Quran 2:25 - The Believer's Ultimate ROI: What Awaits Those Who Combine Faith with Action

Here is a full explanation of Quran 2:25, building directly on the severe warning of the previous verse, designed to be clear and relevant for a contemporary audience.

The Arabic Text

وَبَشِّرِ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ ۖ كُلَّمَا رُزِقُوا مِنْهَا مِن ثَمَرَةٍ رِّزْقًا ۙ قَالُوا هَٰذَا الَّذِي رُزِقْنَا مِن قَبْلُ ۖ وَأُتُوا بِهِ مُتَشَابِهًا ۖ وَلَهُمْ فِيهَا أَزْوَاجٌ مُّطَهَّرَةٌ ۖ وَهُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ

Transliteration (How it sounds)

Wa bashshir allazeena aamanu wa ‘amilus saalihaati anna lahum jannatin tajree min tahtihal anhaar, kullamaa ruziqoo minhaa min samaratin rizqan qaaloo haazal lazee ruziqnaa min qablu wa utoo bihee mutashaabihaa, wa lahum feehaa azwaajum mutahharatunw wa hum feehaa khaalidoon.

Word-for-Word Meaning

• Wa bashshir = And give good news

• allazeena aamanu = to those who believe

• wa ‘amilus saalihaati = and do righteous deeds

• anna lahum = that for them are

• jannatin = Gardens

• tajree min tahtihal anhaar = flow from beneath them the rivers

• kullamaa = every time

• ruziquu = they are provided

• minhaa = from it

• min samaratin = of a fruit

• rizqan (as) a provision

• qaaloo = they will say

• haazal lazee = "This is what

• ruziqnaa min qablu = we were provided with before"

• wa utoo bihee = and they are brought with it

• mutashaabihaa = similar (in appearance)

• wa lahum feehaa = and for them therein

• azwaajum mutahharatun = spouses purified

• wa hum feehaa = and they therein

• khaalidoon = will abide forever

Direct Translation

"And give good news to those who believe and do righteous deeds that for them are Gardens under which rivers flow. Every time they are provided with a fruit therefrom, they will say, 'This is what we were provided with before.' And it will be given to them in similarity. And for them therein are purified spouses, and they will abide therein forever."

Full Explanation in Easy English

This beautiful verse comes right after the terrifying description of the Hellfire in verse 2:24. ALLAH, Al-Rahman (The Most Merciful) and Al-Raheem (The Especially Merciful), immediately follows the warning with a wonderful promise. This shows ALLAH's perfect balance between justice and mercy.

Let's break it down:

1. "And give good news to those who believe and do righteous deeds..."

   • The word "bashshir" means to give glad tidings, to announce something that brings immense joy.

   • Who receives this good news? Not just those who "believe" in their hearts, but those who "believe AND do righteous deeds." Faith (Iman) must be shown through actions (Amal). This includes prayers, charity, honesty, kindness to parents, and all good actions done for the sake of ALLAH.

2. "...that for them are Gardens under which rivers flow."

   • The "Gardens" are Jannah (Paradise). It's not a barren place. The image of rivers flowing underneath signifies eternal peace, abundance, beauty, and tranquility. It’s a place of ultimate relaxation and pleasure.

3. "Every time they are provided with a fruit therefrom, they will say, 'This is what we were provided with before.' And it will be given to them in similarity."

   • This is a beautiful and subtle description. The fruits of Paradise will be familiar and delightful to them, reminding them of the good, pure things they enjoyed on Earth. However, they will immediately realize that the taste is far superior and more perfect. It's "similar" in looks but unimaginably better in taste, fragrance, and satisfaction. There is no boredom in Paradise; every experience is fresh and wondrous.

4. "And for them therein are purified spouses..."

   • This promise includes pure, deep, and peaceful relationships. The word "mutahharatun" (purified) means they are free from all worldly impurities, annoyances, and negative feelings like jealousy, anger, or irritation. It signifies the perfection of love and companionship in the Hereafter.

5. "...and they will abide therein forever."

   • This is the ultimate promise. The greatest blessing of Jannah is that it is eternal. The word "khaalidoon" (they will abide forever) removes any fear of loss or end. Unlike this world, where every joy is temporary, the joys of Paradise are permanent and everlasting.

Relevance in the Past, Present, and Future

1. Relevance in the PAST (7th Century Arabia):

• For the early Muslims facing persecution in Mecca, this verse was a source of immense hope and strength. It reminded them that their struggle and patience would be rewarded with a perfect, eternal life, far better than the hardships they were enduring.

• The desert Arabs understood the supreme value of lush gardens with flowing rivers—it was the ultimate symbol of life, prosperity, and peace. This description spoke directly to their hearts.

2. Relevance in the PRESENT (For Us Today):

• A Message of Hope and Motivation: In our busy, stressful, and often depressing world, this verse is a powerful reminder of our ultimate goal. It tells us that our struggles to be good people—to pray, to be honest, to fight our desires—are not in vain. A magnificent reward awaits.

• Beyond Materialism: Today's world sells us temporary happiness through material things (new phones, cars, etc.). This verse points to a happiness that is eternal, pure, and deeply satisfying for the soul. It redefines what "success" truly is.

• A Balanced Life: It reinforces the Islamic formula for success: Correct Belief + Righteous Actions = Eternal Happiness. It encourages us to constantly work on both our faith and our deeds.

3. Relevance in the FUTURE:

• The Certain Reality: This verse describes a future that is more real than the life we are living now. It is a promise from ALLAH, who never breaks His promise. It makes the Hereafter (Akhirah) tangible and something to look forward to with sincere effort.

• The Ultimate Success: It defines the final, eternal state of the believers. While the disbelievers are in a Fire of their own making, the believers are in a state of perpetual joy, peace, and fulfillment, in the direct company of ALLAH's mercy.

Key Takeaways for a Contemporary Believer:

• Balance: Always remember both the warning (verse 2:24) and the good news (verse 2:25). Fear of ALLAH should drive you, but hope in His Mercy should keep you going.

• Action-Oriented Faith: Don't just "believe." Let your faith manifest in beautiful actions towards ALLAH and His creation.

• Long-Term Vision: Don't trade eternal happiness for temporary, worldly pleasures. Make decisions in your daily life with Jannah in mind.

• Allah's Mercy: This verse is a ultimate proof of ALLAH's love and generosity for His believing servants.

May ALLAH (SWT) make us among those who believe, do righteous deeds, and inherit the eternal Gardens of Paradise. Ameen.