Surah al-Mursalat (Those Sent Forth) 77 : 29

Overview

(Verses 29 - 40)

The Release

Having filled our senses with such effects as these images and rounds produce, the surah suddenly moves to the Day of Judgement when accounts are checked and requital determined. The dreaded command is given to the guilty to go on their way to suffer the punishment they were wont to deny. The command is coupled with a strong and painful rebuke:

Go to that which you used to deny! Go to a shadow rising in three columns; giving no shade, nor relief from the flame. It throws up sparks as huge as forts, as bright as yellow camels. Woe on that day betide those who deny the truth. (Verses 29-34)

Now that you have been long restrained on this day of distinction, you may go. But where can they go? To remain constrained is much better than this release, because they are told: "Go to that which you used to deny." (Verse 29) It is present here before their very eyes. "Go to a shadow rising in three columns." (Verse 30) The smoke of hell rises in three columns giving a shadow to which they are told to go. Yet the scorch of the flame is better than this shadow, because it is "giving no shade, nor relief from the flame." (Verse 31) It is suffocating and burning. To call it a shadow or shade, the Arabic word zill carrying both meanings, is merely sarcastic.

They are told to go, and they know where they will have to go. Therefore, their destination is not mentioned by name: "It throws up sparks as huge as forts, as bright as yellow camels." (Verses 32-33) Sparks are thrown in quick succession, but they are as big as large stone buildings, looking like yellow camels grazing. Such are the sparks thrown up by this fire. What is that fire like? At the moment we are absorbed in thought about this, the stern warning is repeated: "Woe on that day betide those who deny the truth." (Verse 34)

The surah has described the physical horror, giving us an image of hell. Now it presents the psychological horror that leaves the guilty speechless:

On that day they will not utter a word, and they will not be allowed to offer any excuse. Woe on that day betide those who deny the truth. (Verses 35-37)

The horror described here is that deafening silence, when everyone is utterly speechless. All look humble, without a word of excuse. The time for arguments and excuses is over. Woe is present now: "Woe on that day betide those who deny the truth." (Verse 37) Elsewhere in the Qur'an we have scenes describing their sorrow and grief, as well as the excuses they present and the oaths they swear. That day is very long, and both situations happen then, as Ibn 'Abbas explains. Here, the image given is that of absolute silence as it fits better with the general ambience of the surah.

This is the day of distinction: We have gathered you with all those people of old. If you have a scheme left; then use it against Me now Woe on that day betide those who deny the truth. (Verses 38-40)

This is, then, the day of distinction, not one for submitting excuses and justifications. You are gathered here together with all communities that lived before you so that if you can work out a plan or you are able to contrive something, you can go ahead and do it. None, however, can devise or contrive anything. The painful rebuke is met with deep silence. "Woe on that day betide those who deny the truth." (Verse 40)