Those Who Disbelieve, Garments Of Fire Will Be Cut Out…” Surah 22:19-23
Mohamad Mostafa Nassar
Twitter:@NassarMohamadMR
Background
These verses were revealed during Makkah:
“As this Surah contains the characteristics of both the Makki and the Madani Surahs, the commentators have differed as to its period of revelation, but in the light of its style and themes we are of the opinion that a part of it (vv. 1-24) was sent down in the last stage of the Makki life of the Holy Prophet a little before migration”. (Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi – Tafhim al-Qur’an – The Meaning of the Qur’an – Online Source)
Analysing Verses
“But as for those who disbelieve, garments of fire will be cut out for them; boiling fluid will be poured down on their heads; Whereby that which is in their bellies, and their skins too, will be melted; And for them are hooked rods of iron.” Quran 22:19-22
22:19-21 – This verse speaks about the hereafter. It describes the punishments that are there in hell-fire. This has nothing to do with this life on earth. The very next verse speaks about those who do righteous deeds will be rewarded with Paradise:
“Indeed, God will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds to gardens beneath which rivers flow. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and pearl, and their garments therein will be silk.” – Quran 22:19-23
Commentaries
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (1301 – 1373 AD):
“(then as for those who disbelieved, garments of fire will be cut out for them,) meaning, pieces of fire will be prepared for them. Sa`id bin Jubayr said: “Of copper, for it is the hottest of things when it is heated.” (boiling water will be poured down over their heads.
With it will melt (or vanish away) what is within their bellies, as well as (their) skins.) meaning, when the boiling water –which is water that has been heated to the ultimate degree- is poured down over their heads. Ibn Jarir recorded from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet said:
(The boiling water will be poured over their heads and will penetrate their skulls until it reaches what is inside, and what is inside will melt until it reaches their feet. This is the melting, then he will be restored to the state he was before.) It was also recorded by At-Tirmidhi, who said it is Hasan Sahih. This was also recorded by Ibn Abi Hatim, who then recorded that `Abdullah bin As-Sariy said,
“The angel will come to him, carrying the vessel with a pair of tongs because of its heat. When he brings it near to his face, he will shy away from it. He will raise a hammer that he is carrying and will strike his head with it, and his brains will spill out, then he will pour the brains back into his head.
This is what Allah says in the Ayah: (With it will melt what is within their bellies, as well as (their) skins.)” (And for them are hooked rods of iron.) Ibn `Abbas said, “They will be struck with them, and with each blow, a limb will be severed, and they will cry out for oblivion.”
(Every time they seek to get away therefrom, from anguish, they will be driven back therein,) Al-A`mash reported from Abu Zibiyan that Salman said, “The fire of HELL is black and dark; its flames and coals do not glow or shine. …” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir On Surah 22:19-22 – Online Source)
Tanwir al-Miqbas min Tafsir Ibn ‘Abbas:
“(Whenever, in their anguish) from the anguish of being tortured in HELL, (they would go forth from thence) from the Fire (they are driven back therein) beaten with the rods of iron (and (it is said unto them): Taste the doom of burning) taste the severe torment of the Fire.” (Tanwir al-Miqbas min Tafsir Ibn ‘Abbas On Surah 22:19-22 – Online Source)