The Ocean of the Quran

A verse by verse explanation of The Ultimate Scripture

Al-Wāqiʿah – Verse 42

في سَمومٍ وَحَميمٍ

Amid infernal miasma and boiling water.

EXEGESIS

The root samma means an incisive piercing and penetration, like the piercing of a needle. Samūm is used for scorching winds that penetrate into the tiny pores of one’s skin.‎[1] It may also refer to poisonous winds, much like a scene of overwhelming chemical gasses. It could also refer to a position of constriction, pressure, and tightness, in which the person finds no comfort.

Ḥamīm is extremely hot or boiling water. The root meaning is extreme heat, and its usage for close friends is because of their heated affection and passion for their friend.‎[2] This boiling water is apparently among the main punishments in hell, for it is repeatedly mentioned in the Quran.

EXPOSITION

This group of verses describe grave and intense punishments, making it difficult to write a commentary on them. One cannot but tremble and shudder in the face of these verses. However, this is the truth and the day shall come, and a wise person would not bury his head in the sand to avoid seeing a disturbing fact. Allah’s promise is indeed true, and there is no doubt about the hour (45:32); Then it will be said to those who were wrongdoers: ‘Taste the everlasting punishment. Shall you be requited except for what you used to earn?’ They inquire of you: ‘Is it true?’ Say: ‘Yes! By my Lord, it is true, and you cannot thwart [Him]’ (10:52-53).

Their eternal abode is in the midst of hot dry winds that pierce through their skin, and boiling water that burns them from without and within: boiling water will be poured over their heads, with which their skins and entrails will be fused (22:19-20).

INSIGHTS FROM HADITH

  1. In a famous narration, the Prophet said that God plants a tree in paradise for whoever says, ‘Glory be to God,’ ‘All praise belongs to God,’ ‘There is no god but God,’ or ‘God is greater’. Then someone said: ‘O Messenger of God, indeed we have numerous trees!’ The Prophet replied: ‘Sure, but beware lest you send fires that would burn them.’‎[3]

Note: This tradition confirms that the miasma in hell is nothing but one’s own acts, and so is the case with the other punishments and rewards.

[1] Maqayis; Raghib; Tahqiq, under s-m-m.
[2] Raghib; Tahqiq, under ḥ-m-m.
[3] Amali.S, pp. 607-608, h. 16.