كَأَنَّهُۥ جِمَـٰلَتٌ صُفْرٌ 33
Translations
As if they were yellowish [black] camels.
Transliteration
Ka-annahu jimalatun sufrun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the camels of Jahannam (Hell) as being yellow/tawny in color, depicting the horrific punishment awaiting the disbelievers. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, these yellow camels represent the intense heat and flames of Hell, emphasizing the vivid and terrifying nature of divine punishment. The comparison uses familiar imagery to convey the incomprehensible severity of the Hellfire's torment.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Mursalat is a Meccan surah that focuses on the Day of Judgment and the contrast between the fate of the righteous and the wicked. This ayah appears in a passage describing the punishment of disbelievers in the afterlife, serving as a warning to those who rejected the message of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The surah's overall theme centers on divine retribution and accountability.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding the punishment of Hell: 'The smallest punishment in Hell is for a man who has two coals of fire placed under his feet, by which his brain will boil' (Sahih Bukhari 3118). Additionally, Surah Al-Mursalat 77:31-32 is directly related, describing the inhabitants of Hell being driven toward it.
Themes
Key Lesson
This vivid imagery of Hell's punishment serves as a powerful reminder that rejection of faith carries serious eternal consequences, encouraging believers to steadfastly maintain their faith and good deeds. The graphic nature of Quranic descriptions of punishment aims to awaken hearts to the reality of divine justice and the importance of repentance before it is too late.