In this chapter...

In this chapter, we read: “And certainly the reward of the hereafter is much better for those who believe and guard (against evil).” [^7] Elsewhere, He has said: “And if they had believed and guarded themselves (against evil), reward from Allah would certainly have been better; had they but known (this).” [^8] In another verse, God says: “…if you believe and guard (against evil) He will give you your rewards, and will not ask of you your possession.” [^9] On piety, God says: “Those among them who do good (to others) and guard (against evil) shall have a great reward.” [^10] Again in another verse, He has said: “A parable of the garden which those guarding (against evil) are promised: therein are rivers of water that does not alter, and rivers of milk the whereof does not change, and rivers of drink delicious to those who drink, and rivers of honey purified; and for them therein are all fruits and forgiveness from their Lord.” [^11] After describing the gardens of Paradise, God says: “The gardens of perpetuity, they shall enter them, rivers flowing beneath them; they shall have in them what they please.

Thus does Allah reward those who guard (against evil).” [^12] Elsewhere, He has said: “But (as for) those who are careful of (their duty to) their Lord, they shall have lofty halls, above them lofty halls, built (for them), beneath which rivers flow; (this is) the promise of Allah: and Allah will not fail in (His) promise” .[^13] In describing the Paradise for those who repent and the worthy believers, God says: “…these shall enter the garden, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly in any way: the gardens of perpetuity which the Beneficent God has promised to His servants in the unseen; surely His promise shall come to pass.

They shall not hear therein any vain discourse, but only peace, and they shall have their sustenance therein morning and evening.” [^14] Then He says: “This is the garden which We cause those of Our servants to inherit who guard (against evil).” [^15] After describing the provision of the life of this world, in another verse, God says: “Shall I tell you of what is better than these?

For those who guard (against evil) are gardens with their Lord, beneath which rivers flow, to abide in them, and pure mates and Allah’s pleasure; and Allah is seer of His servants.” [^16] All these rewards are important and noteworthy but what the pious must take into consideration is Allah’s pleasure which cannot be valued.