Tafsir of Ar-Rahman 55:57-58

{As if they were} is either an adjective describing those who restrain their glances, or a state of being derived from them, similar to the one that preceded it. That is to say, they are likened to rubies and coral. The statement of al-Nahhas, that the kaf (in ka-annahunna) is in the nominative case as an ibtida' (commencement of a sentence), is groundless, as is not hidden.

'Abd al-Razzaq, 'Abd ibn Humayd, and Ibn Jarir narrated from Qatada that he said regarding this verse: "In the clarity of the ruby and the whiteness of the pearl." Al-Hasan narrated the same. In al-Bahr, it is narrated from Qatada: "In the clarity of the ruby and the redness of the coral," thereby interpreting al-marjan (coral) as it is commonly known.

It has been said: They are likened to the ruby in the redness of the face, and to the marjan (coral) — that is, the small pearls — in the whiteness and clarity of the complexion. Specifying the small ones, as stated in al-Kashshaf, is because they are more brilliant in whiteness than the large ones. It has also been said: Intending the large ones is better here, as has been said regarding its meaning, because it is more in accordance with the words of the Almighty: {As if they were guarded eggs} [37:49], so do not be heedless.

Ahmad, Ibn Hibban, al-Hakim (who authenticated it), and al-Bayhaqi in al-Ba'th wa al-Nushur narrated from Abu Sa'id, from the Prophet (peace be upon him), regarding the words of the Almighty {As if they were} etc., that he said: "One looks at her face in her private chamber, and it is clearer than a mirror. Indeed, the least of the pearls upon her would illuminate everything between the East and the West. She would be wearing seventy garments, yet his gaze would penetrate them until he sees the marrow of her shins from behind that."

'Abd ibn Humayd, al-Tabarani, and al-Bayhaqi in al-Ba'th narrated from Ibn Mas'ud that he said: "The wife from among the Hour al-'Ayn (maidens of Paradise) is such that one can see the marrow of her shin from behind the flesh and the bone, from underneath seventy garments, just as red wine is seen in a white glass container."