Tafsir of Al-Ghashiyah 88:14

Al-Ghashiyah (88): Verse 14

{And cups set out}

The fifth description: His saying, the Exalted: {And cups set out} (wa akwāb mawḍūʿah).

These are cups (akwāb) or flagons that have no handles (ʿurā). Qatādah said: They are lesser than ewers (abārīq).

Regarding the phrase {set out} (mawḍūʿah), there are several interpretations:

1. Preparedness: They are prepared for their owners, like when a man seeks something from another man, and he is told, "It is here, set out," meaning prepared.
2. Availability at Springs: They are set out on the banks of flowing springs, so whenever they wish to drink, they find them full and ready.
3. Placement for Admiration: They are placed before them because of their beauty—perhaps being made of gold or silver or precious jewels—and because of the pleasure they derive from drinking from them.
4. Moderate Size: It means they are set at a moderate size, neither too small nor too large, similar to the saying: {Measure them with due measure} (Qadruhā taqdīrā).

{And cushions arrayed} (wa namāriq maṣfūfah).