Tafsir of Ar-Rahman 55:59-60

(So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?) (59)

(And the saying of the Exalted: "Is there any reward for goodness other than goodness?") (60)

This is an initiation [of a statement] confirming the content of what preceded it. That is: What is the reward for goodness in [one’s] deeds, except goodness in [one’s] reward?

It has been said: The intended meaning is, "What is the reward for monotheism (Tawhid) except Paradise?" This is supported by the manifest meanings of many traditions. Al-Hakim al-Tirmidhi in Nawadir al-Usul, al-Baghawi in his Tafsir, al-Daylami in Musnad al-Firdaws, and Ibn al-Najjar in his History narrated from Anas, who said: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah exalt him and grant him peace) recited, "Is there any reward for goodness other than goodness?" and said: "Do you know what your Lord has said?" They replied: "Allah and His Messenger know best." He said: "He says: Is there any reward for one whom I have favored with monotheism, other than Paradise?" Ibn al-Najjar also narrated in his History from Ali (may Allah ennoble his countenance) in a marfu’ form with the wording: "Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, says: 'Is there any reward for one whom I have favored,' etc."

Beyond this, there are nearly one hundred opinions. The interpretation of generality has been preferred, wherein monotheism is included as a primary entry.

The Sufis have presented this verse under the chapter of Ihsan (excellence/goodness), and they interpreted it according to the Hadith: "To worship Allah as if you see Him, for if you do not see Him, He sees you." They stated: It is a name that encompasses the gates of the realities (al-haqa'iq).

Ibn Abi Ishaq recited [it as]: "Is there any reward for goodness other than al-hissan (the beautiful ones)?" meaning by al-hissan: the women who restrain their glances, who were mentioned previously.