(41–48) “And the companions of the left—what of the companions of the left! Amid scorching wind and scalding water, and the shadow of black smoke, neither cool nor pleasant. Before this, they had lived in luxury and persisted in grave sin. They would say, ‘When we die and become dust and bones, will we really be resurrected—and our forefathers of old as well?’”
What is meant by the companions of the left [is:] the people of Hell and the perpetrators of ill-fated deeds.
[Allah] therefore described the punishment they deserve, stating that they will be “amid scorching wind”—that is, a wind heated by the flames of Hell that seizes their breath and causes them the most intense distress—“and scalding water,” meaning water so hot that it tears apart their intestines.
“And the shadow of black smoke”—that is, flames mingled with smoke.
“Neither cool nor pleasant.” That is, it contains neither coolness nor anything agreeable. The point is that there will be distress, anguish, sorrow, and evil devoid of all good, for denying one opposite affirms the other.
He then mentioned the deeds that brought them to this recompense, saying: “Before this, they had lived in luxury.” That is, their worldly life distracted them; they labored for it and indulged in its pleasures and enjoyments, while their hopes distracted them from performing good deeds properly. This is the luxury for which Allah condemned them.
“And they persisted in grave sin.” That is, they committed major sins without repenting of them or regretting them. Rather, they persisted in what angered their Lord and came before Him burdened with many [unforgiven] sins.
They also denied the resurrection, deeming it far-fetched and saying: “When we die and become dust and bones, will we really be resurrected—and our forefathers of old as well?” That is: How can we be resurrected after we have died, decayed, and become dust and bones? [This is impossible.] “Will we really be resurrected—and our forefathers of old as well?” Allah Most High said in answer to and refutation of them (1):
“Say: Indeed, the former and the latter peoples will all be gathered at the appointed time of a known Day.” That is, say: Allah will resurrect and gather all the earliest and latest generations at the appointed time of a known Day, which Allah has fixed for His servants, when creation reaches its end and Allah Most High wills to recompense them for the deeds they performed in the realm of moral responsibility.
“Then indeed you, O you who are astray” from the path of guidance and who follow the path of ruin, “who deny” the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, and the truth, promises, and warnings he brought,
“will surely eat from a tree of zaqqūm.” It is the ugliest and vilest of trees, the foulest in odor, and the most hideous in appearance.
“And fill your bellies with it.” What compels them to eat it, despite its repulsiveness, is the extreme hunger that rages within their bodies and nearly causes their hearts to rupture. This is the food with which they seek to stave off hunger, yet it neither nourishes nor satisfies hunger.
As for their drink, how dreadful it is! After this food, they will drink scalding water that boils within their bellies, drinking like desperately thirsty camels whose thirst has become severe; or [hīm] is a disease that afflicts camels and prevents them from ever having their thirst quenched, however much water they drink.
“This” food and drink will be “their hospitality”—that is, their reception—“on the Day of Recompense.” It is the ⦗835⦘ hospitality they prepared for themselves and preferred over the hospitality Allah has prepared for His close servants.
Allah Most High says: “Indeed, those who believe and perform righteous deeds will have the Gardens of Paradise as their hospitality, abiding therein forever and never desiring any change from them.”
He then mentioned the rational proof of the resurrection, saying: “We created you, so why do you not believe?” That is, We are the Ones who brought you into existence after you had been nothing worth mentioning, without weakness or weariness. Is He who is able to do that not able to bring the dead to life? Indeed, He is capable of all things. Allah therefore rebuked them for failing to believe in the resurrection even though they witnessed something greater and more compelling than it.