فَٱطَّلَعَ فَرَءَاهُ فِى سَوَآءِ ٱلْجَحِيمِ 55
Translations
And he will look and see him in the midst of the Hellfire.
Transliteration
Fattala'a faraa'ahu fee sawaa'i al-jaheem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes a scene in the Hereafter where a person peeks out and sees his companion in the midst of the Hellfire. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain this in the context of Surah As-Saffat's narrative about the people of Paradise observing those in Hell, demonstrating the stark reality of the final destination and the separation between the righteous and the wicked. The act of looking ('ittala'a) signifies the removal of veils between the two abodes, allowing the inhabitants of Paradise to witness the consequences faced by those who rejected faith.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of a Meccan surah that emphasizes the reality of the Hereafter and the Day of Judgment. The passage (37:50-61) depicts a dialogue between the people of Paradise as they observe those in Hell, reinforcing the certainty of resurrection and divine justice—a central theme for early Meccan revelation aimed at motivating believers and warning the disbelievers.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said regarding the people of Paradise: 'They will see those in the Fire.' (Related in various hadith collections discussing the afterlife). Additionally, Surah As-Saffat 37:57-58 connects thematically to hadiths about regret on the Day of Judgment, found in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a powerful reminder that our choices in this life have eternal consequences, and that justice will ultimately prevail when all veils are removed. Believers should use this imagery to strengthen their resolve to live righteously and to warn others of the serious reality of divine accountability.