Surah Al-Waaqia (56) — Ayah 37

(Ayah 38,37) {عُرُبًا اَتْرَابًا (37) لِّاَصْحٰبِ الْيَمِيْنِ : ’’ عُرُبًا ‘‘ ’’عَرُوْبٌ‘‘} is the plural of (with a fathah on the ‘ayn), just as {’’رَسُوْلٌ‘‘} is the plural of {’’رُسُلٌ‘‘}. This is from {’’أَعْرَبَ فُلَانٌ فِيْ قَوْلِهٖ‘‘}, when a person speaks with eloquence and beauty of expression. That is, women who captivate the hearts of their husbands with sweet words and charming manners, and who win their husbands’ love—the beloved women of their husbands. {’’ اَتْرَابًا ‘‘’’ تِرْبٌ‘‘} is the plural, those of the same age who played together in the dust. It is related to {’’ لِاَصْحٰبِ الْيَمِيْنِ ‘‘ ’’ اَتْرَابًا ‘‘}, meaning they will be of the same age as the companions of the right. The harmony found in being of the same age is not found otherwise. It should be clear that these verses do not mean that the blessings given to the foremost will be different and those given to the companions of the right will be different; rather, the countless blessings given to both will be shared, such as the fruits of Paradise, houses, rivers, wives, servants, etc. However, there will certainly be a difference in their quality, as the blessings given to the foremost will be of a higher degree than those given to the companions of the right. The purpose of mentioning the blessings for both is to encourage and instill longing for them.