a noble verse—that the record of the wicked is in Sijjīn. Scholars have said that Sijjīn is derived from sijn (confinement), which conveys constriction; that is, it is in a confined place. This confined place is the Fire of Hell—we seek refuge in Allah—as Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says:

“When they are cast into a narrow place in it, bound together, they will cry out there for destruction. ‘Do not cry out today for one destruction, but cry out for many destructions!’” [al-Furqān: 13–14]

The well-known, lengthy hadith of al-Barā ibn Āzib concerning the dying person and what happens after death states that Allah, Exalted and Glorious, says, “Record the register of My servant—meaning the disbeliever—in Sijjīn, in the lowest seventh earth.” (1)

Sijjīn, therefore, is the lowest part of the earth, where the Fire is situated—we seek refuge in Allah from it. Thus, this record is in Sijjīn. Allah, Mighty and Majestic, then emphasized the enormity of Sijjīn by saying:

“And what will make you realize what Sijjīn is?”

The interrogative here serves to magnify its gravity. In other words: What has informed you about Sijjīn? Have you investigated it? Have you asked about it, such that it might be explained to you? Something may be magnified because of its lofty greatness and elevation, as Allah Most High says:

“No indeed! The record of the righteous is surely in Illiyyīn.” [al-Mutaffifīn: 18]

Or it may be magnified because of the depths to which it descends. The magnification of Sijjīn here is not due to its loftiness or elevation, but to its lowliness and depth.

Allah Most High then says, “A register inscribed.” The word “register” here does not refer back to Sijjīn; rather, it refers to the “record” in His statement, “No indeed! The record of the wicked…” What, then, is this record? He says, “A register inscribed,” meaning that it is written: nothing will be added to it or taken away from it, nor will it be substituted or altered. Rather, this is their ultimate destination and abode—we seek refuge in Allah—for all eternity.

“Woe on that Day to the deniers.” The meaning of “woe” was discussed previously at the beginning of this surah. “Those who deny the Day of Recompense”—that is, they deny the Day of Judgment, which is the Day of Resurrection. Allah has threatened those who deny the Day of Recompense with woe, because those who deny that Day cannot adhere steadfastly to Allah’s law. None adheres steadfastly to Allah’s law except one who believes in the Day of Recompense, because whoever does not—