Surah Qaf 50:35
سُورَةُ قٓ · Meccan · Verse 35 of 45
لَهُم مَّا يَشَآءُونَ فِيهَا وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيدٌۭ
Translation
They will have all that they wish for there, and We have more for them.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Qur'anic Worlds
This beautiful verse draws us into the breathtaking reality of Paradise, painting a picture of its wonders for those who believe. Here, Allah Himself is speaking, addressing the righteous believers who have been welcomed into Jannah. The verse arrives as a profound promise and a culmination of divine generosity, offering solace and immense hope.
The World of Their Desires
The first part of the verse, "لَهُم مَّا يَشَآءُونَ فِيهَا" (For them will be what they wish therein), opens up a world where every desire is instantly fulfilled. Imagine a reality where your deepest longings, the things you could only dream of, manifest without delay or effort. For the early believers hearing this, it was a profound assurance in a challenging world. It meant that all the deprivations, struggles, and unfulfilled hopes of their earthly lives would be completely reversed.
Scholars like Mufti Shafi and Ibn Kathir illustrate this by mentioning prophetic narrations. For instance, if someone in Paradise wishes for a child, the entire process of conception, birth, and growth happens in a single moment. If one craves a specific bird, it appears roasted and ready to eat. There is even a report of a cloud passing over the inhabitants of Paradise, asking them what they desire to be rained down upon them, and whatever they ask for, it delivers. This isn't just about having what you want, but having it immediately, perfectly, and beyond any earthly limitation.
And Then, Even More
Then the verse reveals something even more astonishing: "وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيدٌۭ" (and with Us there is even more). The Arabic word *mazid* here signifies an increase, an addition, something extra beyond what was requested or even imagined. This implies that after all their wishes are granted and their desires are exhausted, Allah still has more to give.
What could be "more" than having every wish fulfilled? Many scholars, including al-Baghawi, Mufti Shafi, and Ibn Kathir, following the understanding of companions like Anas, Jabir, and Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, explain that this "more" refers to the greatest delight of Paradise: the vision of Allah's Noble Face. It is the ultimate honor, a direct encounter with the Divine, described by Ibn Kathir as similar to another verse (10:26) where "for those who have done good is the best and even more." This spiritual zenith, glimpsing the Creator bila kaif (without an understandable "how"), transcends all physical pleasures. Ibn Kathir also shares traditions about Friday being known as "Yawn al-Mazid," the Day of More, when believers will gather and be granted this incredible honor. It is a reward so immense, it could not have been wished for because it is beyond human comprehension to even conceive of its majesty.
Sources: al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Ibn Kathir
Connections
When we approach this beautiful verse from Surah Qaf, we find Allah addressing the believers who have entered Paradise. He is speaking directly, promising them immense blessings, creating a tone of profound grace and generosity. This ayah, Surah 50:35, comes right after a vivid description of Paradise being brought near to the righteous, and the conditions for entering it.
The Immediate Flow
To appreciate the deep meaning of this verse, it is helpful to see it as a "string of pearls," as Imam al-Biqa'i described the Quran's coherence (Nazm al-Durar). Surah Qaf itself began by addressing the disbelievers' astonishment at resurrection, offering powerful proofs for it, and then detailing the distinct outcomes for both the rebellious and the righteous.
This specific verse, "لَهُم مَّا يَشَآءُونَ فِيهَا وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيدٌۭ" (For them is whatever they wish therein, and with Us is more), comes directly after a series of verses (50:31-34) that describe Paradise being brought close to the God-conscious. Those verses speak of entry into gardens of delight, granted to "every repentant and preserver," to those "who feared the Most Merciful unseen" and came with "an attentive heart." So, after the invitation to enter Paradise with peace, this verse elaborates on the boundless nature of the blessings found within it. It assures the believers that their desires will be met, and then hints at something even greater.
Beyond Imagination
The first part, "لَهُم مَّا يَشَآءُونَ فِيهَا" (For them is whatever they wish therein), tells us that in Paradise, everything the believers desire with their hearts and minds will be theirs. Al-Biqa'i notes that their wishes will constantly be renewed and enabled. But the true depth lies in the second part: "وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيدٌۭ" (and with Us is more). This "مَزِيدٌ" (mazeed), meaning "additional" or "increase," signifies blessings that are beyond human comprehension or even the scope of their wishes. As Imam al-Wasit (Tantawi) explains, it refers to rewards "which never crossed their minds, and which their eyes had never seen before." Al-Biqa'i adds that these are matters of ultimate wonder, constantly exceeding their aspirations.
The Ultimate Connection
Scholars like al-Wasit (Tantawi), al-Shinqiti, and al-Sabuni highlight a profound cross-Quranic connection for this "مَزِيدٌ" (mazeed). They link it to Surah Yunus (10:26), which states, "لِّلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُواْ الحسنى وَزِيَادَةٌ" (For those who have done good is the best [reward] and an increase). Based on prophetic narrations, these scholars interpret "الزيادة" (az-ziyadah, the increase) in Surah Yunus, and by extension the "مَزِيدٌ" (mazeed) here, as the greatest of all blessings: the honor of gazing upon the Noble Face of Allah.
This connection reveals the pinnacle of divine generosity. While believers will have every worldly pleasure and comfort they could ever imagine, Allah promises something far beyond that. It is a spiritual reward, an intimacy with their Creator that surpasses any material delight. This understanding transforms the verse from a mere promise of comfort into an invitation to yearn for the ultimate vision, the source of all beauty and perfection. It connects the worldly striving and piety described in the preceding verses directly to this highest, most intimate reward in the Hereafter.
Sources: al-Biqa'i (Nazm al-Durar), al-Wasit (Tantawi), al-Shinqiti (Adwa al-Bayan), al-Sabuni (Safwat al-Tafasir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Qaf 50:35 is discussed in 4 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Qaf 50:35 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.