”
The origin of the word “Naa-imah” is “Naymah’ and here it means to be engulfed so much that the effects of happiness are visible on the faces. Some have said it comes from “Na’umat” which soft and comfortable and this is because of many bounties. (6)
According to some commentators these fresh and radiant faces will be shining like the full moon.
It is certain that this will not be due to the material bounties because they do not leave such an affect but because of a great spiritual happiness which will engulf them totally. This is what this verse says.
1. See the same meaning in verse 15 of Surah Rom.
2. The same thing can be found in verse 22 of Surah Qiyamah and verse 11 of Surah Dahr.
3. Tafsir Kabeer vol.31 page 98
4. Tafsir Kabeer vol. 31 page 99
5. Tafsir Ruhul Bayan vol.10page 371
6. Tafsir Al Mizanvol.20 page 274
