In the Shade of the Qur'an by Sayyid Qutb

The previous passage presented a taste of the life of some of God’s chosen people, as they were tested and endured hardship with patience and resignation. They were then granted God’s favours and grace. In this way some of the most noble lives in this present world were depicted. Now the sūrah continues its discourse, speaking about God- fearing people in contrast to those who are tyrannical and commit excesses. It shows them however in the next world, where life is everlasting. Thus it paints a scene of the Day of Judgement.

First, a picture is drawn of two completely contrasting images, both in their general outlook and detail. Thus, the God-fearing will have ‘a good place to return to,’ while the transgressors will have ‘the most evil place to return to.’ The former will be in gardens of perpetual bliss, with gates wide open, where every comfort is available and they are well seated, enjoying all the food and drink they desire, as also female companions of the same age. Although they are still young women, they are ‘of modest gaze,’ which means that they are not looking around for anything or coveting what others have. This is all part of what God will provide them with, and whatever He provides will never be exhausted.

As for the others, they have a place where they will be stationed, but there is no rest there, for it is hell, which is described as ‘how evil a resting place.’ They have scalding hot drinks, and food that fills them with disgust. It is what flows and seeps through those who occupy hell. Or they have something else of the same type, which is described here as ensuring similar suffering.

The scene is completed with a third image that comes alive with the dialogue it reports. A group of transgressors who used to have close ties in this world are shown to be exchanging accusations and insults. Some used to tempt others into further error, while others behaved arrogantly towards believers, ridiculing their faith and their belief in heaven. Indeed they were no different to those among the Quraysh who used to refer to the Prophet and wonder: “Was the message given to him alone out of all of us?” (Verse 8)

Now they are depicted as going straight to hell, one lot after another, with some referring to others and saying: “Here is another crowd of people rushing headlong to join you.” (Verse 59) What answer do they receive? It is an angry and rash one: “No welcome to them! They too shall burn in the fire.” (Verse 59) Would those who heard this insult take it in silence? Not they! Their response comes quickly: “No, but it is your No welcome to you either! It is you who brought this on us! How vile a place to be in!” (Verse 60) This is a direct accusation, blaming them for bringing about such a fate. They follow this accusation with a prayer that reveals how angry they are, wishing to wreak revenge on the others: “They will say: Our Lord! Give double punishment in the fire to whomever has brought this on us.” (Verse 61)

What happens next? They look around searching for the believers whom they treated with arrogance in their first life, thinking ill of them and ridiculing their claims. They do not see them rushing into the fire alongside them. Hence, they ask:

Where are they? Where have they gone? Or could it he that they are here but our vision is impaired so we do not see them: “They will say: How is it that we do not see here men whom we considered to be wicked, and whom we made the target of our derision?

Or is it that our eyes have missed them?” (Verses 62-63) Yet those who are missed by the dwellers of hell are enjoying their abode in heaven.

The scene concludes with a statement about the actual situation of the people of hell: “This is in truth how it will be: the people of the fire will quarrel among themselves.” (Verse 64) There is a wide gulf between their fate and that of the believers whom they ridiculed and refused to believe would be God’s chosen ones. How miserable is their own lot which they were once keen to hasten: “Our Lord! Hasten to us our share of punishment even before the Day of Reckoning.” (Verse 16)