Exegesis of Verses (39 - 62) of Surat al-Waqi'ah.
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The Shaykh : Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and all his Companions.
As for what follows:
This is the three-hundredth session of the gatherings known as the Open Door, which take place every Thursday, and this Thursday is the twentieth of the month of Muharram in the year 1420.
We usually begin this session by discussing some of the noble verses, and we have reached the words of Allah, Blessed and Exalted is He:[Al-Waqi'ah 56:39-40] These are the Companions of the Right, who are in the second rank. The first rank is the Forerunners, about whom Allah the Exalted said: [Al-Waqi'ah 56:13-14] meaning: a group from the first generations of this Ummah and a few from the later generations. For the best of this Ummah are the best of its generations: the first generation, which is the generation of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), then the second, then the third, and then they decrease in quality. As for the Companions of the Right, Allah the Exalted said about them: [Al-Waqi'ah 56:39-40] meaning: a group from these and a group from those.
Then Allah mentioned the third group and said:[Al-Waqi'ah 56:41] They are the disbelievers and the hypocrites. [Al-Waqi'ah 56:42-44] This is what they are in: meaning: intense heat, refuge with Allah. Allah, Blessed and Exalted is He, has explained its nature in many verses, and He said: [An-Nisa 4:56] And He informed that [Al-Hajj 22:19-22] and there are many verses in this meaning.
And His saying: Al-Hamim is water that is very hot. So they, refuge with Allah, are surrounded by heat from every direction, from every side.
[Al-Waqi'ah 56:43-44] Al-Yahmum is what is between the intense light of the flame and the smoke. [Al-Waqi'ah 56:44] meaning: it is not cold to protect them from the heat, nor noble for them to enjoy and rest in. We ask Allah for well-being for us and for you.
Then He explained their state before that and said:[Al-Waqi'ah 56:45] And that was in this world, where Allah had made their bodies comfortable and provided them with bodily pleasures until they reached the limit of luxury. But this did not benefit them, refuge with Allah, and did not save them from the Fire.
[Al-Waqi'ah 56:46] They persist, meaning: they continue in it. The great sin is shirk (associating partners with Allah), because the original meaning of sin is a transgression, and the great one is shirk. Allah the Exalted said: [Luqman 31:13] And they also denied the resurrection. [As-Saffat 37:16-17] meaning: they denied this with great denial, saying: "When we are broken to pieces and become bones, will we be brought back to life? And will our forefathers, the first ones, be brought back to life?" For this reason, they argue and say: [Al-Jathiyah 45:25] And this is a false argument, because it is not said to them: "You will be resurrected today," but rather you will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection. So how can you challenge us and say "Bring our forefathers"? The Last Day is not the present day for them to challenge and say "Bring our forefathers." We say: This will happen on the Day of Resurrection.
Allah, Mighty and Majestic, said:[Al-Waqi'ah 56:49-50] The first of the created and the last of them, all of them will be resurrected on a single plain, where the Caller will be heard by them and the sight will reach them. There will be no mountains, no trees, and no curvature, but the earth will be spread out flat, so that the farthest of them will be seen as the nearest of them. Now, because the earth is spherical, you do not see the distant one because it is lower. But when the Day of Resurrection comes and the earth is flattened, it will become like a skin, meaning like a stretched hide, and all the creatures will be resurrected on this plain.
And His saying:[Ash-Shu'ara 26:38] With whom? With Allah, Mighty and Majestic, as Allah the Exalted said: [Al-A'raf 7:187] meaning: after the resurrection. [Al-Waqi'ah 56:51] The astray in their deeds, so they do not act; the deniers of the news, so they do not believe, refuge with Allah. [Al-Waqi'ah 56:52] Eating from a tree. This tree is of the type of Zaqqum, just as you say "a ring of iron," "a door of wood," "a wall of clay." So His saying: [Al-Waqi'ah 56:52] "from a tree" is connected to "eating," and "of Zaqqum" is an explanation of the tree. It was named Zaqqum because, refuge with Allah, when a person eats it, he swallows it with difficulty due to the intensity of the swallowing; he does not swallow it easily.
