Literally means, "those who have been brought near." One the Day of Resurrection, Allah Ta'ala will sort out the good and the evil into three groups:
1. Muqarraboon - the exalted class, those who will be nearest to Allah. Also described as the Sabiqoon, meaning "those who outstrip the rest."
2. Ashab al-Maimana - literally means, "the Companions of the Right." The righteous people destined to enter Paradise.
3. Ashab al-Mashama - literally, "the Companions of the Left." These will be the inheritors of the Hellfire. See Al-Waqi'ah (56:11-56).