فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ شَقُوا۟ فَفِى ٱلنَّارِ لَهُمْ فِيهَا زَفِيرٌ وَشَهِيقٌ 106
Translations
As for those who were [destined to be] wretched, they will be in the Fire. For them therein is [violent] exhaling and inhaling.
Transliteration
Fa-amma alladhina shaqoo fa-fi al-nari lahum fiha zafir wa-shahiq
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the fate of those who are wretched and miserable (al-shaqiyy) in the Afterlife, stating they will be in the Fire where they will experience zafir (heavy sighing and groaning) and shahiq (violent gasping and shrieking). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that these sounds represent the intense suffering and despair of the inhabitants of Hell, as their souls are tormented by the punishment. The contrast in this surah (verse 105 mentions the blessed in Paradise) emphasizes the stark differences in the eternal destinies of the righteous and the wretched.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Hud, a Meccan chapter that extensively discusses the Day of Judgment and the consequences of belief and disbelief. The broader context (verses 105-119) presents detailed descriptions of Paradise and Hell, serving to motivate the early Muslims facing persecution and to warn disbelievers of the eternal consequences of rejecting faith.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The people of Hell will be the last to enter Paradise, and they will be the people of the Fire. Every time a skin is roasted, We will replace it for them so they will taste the punishment' (Sahih Muslim 189). Additionally, 'Whoever believes in Allah and does righteous deeds will be admitted to Gardens beneath which rivers flow' (Surah al-Baqarah 2:25), providing contextual contrast to the punishment described.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that our choices in this life have eternal consequences, and that rejecting Allah's guidance leads to severe punishment. It should inspire us to strengthen our faith, perform righteous deeds, and reflect on the reality of the Hereafter as a deterrent from sin and a motivation for piety.