But because of the intensity of their hunger, they eat it, just as a starving, desperate person eats excrement, and just as one eats his own vomit. So they eat it with aversion, as Allah, Mighty and Majestic, said: [Ibrahim 14:16-17] They eat from this tree and fill their bellies with it. Then a great thirst comes to them, a great thirst for eating until they fill their bellies with what they dislike. And this is more severe in the punishment. We ask Allah for well-being. Despite this, when they fill their bellies with this, their need for drinking increases. So how do they drink? Allah the Exalted said: [Al-Waqi'ah 56:54] Al-Hamim is hot water. They drink from hot water after calling for help for a long time. Allah described this water by saying: [Al-Kahf 18:29] And He, Mighty and Majestic, said: [Muhammad 47:15] So reflect, my brother, on this! If they bring it near their faces, what does it do? It roasts them... If it enters their bellies, it cuts their intestines. And despite this, they drink it with intensity, intensity, intensity. He says: meaning: the drinking of the wandering camels to water, which a small amount does not quench. So they fill their bellies, refuge with Allah, from the Zaqqum tree and drink from the Hamim. meaning: the drinking of the thirsty camels, the plural of "haymah" (thirsty), meaning that they are extremely thirsty, so they fill their bellies and their bellies, as in the authentic hadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): And it is her belly that she fills with water. I ask Allah to protect me and you from the Fire.
[Al-Waqi'ah 56:56] meaning: this is their hospitality, unlike the believers, for whose hospitality are the Gardens of Paradise. [Al-Kahf 18:107-108].
Then He, Mighty and Majestic, said:[Al-Waqi'ah 56:57] And this is a matter that no one denies, that our Creator is Allah, even the polytheists who associate partners with Allah, if they are asked who created them? They say: Allah. Meaning: The first time. meaning: in your recreation, the second time. And "lawla" here means "why do you not believe." It was obligatory for them, since they believe that their Creator the first time is Allah, to do what? To believe in the second creation, because the One capable of the first creation is capable of the second creation, a fortiori. As He, Mighty and Majestic, said: [Ar-Rum 30:27] And He, Mighty and Majestic, said: [An-Najm 53:47] So when did we create you? Answer: The first time. meaning: So why do you not believe that we will recreate you, create you a second time, because the One capable of the first creation is capable of the second creation.
Then Allah the Exalted gave an example, or examples, of what is in our existence, what is in our continuation, and what is in our enjoyment, and said:[Al-Waqi'ah 56:58-59] meaning: Inform us about this semen that comes out of you; do you create it, or does Allah? The answer: Allah, Mighty and Majestic, is the One who creates it. It comes out from between the backbone and the ribs. He is the One who creates it in the womb, creation after creation. So we do not create this semen, nor do we develop it in the womb, but that is for Allah, Mighty and Majestic.
[Al-Waqi'ah 56:59] The answer: Rather, it is You, O Lord. [Al-Waqi'ah 56:60] O Allah, make it upon truth and justice. Every soul will taste death, and it is inevitable, even for the Prophets and Messengers. Allah the Exalted said: [Al-Anbya 21:34].
[Al-Waqi'ah 56:60-61] meaning: No one can precede us in preventing us from replacing you with others. Rather, we are capable of that, and Allah the Exalted will replace us, meaning: He will create us as another creation, and that is on the Day of Resurrection. [Al-Waqi'ah 56:61] And that is on the Day of Resurrection.
[Al-Waqi'ah 56:62] You know the first creation, and that you were created in the wombs of your mothers, and Allah, Mighty and Majestic, brought you out from non-existence. meaning: So why do you not remember and take a lesson? And this is a rational proof from Allah, Mighty and Majestic, which He presents to His servants, saying: We began you the first time, and if We began you the first time, We are not prevented from recreating you the second time.
And up to here we have reached what we intended to discuss in the exegesis, so that we may devote ourselves to the questions. We ask Allah to inspire us with the right and to benefit us and you with what He has taught us.
As for what follows:
This is the three-hundredth session of the gatherings known as the Open Door, which take place every Thursday, and this Thursday is the twentieth of the month of Muharram in the year 1420.
We usually begin this session by discussing some of the noble verses, and we have reached the words of Allah, Blessed and Exalted is He:
(39) A company of the former peoples (40) And a company of the later peoples.
