Tafsir of Nuh 71:12

Meaning orchards.

Whether therein or absolutely.

Flowing. The verb "to make" (ja'ala) was repeated, rather than saying "He will make for you gardens and rivers," because they are distinct. The first [the gardens] is something in which their actions have a role, unlike the second [the rivers]. It is for this reason it was said: "And He will extend to you wealth and children," and the operative verb was not repeated. This is how it was said, though you can see the weakness in that.

Perhaps the most appropriate explanation is that the repetition is for the sake of emphasizing the importance of the rivers, given that they have an ordinary, predominant role in the existence of the gardens and in their preservation, along with other benefits that are not hidden. Out of consideration for their [the rivers'] role in the preservation of the gardens—which is more important than their mere existence—and given the strength of this role, they were mentioned after the gardens. As for omitting the repetition of the operative verb with the children, it is because it is the fundamental clause, or because since the extension [of benefits] is most commonly sought in what is beloved, and the desirability of wealth and children is not complete without the other, the repetition of the operative verb between them was omitted to indicate that the favor of one is not marred by the absence of the other. The delay of the mention of "children" is said to be because the preservation of wealth is usually through them, especially among the nomadic people, with a hint that the wealth eventually reaches them, which is a source of joy for the possessor of wealth, as is not hidden. So contemplate this.

Al-Biqa'i said: "The intent by the gardens and rivers is what is in the Hereafter," while the majority hold the first view [that they are worldly].

It is narrated from Al-Rabi' ibn Sabih that a man came to Al-Hasan and complained to him of drought, so he said to him: "Seek the forgiveness of Allah, the Exalted." Another came to him and complained of poverty, so he said: "Seek the forgiveness of Allah." Another came and said: "Call upon Allah, glory be to Him, to grant me a son," and he replied: "Seek the forgiveness of Allah." Another came and complained of the dryness of his orchards, and he said: "Seek the forgiveness of Allah." We then said to him: "Men came to you complaining of different hardships and asking for various things, yet you commanded them all to seek forgiveness?" He replied: "I did not say anything from myself; I only took into account the word of Allah, the Majestic and Exalted, in the narrative regarding His Prophet Noah, peace be upon him, that he said to his people: 'Ask your Lord for forgiveness,' to the end of the verse."