Surah Al-Humazah 104:6
سُورَةُ الهُمَزَةِ · Meccan · Verse 6 of 9
نَارُ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمُوقَدَةُ
Translation
It is God’s Fire, made to blaze,
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse describes a terrifying aspect of the Hellfire that awaits those who engage in backbiting, slandering, and hoarding wealth, as mentioned in the preceding verses. Allah Himself is speaking here, giving a stark warning about the nature of this punishment.
The Fire of Allah
The first striking phrase is "نَارُ ٱللَّهِ" (Nāru Allāh), which translates to "The Fire of Allah." When something is attributed directly to Allah in the Quran, it is often to signify its immense importance, unique nature, and terrifying power. Scholars like Imam al-Razi and Ibn Ashur explain that this addition, or *idafah*, is for *tafkheem* (magnification) and *tarwe'a* (instilling terror). It means this is not just any fire; it is a fire created by the Almighty, a fire whose intensity and magnitude are beyond human comprehension. It is kindled by His command and power, making it unlike any fire we know in this world, and it will never be extinguished. This direct attribution to Allah elevates its status to something truly awe-inspiring and uniquely dreadful.
The Kindled Fire
Following this, the word "ٱلْمُوقَدَةُ" (al-Mūqadah) means "the kindled" or "the blazing." Ibn Ashur highlights that this word is a passive participle, emphasizing not just that it *is* fire, but that it is *continuously* in a state of being kindled and fiercely blazing. It suggests an unceasing ignition, a flame that never subsides or grows weak. As al-Jalalayn describes it, it is "al-Mus'arrah," blazing fiercely. This isn't a fire that simply exists; it is perpetually fueled and intensely active, ensuring that its destructive power is constant and relentless.
Together, these words paint a fearsome picture of a punishment specifically designed by Allah. The language warns the listener with profound emphasis that this is an extraordinary, continuously blazing fire, unmatched in its origin and power. It urges deep reflection on the consequences of the actions described earlier in the Surah.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Humazah 104:6 is discussed in 3 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Humazah 104:6 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.