يَطُوفُونَ بَيْنَهَا وَبَيْنَ حَمِيمٍ ءَانٍ 44
Translations
They will circulate between it and scalding water, heated [to the utmost degree].
Transliteration
Yatūfūna baynaha wa bayna hamīm ānin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the inhabitants of Hell moving back and forth between the fire of Hell and boiling water. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, the word 'hamīm' refers to extremely hot water, and 'ānin' means boiling or intensely heated. The constant movement between these two forms of punishment illustrates the comprehensive nature of torment in the Hereafter, with no respite or escape from suffering.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ar-Rahman's vivid depiction of the Day of Judgment and the conditions of both Paradise and Hell. The surah was revealed in Medina to remind believers of divine mercy contrasted with divine punishment, serving as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's signs. The descriptions of Hell's punishment follow detailed descriptions of Paradise's blessings, emphasizing the stark contrast between the two eternal abodes.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The people of Hell will be thrown into Hell and it will say: Is there any more? Until the Lord puts His foot in it, then it will say: Enough, enough.' (Sahih Bukhari 4848). Additionally, Surah Al-Hajj 22:20 describes similar boiling water being poured over sinners' skins, reinforcing this theme throughout the Quran.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a powerful reminder that rejecting divine guidance has severe consequences, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in faith and obedience. For modern readers, it emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings and living righteously, as the Hereafter is a reality with real and eternal consequences.
Related Ayahs
وَإِذَا رَءَا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ فَلَا يُخَفَّفُ عَنْهُمْ وَلَا هُمْ يُنظَرُونَ
And when those who wronged see the punishment, it will not be lightened for them, nor will they be reprieved.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ لَا يَهْدِيهِمُ ٱللَّهُ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
Indeed, those who do not believe in the verses of Allāh - Allāh will not guide them, and for them is a painful punishment.
خُذُوهُ فَٱعْتِلُوهُ إِلَىٰ سَوَآءِ ٱلْجَحِيمِ
[It will be commanded], "Seize him and drag him into the midst of the Hellfire,
ثُمَّ إِنَّ لَهُمْ عَلَيْهَا لَشَوْبًا مِّنْ حَمِيمٍ
Then indeed, they will have after it a mixture of scalding water.