Transliteration:( Lahum min fawqihim zulalum minan Naari wa min tahtihim zulal; zaalika yukhaw wiful laahu bihee 'ibaadah; yaa 'ibaadi fattaqoon )
"They will have coverings of fire over them, and beneath them will be similar coverings [45] of fire. With this, Allah warns His servants: 'O My devotees, you be pious [46] with Me.'"
This terrifying imagery indicates that the disbelievers will be completely enveloped by Hellfire—above them, below them, and on all sides.
The layers of torment will leave no room for escape or relief.
This verse is explained by another verse:
“The Day when the punishment will cover them from above and from beneath their feet.” (Surah Al-‘Ankabūt, 29:55)
It highlights that the punishment is not just intense, but inescapable, surrounding them like coverings or sheets from every direction.
After mentioning such dreadful punishment, Allah immediately addresses His believing servants, urging them to adopt taqwa (piety).
This kind of fear is not mere fright, but the type that leads to obedience and submission.
True piety stems from such fear—a fear that guides, not paralyzes.
Even Satan expressed fear of Allah when he said:
“I fear Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.” (Surah Al-Mā’idah, 5:28)
Yet that fear did not lead to obedience, showing that fear alone is not sufficient unless it is combined with faith and surrender.
The tafsir of Surah Az-Zumar verse 16 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Zumar ayat 13 which provides the complete commentary from verse 13 through 16.
(39:16) There shall be sheets of fire above them and beneath them. This is the end against which Allah warns His servants. So dread My wrath, O you servants of Mine!”
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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