فَإِنَّهُمْ لَـَٔاكِلُونَ مِنْهَا فَمَالِـُٔونَ مِنْهَا ٱلْبُطُونَ 66
Translations
And indeed, they will eat from it and fill with it their bellies.
Transliteration
Fa-innnahum la-ākilūna minhā fama-āli'ūna minhā al-butūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the inhabitants of Hell eating from the tree of Zaqqūm, with their bellies becoming filled with it. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse emphasizes the bitter punishment of the Zaqqūm tree—a tree that grows in the depths of Hell with a foul taste and appearance—which the damned are forced to consume repeatedly as part of their eternal torment. The repetition of eating despite its horrific nature illustrates the inescapable, unrelenting nature of Hellish punishment.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah As-Saffat's broader description of the Day of Judgment and the fate of the disbelievers in Hell. The surah contrasts the righteous with the damned, and this particular passage is part of a detailed depiction of Hell's punishments meant to serve as a stern warning to those who reject faith and reject the message of the Quran.
Related Hadiths
The description of Zaqqūm is supported by various hadiths about Hell's punishments. Tirmidhi and other collectors report hadiths emphasizing that the punishment of the Fire is severe and that those in it will endure endless torment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) described Hell's horrors to warn believers away from disobedience.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a powerful reminder of the severe consequences of rejecting faith and guidance, urging believers to reflect deeply on their choices and turn sincerely to Allah before it is too late. It emphasizes that true wisdom lies in fearing Allah and following His guidance in this life to avoid such agonizing punishment in the next.