Uncovering the Meaning of Surah Al-Insan Verse 17 about Ginger, the Drink of the People of Paradise

Dream - Surah Al-Insan is the 76th surah of the Quran consisting of 31 verses. This surah belongs to the Madaniyah group of surahs. The name of the surah, which was revealed after Surah Ar-Rahman, is taken from the first verse which says:

هَلْ اَتٰى عَلَى الْاِنْسَانِ حِيْنٌ مِّنَ الدَّهْرِ لَمْ يَكُنْ شَيْـًٔا مَّذْكُوْرًا

The word Al-Insan in that verse means 'human being'. In general, the content of Surah Al-Insan tells about the creation of human beings, guidance to achieve a perfect life through the straight path, fulfilling vows, feeding the poor and orphans, and those who are imprisoned for upholding the teachings of Allah.

This surah also contains rewards for those who always follow the guidance, as well as threats for those who deny Him.

There is something interesting about the verses in Surah Al-Insan, namely in verse 17. In this verse, ginger drink is mentioned. So what is the true meaning of Surah Al-Insan verse 17? Let's explore the full review below!

Surah Al-Insan Verse 17

Before discussing further the meaning of Surah Al-Insan verse 17 about ginger, it is better for Dream friends to first know the recitation as taken from the digital Al-Quran Dream.co.id.

وَيُسْقَوْنَ فِيْهَا كَأْسًا كَانَ مِزَاجُهَا زَنْجَبِيْلًاۚ

 Meaning: "And there they will be given a glass of ginger drink."

In the verse, it is mentioned that in paradise, the inhabitants will be served a drink mixed with ginger. Ginger is a spice that is easily found in everyday life. Not only used as a seasoning, ginger is also often used as a drink mixture.

Ginger drinks are believed to have powerful healing properties. So what is the true meaning behind Surah Al-Insan verse 17 which mentions ginger in it? How does the Quran interpret ginger as a drink of paradise?

Unveiling the Meaning of Surah Al-Insan Verse 17

The book Tafsir Jawahir fi Tafsiril Quran, Thantawi Jauhari explains that the purpose of revealing Surah Al-Insan is to explain al-aktsa al-maqsud, as-tsani al-maqsud, and as-tsalits al-maqsud. Of these three purposes, Surah Al-Insan verse 17 has the second purpose, which is as-tsani al-maqsud, meaning the reward of the grateful, the disbelievers, and the qualities of heaven and hell.

The meaning of verse 17 is directed to the righteous and obedient people. Jauhari explains that in paradise, the righteous people are served a glass of wine. The word ka'san is interpreted as wine. The interpretation of a glass of wine is in line with Quraish Shihab in Tafsir Al-Misbah, where the term ka'san is often used to refer to a container that contains wine.

In essence, based on the metaphors conveyed in the Quran, the people of paradise will be presented with various luxurious facilities.

The Drink of the People of Paradise

Surah Al-Insan verse 17 confirms the reward of the people of paradise who are filled with pleasure. In this verse, it is mentioned ka'san kana mizaajuha zanjabiilaa, which means a drink (wine) mixed with ginger.

The Quran refers to ginger as zanjabil. This word has various meanings according to the interpreters.

From many opinions, in Tafsir Jawahir fi Tafsiril Quran, it is concluded that zanjabil is a tropical plant that grows with aromatic roots. This plant is often used as a seasoning for food and drinks.

In this interpretation, Jauhari tells a story about an Arab poet named A'sya who said, 'as if cloves and ginger are aryan'. Arya is honey, a solution produced by bee nests.

The Meaning Continues with Verse 18

Apparently, the content of Surah Al-Insan verse 17 continues with verse 18.

عَيْنًا فِيْهَا تُسَمّٰى سَلْسَبِيْلًا

Meaning: "(Which is brought from) a spring (in paradise) called Salsabil."

Quraish Shihab interprets verse 18 as a package with the previous verse. When in paradise, the righteous people will be served a drink mixed with ginger.

However, this ginger is not like worldly ginger. The ginger referred to comes from a spring in paradise called Salsabil. In terms of taste, many interpretations state that ginger in paradise tastes more delicious than in the world.

And Allah knows best.