ثُلَّةٌ مِنَ الْأَوَّلِينَ * وَثُلَّةٌ مِنَ الْآخِرِينَ(13) A [large] company of the former peoples (14) And a few of the later peoples,
ثُلَّةٌ مِنَ الْأَوَّلِينَ * وَقَلِيلٌ مِنَ الْآخِرِينَ(39) A company of the former peoples (40) And a company of the later peoples.
ثُلَّةٌ مِنَ الْأَوَّلِينَ * وَثُلَّةٌ مِنَ الْآخِرِينَThen Allah mentioned the third group and said:
And the companions of the left - what are the companions of the left?
وَأَصْحَابُ الشِّمَالِ مَا أَصْحَابُ الشِّمَالِ(42) [They will be] in scorching fire and scalding water (43) And a shade of black smoke, (44) Neither cool nor beneficial.
فِي سَمُومٍ وَحَمِيمٍ * وَظِلٍّ مِنْ يَحْمُومٍ * لا بَارِدٍ وَلا كَرِيمٍScorching wind
سمومWe will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted through We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted in Might and Wise.
سَوْفَ نُصْلِيهِمْ نَاراً كُلَّمَا نَضِجَتْ جُلُودُهُمْ بَدَّلْنَاهُمْ جُلُوداً غَيْرَهَا لِيَذُوقُوا الْعَذَابَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَزِيزاً حَكِيماًPoured upon their heads will be scalding water (20) By which is melted that within their bellies and [their] skins. (21) And for [striking] them are maces of iron. (22) Every time they want to get out of Hellfire from anguish, they will be returned to it, and [it will be said], "Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire!"
يُصَبُّ مِنْ فَوْقِ رُؤُوسِهِمُ الْحَمِيمُ * يُصْهَرُ بِهِ مَا فِي بُطُونِهِمْ وَالْجُلُودُ * وَلَهُمْ مَقَامِعُ مِنْ حَدِيدٍ * كُلَّمَا أَرَادُوا أَنْ يَخْرُجُوا مِنْهَا مِنْ غَمٍّ أُعِيدُوا فِيهَا وَذُوقُوا عَذَابَ الْحَرِيقِAnd His saying:
Boiling water
حميم(43) And a shade of black smoke, (44) Neither cool nor beneficial.
وَظِلٍّ مِنْ يَحْمُومٍ * لا بَارِدٍ وَلا كَرِيمٍNeither cool nor beneficial.
لا بَارِدٍ وَلا كَرِيمٍThen He explained their state before that and said:
Indeed they were, before that, indulging in affluence,
إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا قَبْلَ ذَلِكَ مُتْرَفِينَAnd they used to persist in the great violation,
وَكَانُوا يُصِرُّونَ عَلَى الْحِنْثِ الْعَظِيمِIndeed, association [with him] is great injustice."
إِنَّ الشِّرْكَ لَظُلْمٌ عَظِيمٌ(16) When we have died and become dust and bones, are we indeed to be resurrected? (17) And our forefathers [as well]?"
وَكَانُوا يَقُولُونَ أَإِذَا مِتْنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَاباً وَعِظَاماً أَإِنَّا لَمَبْعُوثُونَ * أَوَآبَاؤُنَا الْأَوَّلُونَBring [back] our forefathers, if you should be truthful."
ائْتُوا بِآبَائِنَا إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَAllah, Mighty and Majestic, said:
(49) Say, [O Muhammad], "Indeed, the former and the later peoples (50) Are to be gathered together for the appointment of a known Day."
قُلْ إِنَّ الْأَوَّلِينَ وَالْآخِرِينَ * لَمَجْمُوعُونَ إِلَى مِيقَاتِ يَوْمٍ مَعْلُومٍAnd His saying:
for the appointment of a well-known day.
إِلَى مِيقَاتِ يَوْمٍ مَعْلُومٍThey ask you, [O Muhammad], about the Hour: when is its arrival? Say, "Its knowledge is only with my Lord
يَسْأَلونَكَ عَنِ السَّاعَةِ أَيَّانَ مُرْسَاهَا قُلْ إِنَّمَا عِلْمُهَا عِنْدَ رَبِّيThen, indeed, you
ثُمَّ إِنَّكُمْO those astray [who are] deniers,
أَيُّهَا الضَّالُّونَ الْمُكَذِّبُونَWill be eating from trees of zaqqum
لَآكِلُونَ مِنْ شَجَرٍ مِنْ زَقُّومٍfrom trees of zaqqum
مِنْ شَجَرٍ مِنْ زَقُّومٍSo they will fill their bellies with it
فَمَالِئُونَ مِنْهَا الْبُطُونَand he will be given a drink of purulent water. (17) He will gulp it but will hardly [be able to] swallow it. And death will come to him from everywhere, but he is not to die.
