ٱلنَّارِ ذَاتِ ٱلْوَقُودِ 5
Translations
[Containing] the fire full of fuel,
Transliteration
An-nāru dhātu al-waqūd
Tafsir (Explanation)
This phrase describes Hell (Jahannam) as 'the Fire full of fuel' or 'the Fire having fuel,' emphasizing its intensity and perpetual burning. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as depicting Hell's unending nature—it is continuously fueled and burns eternally without diminishment. The description serves as a powerful warning about the consequences of disbelief and rejection of Allah's signs, particularly those who persecute believers as mentioned in the preceding verses of Surah Al-Buruj.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Buruj was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense persecution of Muslims. This ayah appears within the broader context of verses describing the fate of those who persecute believers (the People of the Ditch), contrasting their temporary worldly power with their eternal punishment. The vivid description of Hell's nature reinforces the surah's theme of divine justice and accountability.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The fire you know is one of seventy parts of the Fire of Hell,' reported in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Additionally, Surah Al-Buruj 85:4-5 is referenced in tafsir works alongside Hadith Qudsi regarding those who harm believers.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that the consequences of rejecting faith and harming believers are severe and eternal, encouraging both steadfastness in faith during trials and compassion toward the oppressed. It also serves as a sobering reminder of accountability before Allah, motivating believers to protect their faith and treat others justly.