Al-A'raaf (The Heights)

46. "And between the two (groups in Paradise and Hell) there shall be a veil. And on A'raf (the heights) there shall be men, recognizing all by their marks', who shall call to the inhabitants of Paradise: 'Peace be upon you!' They shall not have entered it; though they hope."

The objective meaning of the term 'veil' mentioned in the verse, perhaps, is the same wall which has been referred to in Surah Al - Hadid, No. 57 , verse 13. It says:

"... Then separation would be brought about between them, with a wall having a door in it: (as for) the inside of it, there shall be mercy in it, and (as for) the outside of it, before it there shall be punishment. "¹

The Arabic term /'a'raf/ is the plural form of the word /'urf/ in the sense of 'a high land'. The name of this Surah is taken from this part of the Qur'an as Al-'A'raf. It is only in this occurrence of the Qur'an where 'A'raf and the people of 'A'raf are referred to.

Who Are the People of 'A'raf?

In the Islamic narrations and the statements of the commentators, there are some various attitudes about them. Some of them believe that these people are some saints of Allah who will stand on a high place between Heaven and Hell, and who recognize all people.

They will greet to the inhabitants of Heaven and congratulate them their good end, but they are worried about the fate of the inhabitants of Hell.

Some others introduce these people as some weak persons who have both some sins and worshipping, and they are waiting for the grace of Allah. They are like those about whom Surah Al- Taubah. No.9 verse 106 says:

"And others are made to await Allah’s command, whether He chastises them or whether He turns to them (mercifully), and Allah is Knowing, Wise."

That is, some other sinners are those whose affairs depend on Divine Will. He will either punish them by His justice, or He will forgive their sins with His grace. And, Allah knows the interests of people and is cognizant to the wisdom of creation, too.

Yet, perhaps, it can be said that the main pivot is Allah’s saints, and the oppressive are in the margin. The good doers enter Paradise and the evildoers go into Hell. The weak people, those who are in the middle, are kept in' A'raf, waiting for their fate. But, the saints of Allah, who are standing on 'A'raf, will come to help them and will intercede them.

This statement is the consequence of the attitudes found amongst commentators and in Islamic narrations.