Surah As Saffat Tafseer

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