Tafsir of At-Tur 52:24

"And there circulate among them"—that is, with the cup—"youths"—that is, servants specifically assigned to them, as is indicated by the particle al-lam (in lahum). It was not said "their youths" (ghilmanuhum) by way of genitive construction, so that it would not be imagined that they are the same individuals who served them in the world; for every person who served another in the world might be distressed at the thought of remaining a subordinate in Paradise, thus grieving that he would continue to be a follower.

It is also said: They are their own children who preceded them in death; thus, the specificity is by virtue of procreation, not servitude. However, there is an objection to this: describing them as "youths" (ghilman) is not appropriate for children, and likewise, attributing the act of service to children does not befit the context of a divine favor (imtinan).

"As if they were pearls, well-protected"—that is, preserved within the shell, untouched by hands, as Ibn Jarir stated. The point of comparison is whiteness and clarity. It is also permitted that "well-protected" (maknun) means "stored away," for only that which is beautiful and of high value is stored.

Abd al-Razzaq, Ibn Jarir, and Ibn al-Mundhir narrated from Qatadah, who said: It reached me that it was said, "O Messenger of Allah, if the servant is like a pearl, then what of the one served?" He, peace and blessings be upon him, replied: "By Him in Whose hand is my soul, the excellence of the latter over the former is like the excellence of the moon on the night of the full moon over all the stars." It is also narrated that the person of the lowest rank among the people of Paradise is one who calls out to a servant from among his servants, and a thousand [servants] will come to his door, each saying, "At your service, at your service."