Surah Al-Waqi'ah 56:15
سُورَةُ الوَاقِعَةِ · Meccan · Verse 15 of 96
عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍۢ مَّوْضُونَةٍۢ
Translation
On couches of well-woven cloth
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
'On couches interwoven with gold.' al-Saadi and Ibn Ashur note 'surur mawduna', thrones woven and adorned, seats of honour and repose for the brought-near. The image is of dignified rest, elevation, and ease. Ask yourself: notice the reward of the highest souls includes rest, being seated, honoured, at ease, after a life of racing to good. The foremost were not restless strivers with no reward for their striving; the striving ends in repose. It quietly promises that the effort of a God-conscious life is not endless exhaustion but a race with a finish line and a place to finally sit down, honoured. Am I striving as though the effort is all there is, or with the seat of honour, and the rest, kept in view?
Grounded in classical tafsir: al-Saadi, Ibn Ashur, al-Biqa'i.
Wording
This beautiful verse offers a glimpse into the exquisite comfort awaiting the *Sābiqūn*, the foremost, those who raced to do good, in Paradise. Allah Himself is describing their state, providing a vivid picture of the honor and ease they will experience.
Seats of Honor
The verse begins by mentioning "عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍۢ" (on couches or thrones). The word *surur* is the plural of *sarīr*, which Ibn Ashur explains as a long, spacious chair or couch. In this world, such seating is often reserved for kings, dignitaries, or those of great status, made from precious materials like gold or silver. The Quran's choice of this word immediately conveys a sense of honor and an elevated station for the *Sābiqūn*, indicating they will be seated with grandeur and respect.
The Woven Perfection
The key descriptive word here is "مَّوْضُونَةٍۢ" (mawḍūnah). This single word holds a wealth of meaning about the quality and nature of these couches. Scholars highlight its root meaning of being intricately woven or strongly knit.
Al-Razi emphasizes the strength and tight construction implied by *mawḍūnah*, comparing it to finely woven chainmail armor or a strong, thick rope. This suggests that these couches are not only beautiful but also robust and enduring. Imagine something crafted with such meticulous care that it is both firm and perfectly supportive.
Expanding on this, al-Zamakhshari and al-Jalalayn describe these couches as being "interwoven with gold, meshed with pearls and rubies," or "woven with rods of gold and jewels." This adds a layer of immense beauty and preciousness to the strength. It's not just a strong weave, but one made of the most exquisite and valuable materials.
Ibn Ashur further clarifies that this intricate weaving refers to the surfaces of the couches, where cushions and carpets would be placed. This detail tells us that the foundation itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, designed to provide the ultimate comfort and luxury.
The single word *mawḍūnah*, therefore, paints a picture of thrones that are not merely functional but are works of art, strong, durable, beautifully adorned with jewels and gold, and meticulously crafted for supreme comfort. It reflects the meticulous care and boundless generosity of Allah in preparing rewards for His beloved servants.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Waqi'ah 56:15 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 Al-Waqi'ah 56:15 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.