Al-Araf

Al-Araf is an elevated wall separating Paradise from Hell. On this height stand the 'companions of al-Araf' who recognise the people of Paradise and Hell by their marks. The most widespread scholarly view is that they are people whose good and evil deeds were equal, awaiting in hope of entering Paradise.

The Wall and Its Companions — the Quran describes this scene in 7:46-49: 'And between them is a partition, and on the Heights (al-A'raf) are men who recognise all by their marks.' From this height they see both groups.

Their Hope — the companions of al-Araf have not yet entered Paradise but they long for it: 'they have not yet entered it, though they hope to' (7:46). They greet the people of Paradise and plead: 'Our Lord, do not place us with the wrongdoing people' (7:47).

Who Are They? — The most widespread scholarly view: they are believers whose good and evil deeds were perfectly equal, so they were placed at these boundaries until God's mercy reaches them and they enter Paradise. Other views exist. The Quran clarifies the happy ending: 'Enter Paradise; you will have no fear, nor will you grieve' (7:49).

Al-Araf is Quranic (Surah 7, verses 46-49). The identity of its companions is the subject of several scholarly views: (1) those whose good and evil deeds were equal (the most widespread); (2) martyrs, scholars or angels according to others. The Quran does not explicitly state their identity, so we present the majority view while noting that other views exist. Their happy ending of entering Paradise is in the text (7:49).

The companions of al-Araf offer an image of tempered hope: even those whose balance was wavering are not lost; God's mercy may tip the waiting toward salvation. The scene also delivers a lesson about false values: wealth and pride that commanded admiration in this world weigh nothing there. And those scorned in this world may be the first invited to Paradise.

Les élus du Paradis et les damnés de l'Enfer seront séparés par une muraille sur laquelle se tiendront des hommes et des femmes, les gens d'Al-A'râf, qui reconnaîtront les uns et les autres à leurs signes distinctifs.

7:46

« Entrez au Paradis, préservés de toute crainte et de toute affliction. »

7:49