The Event (Al-Waqi'ah): (90) And as for him who is...

There are two issues concerning this verse:

The First Issue: Regarding the Greeting (Salām)

There are several interpretations regarding the meaning of the greeting mentioned:

1. The Greeting Among Themselves: The person on the right (Ashāb al-Yamīn) greets his fellow companion on the right, just as the Almighty said previously: "They will not hear therein any vain talk or sinful speech, except the saying: 'Peace! Peace!'" (Al-Waqi'ah: 25-26).
2. Assurance for the Prophet: The phrase "then salāmun lak" (peace be for you) means safety for you from a matter that worried your heart. This indicates they are in the highest ranks. This is similar to when one tells someone whose beloved child is away serving a noble person: "Be at ease concerning your child; he is in comfort."
3. Sign of Their Greatness: This statement signifies the greatness of their status. It is like saying, "So-and-so is magnificent," or "He is sufficient as So-and-so," indicating that they are praised beyond measure.

The Second Issue: To Whom is the Address "{lak}" (for you) Directed?

We have already touched upon some of this, but we state:

It is possible that the intended recipient of the address is the Prophet (PBUH). In this case, there are two interpretations:

1. Consolation for the Prophet: As mentioned before, this is a consolation for the Prophet's heart. Since the Ashāb al-Yamīn do not need anything (like intercession), the meaning is: "Peace be for you, O Muhammad, from them, for they are in safety and well-being; do not worry about them."
2. Sign of Their Esteem for the Prophet: Alternatively, it means: "Peace be for you, O Muhammad, from them," and their greeting him is evidence of their high status, because only a great person is greeted by another great person.

A Subtle Point Here: The status of the Prophet (PBUH) is higher than the status of the Ashāb al-Yamīn relative to the Muqarrabūn (the Foremost Ones) who reside in ‘Illiyyīn (the highest gardens of Paradise).

When the verse says, "And as for him who is of the companions of the right hand," it indicates that their station is lower than that of the first group (the Muqarrabūn). However, God says: Even though they are lower than the first group, the distinction of rank does not prevent connection or greeting. Rather, they will see you and reach you just as a close associate of the king reaches the king, or as someone absent reaches his family and children. As for the Muqarrabūn, they will remain constantly with you and never leave you, even though you are of a higher rank than them.

Then the Almighty said: