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Fatwa CenterMeaning of eternity in the Quran
Question
Assalamu Alaikum, In the Quran is constantly mentioned on the eternal existence in the hereafter. My question is: In the english language saying "forever" doesnt necessarily always mean never ending. but it can be used to mean "a seemingly endless period of time" forever (fɔːˈrɛvə, fə-) — adv 1. Also: for ever without end; everlastingly; eternally 2. at all times; incessantly 3. informal for a very long time: he went on speaking forever. i was wondering is it the same case in the arabic language? is the term abadan ever used in a manner other than the idea of something being completely without end?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
The word Abadan (for ever) in the Arabic language means eternity without an end, and this differs from the word Khulood (staying for a long time) which does not necessarily mean eternity but means a long time. It is for this reason that Allaah mentioned both meanings in several verses in the Quran and this proves that they have different meanings otherwise this would be just repetition, and this is contrary to the principle (which reads that coupling between two words indicates a change in meaning) as stated by Ar-Raazi 
in his Tafseer (interpretation of the Quran). For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa 90244.
Allaah Knows best.
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