لَّا يَذُوقُونَ فِيهَا بَرْدًا وَلَا شَرَابًا 24
Translations
They will not taste therein [any] coolness or drink.
Transliteration
La yadhūqūna fīhā bardan wa lā sharāban
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the punishment of the inhabitants of Hell, stating they will taste neither coolness nor any refreshing drink therein. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this depicts the absolute deprivation of comfort and relief in the Fire—neither physical relief from the heat nor any beverage to quench their thirst, emphasizing the totality of their torment. Al-Qurtubi notes that 'coolness' (bard) symbolizes all comfort and ease, making this a comprehensive statement of their suffering.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Naba is a Meccan chapter focused on the Day of Judgment and the contrasts between Paradise and Hell. This ayah appears in the section describing the fate of the disbelievers, serving as a warning to the Meccan polytheists who rejected the message of Prophet Muhammad. The surah emphasizes divine justice through vivid descriptions of the Hereafter.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said regarding the inhabitants of Hell: 'A tree called Zaqqum grows in the bottom of Hell, its fruit is like the heads of devils' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, it is narrated that the people of Hell will be given a drink of pus and filth, thematically reinforcing this ayah's description of deprivation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers of the severe consequences of rejecting faith and the importance of seeking Allah's mercy while in this life. It should motivate righteous conduct and gratitude for the blessings of comfort and sustenance we enjoy in this world.