Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 342
342 in this life, and will be the consequences, or fruits thereof. “Give glad tidings to those who believe and act righteously, that for them are Gardens beneath which streams flow. Whenever they are given a portion of the fruits therefrom they will say: ‘This is what was given us afore-time’; and upon them will be bestowed gifts in resemblance” (2:26). This shows that when the righteous are presented with the fruits of the Garden in the life to come, they will recognise them as something of which they have had enjoyment in this life also. They will be reminded of the spiritual joys experienced in this life, and they will recognise the resemblance between them and the fruits presented to them in Paradise. In the same way it is stated that in the life after death the righteous will be able to choose the kind of fruit they prefer and the kind of meat they desire. The meat referred to is “the flesh of birds” (56:21 ⎯ 22). Now, “bird” in the phraseology of the Quran also means “conduct” or “action” (17:14). Here again the reference to fruits and the flesh of birds clearly signifies the consequences or the fruits of righteous action. “The similitude of the Garden promised to the righteous is: Therein are streams of water which corrupt not; and streams of milk of which the taste changes not; and streams of wine, a delight to those who drink, and streams of pure honey. In it will they have all kinds of fruit, and forgiveness from their