Surah al-A`raf (The Elevated Places) 7 : 43

Explanatory Note

In contrast to the scene of mutual hatred surfacing among the evildoers in hell, even against their former close and intimate friends, we see the believers demonstrating their perfect love for one another in heaven. They are brethren who harbour no ill-feeling to anyone. They enjoy perfect peace and bliss: “We shall remove any rancour that may be lingering in their hearts.” (Verse 43) They are only human, and they lived the life of human beings. In this life on earth they may have had some disagreements and disputes that brought about ill-feeling. As believers, they tried hard to overcome these feelings and allowed their brotherhood to predominate. Nevertheless, there might have remained some lingering traces of rancour.
 
Al-Qurţubī, a leading commentator on the Qur’ān, says: “God’s messenger (peace be upon him) says: `Rancour stays at the doorstep of heaven just like camels are seated outside people’s dwellings. God removes it from believers’ hearts.’ It is also reported that Alī said: `I hope that `Uthmān, Ţalĥah, al-Zubayr and myself are among those about whom God says: “We shall remove any rancour that may be lingering in their hearts.”
 
As already stated, the people of hell are engulfed by fire that overwhelms them from above and beneath. By contrast, the people of heaven have running waters which give an air of freshness to the whole scene: “Running waters will flow at their feet.” (Verse 43). While the former group is always quarrelling and exchanging accusations, the people of heaven praise God and acknowledge their own shortcomings.
 
The former group is strongly rebuked and told: “Enter into the fire to join the hosts of the jinn and humans who have gone before you.” (Verse 38). The latter are addressed with respect and given a warm welcome: “A voice will call out to them: ‘This is the paradise you have inherited by virtue of what you used to do’.” (Verse 43)