Overview (Verses 71 - 75)

The Ultimate Destination

“The unbelievers will be led to hell in throngs. When they reach it, its gates will be opened.” (Verse 71) The angels keeping guard will receive them there with a statement that they deserve their lot, reminding them of the reasons why they have ended up there: “its keepers will ask them: ‘Did there not come to you messengers from among yourselves, who recited to you your Lord’s revelations and forewarned you of this day? They will answer: ‘Yes, indeed.’ But the sentence of suffering will have already been passed against the unbelievers.” (Verse 71) The position is one of submission, without any argument or dispute. They accept their lot and submit to their fate: “They will be told: ‘Enter the gates of hell; there you will abide.’ How vile an abode for the arrogant!” (Verse 72)

Such is the fate of the arrogant party, destined for hell. How about the other party, the God-fearing who are destined for heaven? “And the believers will be led to paradise in throngs. When they reach it, they shall find its gates wide open; and its keepers will say to them: Peace be to you! Well have you done. Come in: you are here to stay.” (Verse 73)

It is a warm welcome, coupled with pleasant praise of the recipients and an outline of the reasons for which they deserved their reward: Well have you done.” You purified yourselves of sin, lived a pure life and came here with such purity. None but the pure enter heaven. Therefore, you are to remain here forever.

At this point, the voices of the people of heaven are raised high in glorifying and praising God: “They will say: All praise is due to God who has made His promise to us come true and given us this land as our own.” (Verse 74) This is the land worth inheriting. They live in it wherever they wish, taking from it whatever they want. “How excellent is the reward of those who worked hard.” (Verse 74)

The scene is given a finale that fills our hearts with awe and majesty. It too is in complete harmony with the ambience of the whole sūrah devoted to the theme of God’s oneness. The entire universe is in complete submission to God Almighty, and praises of God are uttered by every living soul and all existence: “ You will see the angels surrounding the Throne, extolling their Lord’s glory and praise. Judgement will have been passed on all in justice, and it will be said: All praise is due to God, the Lord of all the worlds.” (Verse 75)