“Then those who believed and acted righteously will be placed in a Garden and will be happy and jubilant. As for those who disbelieved and gave the lie to Our Signs and to the encounter of the Hereafter, they will be arraigned for chastisement. So glorify Allah in the evening and the morning. His is all praise in the heavens and in the earth; (and glorify Him) in the afternoon and when the sun begins to decline.)”
(Al Qur’ān – 30:15-18)
In the ayah 30:15 the glory and splendour of the Garden are emphasised. Since this Garden is mentioned as a reward from God, it is not to be interpreted literally to mean that there will only be one Garden in the Next World. Instead, what is really intended by the expression ‘a Garden’ is the unique value of what people will receive as reward – a Garden that will simply make them feel ecstatic with joy.
The Qur’ānic expression yuḥbarūn encompasses elements of happiness, delight, honour, glory and veneration. Thus, those who will be placed in Paradise will be shown honour, they will be happy and jubilant, and will enjoy all kinds of joy and delight.
It is noteworthy that belief is bracketed with acting righteously, and those who possess both are promised immense reward on that account. However, while speaking of the terrible consequences of disbelief, no reference has been made to evil deeds ensuing from it. This indicates that disbelieving will suffice to wreck one’s ultimate end, whether one commits other misdeeds along with it or not.