“But as for one whose scales are light (8), his abode will be the Abyss (9). And what can make you know what it is? (10) A scorching Fire (11).”

“But as for one whose scales are light”: his evil deeds outweigh his good deeds. “His abode will be the Abyss”: his dwelling will be the Fire. A dwelling is called a “mother” because one’s original place of rest and refuge is with one’s mother. The Abyss is one of the names of Hell: it is a pit whose bottom cannot be reached.

Qatādah said: It is an Arabic expression the Arabs use of a man who falls into a grave matter; it is said, “His mother has fallen.” It has also been said that the phrase means that the crown of his head will be cast down, upside down—that is, they will plunge headfirst into the Fire. This interpretation was held by Qatādah and Abū Ṣāliḥ.

“And what can make you know what it is?” That is, the Abyss. Its original form is mā hiya; the final hāʾ was added for pausing and ease of recitation. He then explained it, saying, “A scorching Fire”: that is, a Fire whose heat has reached its utmost limit.