ROOT ز ق م

44:44; 56:53.

Important Words:

زقوم (Zaqqum) is derived from زقم. They say زقمه i.e. he swallowed it and devoured it. زقم اللبن means, he drank much milk. زقوم is a dust-coloured tree which has a pungent odour and is bitter and has stinking leaves. The word also means, any deadly food; the food of the people of Hell (Lane & Aqrab).

Commentary:

Zaqqum in the verse under comment denotes the tree of disbelief. The Quran has compared true belief to a good tree which brings forth its fruit at all times (14:25-26) and disbelief to an evil tree—Zaqqum. Taking it in the sense of deadly food, the verse would mean that the fruit of the accursed tree of disbelief is deadly and its eating brings about spiritual death. The word has been used in the same sense and in the same context at two other places in the Quran, viz. 44:44, 45, 46 & 56:53, 54, 55.

37:63; 56:53.

Commentary:

In this and several succeeding verses a description is given of the consequences of rejection of the Divine Message and of its accep-tance, as unfolded in this and the next world. The description given is in terms of physical representation of the condition of dwellers of Hell and that of the inmates of Paradise.

37:63; 44:44-45.

Commentary:

The verse purports to say that disbelievers indulged in all sorts of iniquitous activities; they, as it were, drained life to the dregs. Therefore, as a punishment, their bellies will be filled with fire and they will drink of the hot water which instead of quenching will increase their thirst.