Surah Maryam (Mary) 19 : 61

Overview (Verses 60 - 63)

God’s Door Remains Open
 
The sūrah makes it clear that the door remains wide open for all who wish to repent and mend their ways. Through that door comes the scent of God’s mercy and the aura of abounding grace: "Excepted, however, shall be those who repent, believe and do righteous deeds. These will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in any way: the gardens of Eden which [God] the Most Merciful has promised to His servants, in the realm that lies beyond the reach of human perception. Indeed, His promise is certain of fulfilment. There they will hear no idle talk, but only the voice of peace. And their sustenance shall be given them there morning and evening. Such is the paradise which We shall give the righteous among Our servants to inherit." (Verses 60-63)
 
Repentance that initiates a sincere acceptance of the divine faith and good works, thus making its positive significance a clear reality, ensures escape from that ruinous fate. Those who resort to such repentance will not end up in disillusion, but will rather go to heaven, where they are subjected to no wrong. They go there for permanent abode. God has promised entry into this garden to His servants and they believed in it before they could ever see it, because God’s promise always comes true.
 
The sūrah then draws an image of heaven and its dwellers: “There they will hear no idle talk, but only the voice of peace.” (Verse 62) Their talk is free of idle remarks, loud noise, futile argument. It is a conversation when only one type of voice is heard. It is the type that fits in with this pleasant atmosphere, full of contentment. That is the voice of peace. Provisions are certain to come in this heaven, without the need for hard work, worry or anxiety. They will never be exhausted: “Their sustenance shall be given them there morning and evening.” (Verse 62) In such a blissful atmosphere, requests, demands and worries are out of place.
 
“Such is the paradise which We shall give the righteous among Our servants to inherit.” (Verse 63) Anyone who wishes to share in this inheritance is aware of the way to ensure it: repentance, firm belief and good works. Descent and ancestry are of no avail. Certain people descended from those God-fearing prophets and the goodly people who followed divine guidance and whom God selected for honour, but their descendants neglected their prayers and followed their own wanton desires. Their descent benefited them nothing. They are certain to end in disillusion.