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THE TREE OF ZAQQUM

 FAJR REMINDER: THE TREE OF ZAQQUM

By: Umm Affān

Dhū al-Qa'dah 24, 1447 (12-May-2026)


Just as the people of Paradise will enjoy their foods and drinks, the inhabitants of Hell will also have foods and drinks prepared for them. However, their provision will be a source of severe torment and punishment. Among the foods of the people of Hell is the dreadful tree known as Zaqqum. Describing it, Allāh says: “Verily, it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell-fire, The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of Shayāṭīn (devils).” [Sūrah Aṣ-Ṣāffāt (37): 64-65]


The tree of Zaqqum is not a blessing or nourishment; rather, it is a painful punishment for the inmates of Hell. Due to unbearable hunger, they will be forced to eat from it, despite its horrific nature. Its fruits will boil inside their stomachs like molten oil and scalding liquid. Allāh says: “Verily, the tree of Zaqqum, will be the food of the sinners, like boiling oil, it will boil in the bellies, like the boiling scalding water.” [Sūrah Ad-Dukhān (44): 43-46]


Reflect upon the Statement of Allāh when He says: “Is that (Paradise) better entertainment or the tree of Zaqqum (a horrible tree in Hell)?” [Sūrah Aṣ-Ṣāffāt (37): 62] The tree of Zaqqum is extremely bitter, foul-smelling, and horrifying in appearance. It is also referred to as the accursed tree. Allāh says: “And We made not the vision which we showed you (O Muḥammad as an actual eye-witness and not as a dream on the night of Al-Isrā') but a trial for mankind, and likewise the accursed tree (Zaqqum, mentioned) in the Qur'ān.” [Sūrah Al-Isrā' (17): 60]


Explaining this verse, Ibn ‘Abbās said: “It was an actual eyewitness which was shown to Allāh's Messenger (ﷺ) during the night he was taken on a journey (through the heavens). And the cursed tree is the tree of Az-Zaqqum (a bitter pungent tree which grows at the bottom of Hell).” [Ṣaḥiḥ al-Bukhārī 4716]


The terrifying nature of Zaqqum is further clarified in the narration of Ibn ‘Abbās, who reported that the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) recited: “O you who believe! Have fear of Allāh as He should be feared, and die not except as Muslims. [3:102] (Then he said): ‘If a drop of Zaqqum were to be dropped on the earth, it would ruin the livelihood of the people of this world, so how about those who have no food other than it (i.e. Zaqqum)?’” [Sunan Ibn Mājah 4325]


Subḥānallāh! This narration clearly demonstrates the horrific and destructive nature of Zaqqum. If merely a single drop of it were to descend upon the earth, it would corrupt the food, livelihood, and well-being of the people of this world. What then will be the condition of those whose only nourishment in Hell will be from this cursed tree? Indeed, this is a powerful warning regarding the severity of the punishment awaiting those who reject and disobey Allāh.


Are these verses and admonitions not enough to make a person sincerely fear Allāh, believe in Him, and strive to perform righteous deeds?


I beseech Allāh to rectify our affairs and save us from the punishment of Hell. Aameen.

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