فَشَـٰرِبُونَ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ ٱلْحَمِيمِ 54
Translations
And drinking on top of it from scalding water.
Transliteration
Fa-sharibun alayhi min al-hamim
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the punishment of the inhabitants of Hell, who will be forced to drink from al-hamim (scalding water). Ibn Kathir explains that al-hamim is extremely hot water that will scald their throats and insides, representing a severe punishment for their rejection of faith. Al-Qurtubi notes that the phrase emphasizes the compulsion of this punishment—they will drink despite its unbearable pain, highlighting the inescapable nature of Hell's torment.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Al-Waqi'ah's vivid description of the Day of Judgment and the three categories of people in the afterlife. The surah was revealed in Mecca to warn disbelievers about the inevitable reality of resurrection and the consequences of rejecting God's message, with detailed depictions of both reward and punishment serving as a deterrent.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The most painful punishment in Hell is for those who drank from Al-Hamim,' narrated in various collections. Additionally, Surah Al-Waqi'ah's descriptions are supported by Hadith Qudsi where Allah describes the drink of the people of Hell as being from al-hamim and pus.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a sobering reminder of the serious consequences of turning away from God's guidance, encouraging believers to reflect deeply on their choices and actions in this life. The graphic imagery emphasizes that Hell's punishment is real and severe, motivating sincere repentance and steadfast obedience to Allah's commands.
Related Ayahs
ثُمَّ ٱلْجَحِيمَ صَلُّوهُ
Then into Hellfire drive him.
وَمَن يَهْدِ ٱللَّهُ فَهُوَ ٱلْمُهْتَدِ ۖ وَمَن يُضْلِلْ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمْ أَوْلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِهِۦ ۖ وَنَحْشُرُهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ عَلَىٰ وُجُوهِهِمْ عُمْيًا وَبُكْمًا وَصُمًّا ۖ مَّأْوَىٰهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ ۖ كُلَّمَا خَبَتْ زِدْنَـٰهُمْ سَعِيرًا
And whoever Allāh guides - he is the [rightly] guided; and whoever He sends astray - you will never find for them protectors besides Him, and We will gather them on the Day of Resurrection [fallen] on their faces - blind, dumb and deaf. Their refuge is Hell; every time it subsides, We increase [for] them blazing fire.
يَوْمَ يُحْمَىٰ عَلَيْهَا فِى نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ فَتُكْوَىٰ بِهَا جِبَاهُهُمْ وَجُنُوبُهُمْ وَظُهُورُهُمْ ۖ هَـٰذَا مَا كَنَزْتُمْ لِأَنفُسِكُمْ فَذُوقُوا۟ مَا كُنتُمْ تَكْنِزُونَ
The Day when it will be heated in the fire of Hell and seared therewith will be their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, [it will be said], "This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard."
نُمَتِّعُهُمْ قَلِيلًا ثُمَّ نَضْطَرُّهُمْ إِلَىٰ عَذَابٍ غَلِيظٍ
We grant them enjoyment for a little; then We will force them to a massive punishment.