إِنَّ شَجَرَتَ ٱلزَّقُّومِ 43
Translations
Indeed, the tree of zaqqūm
Transliteration
Inna shajarata az-zaqquom
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah introduces the tree of Zaqqum, a tree that grows in the depths of Hell as punishment for the disbelievers. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the Zaqqum tree is described as bitter, foul-smelling, and produces fruit that resembles the heads of devils, serving as a vivid reminder of the severe consequences of rejecting Allah's guidance. The mention of this tree emphasizes the reality and severity of Hellish punishment, making it a powerful deterrent against disbelief and disobedience.
Revelation Context
Surah Ad-Dukhan is a Meccan chapter revealed during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet Muhammad. This ayah appears in a section describing the fate of disbelievers on the Day of Judgment, contrasting their punishment with the rewards of the righteous. The context serves to warn the Meccan disbelievers of the tangible consequences they will face if they persist in rejecting the message of Islam.
Related Hadiths
The description of Zaqqum is mentioned in Surah Ad-Dukhan 44:43-46 and Surah Al-'Alaq 96:13-14. While no single hadith directly quotes this ayah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned about the realities of Hell in various narrations found in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, emphasizing the certainty of Divine punishment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that rejecting Allah's guidance has real, severe consequences that extend beyond this life into eternity. For modern readers, it serves as a profound motivation to strengthen one's faith, seek knowledge of Allah, and maintain righteous conduct, knowing that our choices in this world determine our fate in the Hereafter.