Juz 23: Yā Sīn 28 to Az-Zumar 31
Section 10 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
10. The Tree of Zaqqum and Punishment in Hellfire
After describing the bliss of Paradise, Allah provides a stark contrast by detailing the punishment awaiting the disbelievers in Hellfire, particularly focusing on the Tree of Zaqqum. This serves as a powerful warning and completes the picture of divine justice in the Hereafter.
Allah begins this passage by asking a rhetorical question:
أَذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ نُّزُلًا أَمْ شَجَرَةُ الزَّقُّومِ
“Is that (Paradise) better as hospitality or the tree of Zaqqūm?" (37:62)”
This comparison between Paradise and the Tree of Zaqqum highlights the stark contrast between the rewards of the believers and the punishments of the disbelievers. Allah then explains why He has made this tree a source of torment:
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاهَا فِتْنَةً لِّلظَّالِمِينَ
“We have made it a test for the wrongdoers." (37:63)”
The Tree of Zaqqum is described in terrifying detail:
إِنَّهَا شَجَرَةٌ تَخْرُجُ فِي أَصْلِ الْجَحِيمِ
“It is a tree that comes out from the bottom of the Jaḥīm (Hell)," (37:64)”
طَلْعُهَا كَأَنَّهُ رُءُوسُ الشَّيَاطِينِ
“Its fruits are like the heads of devils." (37:65)”
The imagery here is deliberately frightening. The fruits of this tree are compared to the heads of devils—a vivid description that conveys extreme ugliness and terror. Despite the repulsiveness of this tree, the inhabitants of Hell will be forced to eat from it:
فَإِنَّهُمْ لَآكِلُونَ مِنْهَا فَمَالِئُونَ مِنْهَا الْبُطُونَ
“So, they have to eat from it and have to fill their bellies with it." (37:66)”
After eating from this horrible tree, their suffering will be compounded by a drink of boiling water:
ثُمَّ إِنَّ لَهُمْ عَلَيْهَا لَشَوْبًا مِّنْ حَمِيمٍ
“Then they will have, on top of it, a blend of boiling water." (37:67)”
ثُمَّ إِنَّ مَرْجِعَهُمْ لَإِلَى الْجَحِيمِ
“Then, their final return is to the Fire.” (37:68)