وَإِذَا ٱلْجَحِيمُ سُعِّرَتْ 12
Translations
And when Hellfire is set ablaze
Transliteration
Wa-idha al-jahimu su'irat
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Hellfire being kindled and set ablaze on the Day of Judgment. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that 'su'irat' (was set on fire) indicates the intensification and activation of the punishment of Hell, emphasizing the terrifying reality of divine retribution for those who rejected faith. The vivid imagery serves as a powerful warning to believers about the consequences of turning away from Allah's guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah At-Takwir, a Meccan chapter that vividly describes the events of the Day of Judgment and cosmic upheaval. It appears in a sequence of dramatic scenes meant to inspire awe and encourage the Quraysh toward monotheism and accountability before Allah. The surah's purpose is to awaken hearts to the certainty of the Hereafter.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The Fire is kindled and fanned until it becomes seventy times hotter than the fires of this world' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Prophet warned extensively about Hell's punishment to encourage repentance and righteous deeds (Sahih Muslim).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers of the serious consequences of rejecting faith and moral responsibility, motivating sincere repentance and righteous conduct in this life. It underscores that Hell is a real and terrifying reality prepared for those who reject Allah's signs, urging constant self-reflection and devotion.
Related Ayahs
وَأَنذِرْهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْحَسْرَةِ إِذْ قُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ وَهُمْ فِى غَفْلَةٍ وَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ
And warn them, [O Muḥammad], of the Day of Regret, when the matter will be concluded; and [yet], they are in [a state of] heedlessness, and they do not believe.
وَإِذَا ٱلْبِحَارُ فُجِّرَتْ
And when the seas are erupted
وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَدْعُونَ مِن قَبْلُ ۖ وَظَنُّوا۟ مَا لَهُم مِّن مَّحِيصٍ
And lost from them will be those they were invoking before, and they will be certain that they have no place of escape.
هَـٰذَا فَوْجٌ مُّقْتَحِمٌ مَّعَكُمْ ۖ لَا مَرْحَبًۢا بِهِمْ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ صَالُوا۟ ٱلنَّارِ
[Its inhabitants will say], "This is a company bursting in with you. No welcome for them. Indeed, they will burn in the Fire."