(1–16) “In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Has news of the Overwhelming Event reached you? * On that Day some faces will be humbled, * toiling and weary, * burning in a scorching Fire, * given drink from a boiling spring. * They will have no food except a thorny plant, * which neither nourishes nor satisfies hunger. * On that Day other faces will be radiant, * well pleased with their striving, * in a lofty Garden, * where you will hear no idle talk. * There will be a flowing spring, * raised couches, * cups set at hand, * cushions arrayed, * and carpets spread out.”
Allah Most High describes the conditions of the Day of Resurrection and its overwhelming horrors. It will engulf all creatures in its ordeals, and they will be requited for their deeds and divided [into] two groups: one group in the Garden and another in the Blaze. ⦗922⦘
He then describes both groups. Regarding [the description of] the people of the Fire, He says: “On that Day some faces”—that is, on the Day of Resurrection—“will be humbled” by degradation, exposure, and disgrace.
“Toiling and weary”—that is, exhausted by the punishment, dragged upon their faces while the Fire engulfs them.
It is also possible that [His words], “On that Day some faces will be humbled, toiling and weary,” refer to their toil in this world, since they were people of worship and deeds in worldly life. Yet because their deeds lacked their necessary condition—faith—they will become scattered dust on the Day of Resurrection. Although this interpretation is sound in meaning, the context does not indicate it. Rather, the first interpretation is unquestionably correct, because He qualified the description with a temporal phrase—namely, the Day of Resurrection—and because the purpose here is to describe the people of the Fire in general, whereas those to whom the other interpretation applies comprise only a small portion of the people of the Fire compared with all its inhabitants (1). Furthermore, the passage describes people’s condition when the Overwhelming Event engulfs them; it does not address their condition in this world.
His words, “burning in a scorching Fire,” mean that its heat is intense and surrounds them on every side. “Given drink from a boiling spring”—that is, one of extreme heat. “If they cry for help, they will be given water like molten metal, which will scald their faces.” Such will be their drink.
As for their food: “They will have no food except a thorny plant, which neither nourishes nor satisfies hunger.” Food is intended to serve one of two purposes: either to satisfy a person’s hunger and relieve its pain, or to restore strength to a body wasted by emaciation. This food will do neither. Rather, it will be extremely bitter, foul-smelling, and vile. We ask Allah for well-being.
As for the people of goodness, their faces on the Day of Resurrection will be “radiant.” That is, the radiance of bliss will suffuse them: their bodies will glow, their faces will shine, and they will be filled with the utmost joy.
“With their striving”—the righteous deeds and kindness toward Allah’s servants that they put forward in this world—they will be “well pleased,” for they will find its reward preserved and multiplied. They will delight in its outcome and obtain everything they desire. This is because they will be “in a Garden” encompassing every form of bliss, “lofty” in both its location and its dwellings. Its location will be in the loftiest heights, while its dwellings will be lofty residences with chambers and, above them, further chambers built high, from which they will look out upon the honors Allah has prepared for them.
“Its clusters will hang low.” That is, it will abound in delicious fruits, bearing excellent produce that is easy to reach. They will be able to take it in whatever position they may be, without needing to climb a tree or finding any fruit beyond their reach.
“Where you will hear no idle talk”—that is, in the Garden—meaning no futile or false word, much less any forbidden speech. Rather, their speech will be good and [beneficial], consisting of remembrance of Allah Most High, mention of His blessings continually bestowed upon them, and [observance of] the gracious courtesies exchanged among those who dwell together (2). Such speech delights hearts and brings ease to breasts.
“There will be a flowing spring.” The singular here is generic, meaning that the Garden will contain flowing springs which they may cause to gush forth and channel however and wherever they wish.
“There will be raised couches.” The word “couches” is the plural of “couch.” They are seats elevated in themselves and further raised by the soft, comfortable furnishings placed upon them.
“And cups set at hand”—that is, vessels filled with all kinds of delicious drinks, placed before them, prepared for them, and entirely at their disposal and choice. Ever-youthful attendants will circulate among them carrying these vessels.
“And cushions arrayed”—that is, cushions made of silk, brocade, and other materials known only to Allah, arranged for them to sit and recline upon. They will be spared the effort of placing and arranging them themselves.
“And carpets spread out.” These are beautiful carpets spread throughout their sitting places, filling them on every side.