As-Saffat Verse 62

Is this ˹bliss˺ a better accommodation or the tree of Zaqqûm?[[ The pagans of Mecca used to make fun of the Prophet (ﷺ) when he warned them of this tree. They asked, “How can a tree grow in Hell?” So Allah revealed this verse in response. ]]

Is this a better accommodation or the tree of Zaqqūm?

Is that better as a hospitality, or the Tree of Ez-Zakkoum?

Is this the better welcome, or the tree of Zaqqum,

Is this better as an entertainment or the tree of Zaqqum?

Is that the better entertainment or the Tree of Zaqqum?

Is this a better hospitality or the tree of al-Zaqqum?

Is this better or the tree of Zaqqum

So is this welcome better, or the tree of Zaqqum?

Is this a better reception, or the Zaqqum tree?

Is this what is good as a welcome or the tree of Zaqqum?

Does all this (state of bliss) make a better welcome than the tree of Zaqqûm (which will serve as food for the people of Gehenna)?

Is that a better place of descent or the deadly food`s tree?

So is this welcome better, or the tree of Zaqqum?

Is this better as an entertainment or the tree of Zaqqum (having bitter fruit)?

Is that (Paradise) better entertainment or the tree of Zaqqum (a horrible tree in Hell)?

For the like of this, then, let the workers work.

Is this better as an entertainment or the tree of Zaqqum?

Is this better as a welcome, or the tree of Zaqqum?

Is this not a better reward than the tree of Zaqqum

Is this a better hospitality or the tree of AzZakkum!

Is that (Paradise) better entertainment or the tree of Zaqqum

Is that better by way of hospitality or the Zaqqum tree,

Is this a better hospitality, or the Tree of Bitterness?

Is that, which is mentioned to them, a better hospitality (nuzul, denotes what is prepared for one who is being received as a guest and so forth) or the Zaqqm tree, that is prepared for the inhabitants of the Fire -- it is the vilest and most bitter tree of the Tihma region, which God causes to grow in the Fire, as will be stated shortly.

The Tree of Zaqqum and its Companions

Allah says;

أَذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ نُّزُلاً

Is that (Paradise) better entertainment or the tree of Zaqqum!

Here Allah asks;`Is that which He has mentioned of the delights of Paradise with its food, drink, companions and other joys better entertainment,

أَمْ شَجَرَةُ الزَّقُّومِ



or the tree of Zaqqum.

which is in Hell.'

The meaning here is a specific kind of tree which is called Zaqqum.

This is like the Ayah;

وَشَجَرَةً تَخْرُجُ مِن طُورِ سَيْنَأءَ تَنبُتُ بِالدُّهْنِ وَصِبْغٍ لِّلَكِلِيِنَ

And a tree that springs forth from Mount Sinai, that grows (produces) oil, and (it is a) relish for the eaters. (23;20) -- which is the olive tree.

This is supported by the Ayah;

ثُمَّ إِنَّكُمْ أَيُّهَا الضَّألُّونَ الْمُكَذِّبُونَ

لااّكِلُونَ مِن شَجَرٍ مِّن زَقُّومٍ

Then moreover, verily, -- you the erring-ones, the deniers! You, verily, will eat of the trees of Zaqqum. (56;51-52)

إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاهَا فِتْنَةً لِّلظَّالِمِينَ