Why Does the Quran Describe Rivers Flowing Beneath Gardens

A few things to consider. Some of the most irrigated places in the world actually have underground rivers — irrigation coming from beneath the ground, not from outside sources. That is one physical reality that this description could evoke.

But also: have you seen a waterfall atop a lush mountain? The gardens are on the elevated terrain, and beneath them the waters are rushing, gushing, falling. If you are living at the top of that elevated position, there are literally rivers beneath you.

So this may be the image: you are elevated, living atop something grand, and underneath you — beneath your gardens — rivers are coursing. It is not that hard to imagine once you allow a little spatial imagination. The Arabic min tahtiha means literally "from beneath it" — and the imagery of living in elevated gardens with water flowing at their roots and beneath them is both physically coherent and magnificently beautiful.