Tafsir of Al-Waqi'ah 56:21

This refers to that which their souls incline towards and desire. The apparent meaning is that both "fruit" and "meat" are coordinated with "goblets" (akwab), implying that the youths circulate among them with these as well. A problem has been raised regarding this, as it has come down in the traditions that the fruit of Paradise can be reached by the one standing, sitting, or reclining. It is narrated from Mujahid that it is close to its owners; they reach for it while reclining, and if they lie down, it descends to the level of their mouths so that they may take it while lying down. It is also narrated that a man of Paradise may desire a bird of Paradise, and it falls into his hand already roasted. Ibn Abi al-Dunya recorded this from Abu Umamah.

He also recorded from Maymunah, in a marfu’ narration, that a man in Paradise desires a bird, and it comes like a Bactrian camel until it falls upon his dining table, neither touched by smoke nor fire; he eats from it until he is satisfied, then it flies away. If the matter is as mentioned, the circulation of these items by the youths would seem unnecessary. The response—and Allah knows best—is that this occurs during gatherings and drinking, and they do so as an act of honor, increased affection, veneration, and respect. This is similar to how one seated at a table might hand another some of the fruits or similar items upon it, even if they are close at hand, out of concern for their state and to demonstrate love and celebration of them.

It is also possible that [the words "fruit" and "meat"] are coordinated with "Gardens of Pleasure" (jannat al-na'im), similar to the construction "wearing a sword and a spear." The precedence of fruit over meat serves to indicate that they are not in a state that necessitates the precedence of meat, as is the case for a hungry person, whose need for meat is greater than his need for fruit. Rather, they are in a state that warrants the precedence and selection of fruit, as is the case for one who is satiated, for whom fruit is more appealing than meat. It is also suggested that this is because the habit of the people of this world, especially those who partake in drinking, is to present fruit first in a meal—which is a well-regarded custom because it is lighter, passes through more quickly, and requires less time in the stomach for digestion. Indeed, they have mentioned that one of the causes of indigestion is placing light food upon dense food. Furthermore, fruit stimulates the appetite for eating, whereas meat often suppresses it.

From the first perspective, one understands the reason for specifying "selecting" (yatakhayyaran) for fruit and "desiring" (yashtahun) for meat. It contains an indication that fruit is always present before them in their view, unlike meat, and the reason for this is that it is something that delights the eyes more than meat does. It has also been said that the reason for this specification is the abundance of varieties of fruit, the diversity of their tastes, colors, and shapes, and the fact that meat is not the same in this regard.

Regarding the expression "they select" (yatakhayyaran) rather than "they choose" (yakhtarun)—though close in meaning—the form tafa'ul indicates that they take from it that which is at the peak of perfection, and that they are in a state of complete independence from it. And Allah, the Exalted, knows best the secrets of His speech.