Page 85 - Beauties for Life in the Qur'an

AESTHETICS AND ARTISTRY IN THE QUR'AN 83

Couches Embroidered with Jewels
The Qur'an frequently refers to couches, describing them as
gifts that Allah grants to those of His servants with whom He is
pleased:
… and raised-up couches, and set-out goblets, and lined-up
cushions, and spread-out rugs. (Surat al-Ghashiyya: 13-16)
Couches that are both comfortable and striking in appearance
are ideal seats for people. Furthermore, they can be embellished
and made more splendid. We read:
On sumptuous woven couches, reclining on them face to face.
(Surat al-Waqi'a: 15-16)
The comfort provided by couches are especially stressed in
the following verses:
Reclining in it (Paradise) on couches, they will experience there
neither burning sun nor bitter cold. (Surat al-Insan: 13)
The Companions of the Garden are busy enjoying them today,
they and their wives reclining on couches in the shade. (Surah
Ya Sin: 55-56)
Gardens of Eden, whose gates will be open to them, where they
will recline... (Surah Sâd: 50-51)
They will recline on couches ranged in rows... (Surat at-Tur: 20)

Elevated Couches and Beds with Rich Silk Brocade
And on elevated couches. (Surat al-Waqi'a: 34)
Elevated couches and divans, decorative elements in
Paradise, provide a much wider view than the low ones.
Eventually they provide relief:
They will be reclining on couches lined with rich brocade, the
fruits of the Gardens hanging close to hand. So which of your
Lord's blessings do you both then deny? (Surat ar-Rahman: 54-55)