(43-50) “Indeed, the tree of Zaqqūm is the food of the wicked sinner, like putrid pus that boils in the bellies as scalding water boils. Seize him and drag him into the midst of Hellfire. Then pour over his head the torment of scalding water. Taste! You are indeed the mighty, the noble! Indeed, this is what you used to doubt.”

After mentioning the Day of Resurrection and that He will judge between His servants on that Day, Allah stated that they would be divided into two groups: one in Paradise and one in the Blaze. The latter are the sinners guilty of disbelief and acts of disobedience. Their food is “the tree of Zaqqūm,” the worst and most horrifying of trees. Its taste is “like putrid pus”—foul in odor and taste and intensely hot—boiling in their bellies “as scalding water boils.”

The one undergoing punishment will be told: “Taste” this painful torment and grievous punishment. “You are indeed the mighty, the noble!” That is, you claimed that you were so mighty that you could ward off Allah’s punishment and so honored in Allah’s sight that He would not afflict you with punishment. Today, however, it has become clear to you that you are abased, humiliated, and contemptible.

“Indeed, this”—this tremendous punishment—“is what you used to doubt.” Now it has become an absolute certainty to you.