وَيُسْقَى مِنْ مَاءٍ صَدِيدٍ * يَتَجَرَّعُهُ وَلا يَكَادُ يُسِيغُهُ وَيَأْتِيهِ الْمَوْتُ مِنْ كُلِّ مَكَانٍ وَمَا هُوَ بِمَيِّتٍAnd drinking on top of it from scalding water
فَشَارِبُونَ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ الْحَمِيمِthey will be relieved with water like murky oil, which scalds [their] faces. Wretched is the drink, and evil is the resting place.
يُغَاثُوا بِمَاءٍ كَالْمُهْلِ يَشْوِي الْوُجُوهَ بِئْسَ الشَّرَابُ وَسَاءَتْ مُرْتَفَقاًand are given to drink scalding water that will sever their intestines?
وَسُقُوا مَاءً حَمِيماً فَقَطَّعَ أَمْعَاءَهُمْThe drinking of the thirsty
شُرْبَ الْهِيمِThe drinking of the thirsty
شُرْبَ الْهِيمِwith her water-skin
معها سقائهاand her shoe
وحذاؤهاThat is their accommodation on the Day of Recompense.
هَذَا نُزُلُهُمْ يَوْمَ الدِّينِ(107) Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - they will have the Gardens of Paradise as a lodging, (108) Wherein they abide eternally. They will not desire from it any transfer.
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ كَانَتْ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتُ الْفِرْدَوْسِ نُزُلاً * خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا لا يَبْغُونَ عَنْهَا حِوَلاًThen He, Mighty and Majestic, said:
We have created you, so why do you not believe?
نَحْنُ خَلَقْنَاكُمْ فَلَوْلا تُصَدِّقُونَWe created you
نَحْنُ خَلَقْنَاكُمْSo why do you not believe?
فَلَوْلا تُصَدِّقُونَAnd it is He who begins creation; then He repeats it, and that is [even] easier for Him
وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَبْدَأُ الْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُ وَهُوَ أَهْوَنُ عَلَيْهِAnd that [incumbent] upon Him is the next creation
وَأَنَّ عَلَيْهِ النَّشْأَةَ الأُخْرَىSo why do you not believe?
فَلَوْلا تُصَدِّقُونَThen Allah the Exalted gave an example, or examples, of what is in our existence, what is in our continuation, and what is in our enjoyment, and said:
(58) Have you seen that which you emit? (59) Is it you who creates it, or are We the Creator?
أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تُمْنُونَ * أَأَنْتُمْ تَخْلُقُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْخَالِقُونَIs it you who creates it, or are We the Creator?
أَأَنْتُمْ تَخْلُقُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْخَالِقُونَWe have decreed death among you
نَحْنُ قَدَّرْنَا بَيْنَكُمْ الْمَوْتَAnd We did not grant to any man before you eternity [on earth]; so if you die - would they be eternal?
وَمَا جَعَلْنَا لِبَشَرٍ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ الْخُلْدَ أَفَإِيْنْ مِتَّ فَهُمْ الْخَالِدُونَ(60) We have decreed death among you, and We are not to be outdone (61) In that We will change your likenesses
نَحْنُ قَدَّرْنَا بَيْنَكُمْ الْمَوْتَ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوقِينَ * عَلَى أَنْ نُبَدِّلَ أَمْثَالَكُمْand produce you in that [form] which you do not know.
وَنُنْشِئَكُمْ فِي مَا لا تَعْلَمُونَAnd you have already known the first creation
وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْتُمُ النَّشْأَةَ الْأُولَىSo why do you not remember?
فَلَوْلا تَذَكَّرُونَAnd up to here we have reached what we intended to discuss in the exegesis, so that we may devote ourselves to the questions. We ask Allah to inspire us with the right and to benefit us and you with what He has taught us.