Transliteration:( Saraabeeluhum min qatiraaninw wa taghshaa wujoohahumun Naar )
50. Their shirts [109] shall be of pitch, and the fire shall cover their faces.
(Kanzul Imaan Translation)
The “shirts” mentioned here refer to a layer covering their bodies, made of molten pitch or tar:
The Arabic word “Sarabeel” is the plural of “Sarbaal”, meaning shirt.
This black resinous material has the following characteristics:
It is extremely hot and sticky.
It emits a foul and pungent smell.
It is highly flammable, easily catching fire.
The pitch will act as a fiery garment, causing constant agony and humiliation.
This intense punishment continues with the statement:
“…and the fire shall cover their faces.”
Their entire bodies, including the most honourable part—the face, will be engulfed in fire.
This complete covering signifies the inescapability of the punishment.
The sequence of the verse indicates that after describing the shirt of pitch, the resulting punishment—fire engulfing the face—is mentioned next.
The tafsir of Surah Ibrahim verse 50 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Ibrahim ayat 49 which provides the complete commentary from verse 49 through 51.
(14:50) their garments shall be black[58] as if made out of pitch, and flames of the Fire shall cover their faces
58. Some commentators and translators are of the opinion that Qatiran stands for sulphur or molten copper but actually it stands for tar and the like.
For a faster and smoother experience,
install our mobile app now.
Related Ayat(Verses)/Topics