Surah An-Naba — Verse 36

Word Meanings:

• Jazā'an (جَزَاءً): A reward or recompense given in return for deeds.
• ʿAṭā'an (عَطَاءً): A gift, grant, or bestowal — something given freely and generously.
• Ḥisāban (حِسَابًا): Sufficient, ample, and fully adequate — enough to satisfy completely.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse comes as the concluding statement of the magnificent blessings that Allah has prepared for His righteous servants in Paradise — gardens, youth, flowing cups, and eternal bliss. It tells us that all of this is a reward from your Lord — not because the servants deserved it fully, but because Allah, in His infinite mercy and generosity, chose to grant it to them.

The word ʿAṭā'an (gift) reveals a profound truth: although it is called a "reward" for their deeds, it is in reality a pure favor and bounty from Allah. No human deed, no matter how great, could ever truly earn the eternal delights of Paradise. The Prophet ﷺ said: "No one will enter Paradise by his deeds alone." They asked, "Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?" He said, "Not even me, unless Allah envelops me with His mercy" (Bukhari & Muslim). So this "reward" is truly a gift — a manifestation of Allah's boundless grace.

The word Ḥisāban (sufficient) carries two beautiful meanings:

1. It is enough — whatever Allah gives is complete and fully satisfying. The believer will never feel any lack or deficiency in what they receive.
2. It is counted — meaning it is given in exact accordance with Allah's perfect knowledge and wisdom, and it is more than enough to fill every need and desire.

A Call to Reflection and Action:

Dear reader, contemplate the beauty of this verse! The Lord of the heavens and the earth — the One who created you, sustains you, and knows every secret of your heart — has promised you a reward that is beyond your imagination. He calls it a "gift" because His mercy overflows, and He calls it "sufficient" because His generosity knows no bounds.

This is not a distant promise; it is a living invitation. Every prayer you offer, every charity you give, every kind word you speak, every tear you shed in repentance — all of it is being counted, and in return, your Lord is preparing for you a reward that is *sufficient* for every longing of your soul.

So let this verse fill your heart with hope and motivate you to draw closer to Allah. Paradise is not earned by our deeds alone — it is a gift from the Most Merciful. But the path to that gift begins with a single step of faith and obedience. Take that step today, and trust that your Lord's reward is greater than anything you could ever imagine.