Tafsir of Ar-Rahman 55:48

Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful): (48) Dhawatā Afnān (Possessing Branches/Varieties)

Translation:

It [الأفنان - al-Afnān] is the plural of fann (branch), meaning possessing branches, or it is the plural of fann (type/variety), meaning it contains varieties of trees and kinds of fruits.

If it is asked: Which of these two interpretations is stronger?

We say: The first interpretation (plural of fanan meaning branches) is stronger for two reasons:

1. The plural form Afnān for fanan (branch) is more common, and Funūn (varieties) is the plural for fann (type). One should not assume that Afnān and Funūn are both plurals of the singular fann (type). Rather, each is a plural formed according to established grammatical patterns (e.g., fa'āl for fa'l is common, and fu'ūl is even more common).
2. The subsequent verse, "In both of them are every kind of fruit in pairs" (Ar-Rahman: 52), sufficiently covers the meaning of varieties. Furthermore, that which is established in the mind and in existence without variation is more likely to be described by a fixed term.

If it is asked: How is it praised for having Afnān (branches) when the gardens of this world also possess branches?

We say: There are two perspectives on this:

1. Gardens, in principle, possess trees, and trees possess branches, and branches possess blossoms and fruits, which are for the contemplation of the beholder. However, the garden of this world is necessitated by need, whereas the Garden of the Hereafter is not like this world; it contains only that which brings pleasure, not necessity. The roots and trunks of trees are things needed to prevent a person from moving about the garden as they wish. Therefore, the Paradise described here possesses branches bearing wonderful leaves and sweet fruits without thick trunks. This is indicated by the fact that God Almighty described Paradise only with what brings pleasure, saying: "Dhawatā Afnān" (possessing branches), meaning the Garden possesses branches that are not based on a trunk or a known structure, but rather they stand suspended in the air, and its inhabitants are beneath them.
2. The second perspective is that the indefiniteness (tanqīr) of Afnān implies abundance or astonishment.

Then, the Almighty said: