Page 70 - The Golden Age

THE GOLDEN AGE

Gardens
And We gave Sulayman power over the wind—a month's journey in
the morning and a month in the afternoon. And We made a fount of
molten brass flow out for him. And some of the jinn worked in
front of him by his Lord's permission. And if a single one of them
deviates at all from Our command, We let him taste the punishment
of the Searing Blaze. They made for him anything he wished: high
arches and statues, huge dishes like cisterns, great built-in cooking
vats. "Work, family of Dawud, in thankfulness!" But very few of My
servants are thankful. Then when We decreed that he should die,
nothing divulged his death to them except the worm that ate his
staff; so that when he fell down, it was made clear to the jinn that if
they had truly had knowledge of the Unseen, they need not have
stayed there suffering humiliating punishment. There was also a
sign for Saba in their dwelling place: two gardens—one to the right
and one to the left. "Eat of your Lord's provision and give thanks to
Him: a bountiful land and a forgiving Lord." (Surah Saba: 12-15)
We place in it gardens of dates and grapes, and cause springs to
gush out in it, so they may eat its fruits—they did not do it them-
selves. So will they not be thankful? (Surah Ya Sin: 34-35)
How many gardens and fountains they left behind, and ripe crops
and noble residences. (Surat ad-Dukhan: 24-25)

Cool Pavilions

Dark-eyed (women), secluded in cool pavilions. (Surat ar-Rahman: 72)

Couches

Reclining in it on couches, they will experience there neither burn-
ing sun nor bitter cold. (Surat al-Insan: 13)

The Companions of Paradise are busy enjoying themselves today,
they and their wives reclining on couches in the shade. They will
have fruits there and whatever they request. (Surah Ya Sin: 55-57)
They will recline on couches ranged in rows, and We will marry

68