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Zaqqum: The Terrifying Tree of Hell Mentioned in the Qur’an

Among the many vivid descriptions of the Hereafter found in the Qur’an, few are as striking, fear‑inducing, and thought‑provoking as the Tree of Zaqqum. It is not a tree of beauty, nourishment, or shade — rather, it is a tree of punishment, torment, and humiliation prepared for the people of Hell (Jahannam).

Allah uses the imagery of Zaqqum to awaken hearts, warn disbelievers, and remind humanity of the consequences of arrogance and rejection of truth. Classical scholars of Tafsir, Hadith commentators, and theologians have discussed this tree in depth — its nature, symbolism, and reality.

This article compiles Qur’anic verses, Hadith narrations, classical tafsir explanations, spiritual lessons, and reflections on how believers can protect themselves from the fate associated with Zaqqum.

1. What Is Zaqqum?

Zaqqum is a tree that grows in Hellfire. Its fruits are given as food to the inhabitants of Jahannam, particularly the worst of the disbelievers.

Unlike worldly trees that sustain life, Zaqqum increases suffering. It burns internally, tears the intestines, and intensifies punishment.

Scholars state:

It is a real tree, not metaphorical.
It grows from the depths of Hellfire.
Its fruits resemble devils’ heads in ugliness.
It is forced upon the people of Hell as food.

2. Qur’anic Verses Mentioning Zaqqum

Zaqqum is mentioned in multiple places in the Qur’an. Each passage adds layers to its description.

2.1 Surah As‑Saffat (37:62–68)

“Is that better as hospitality or the tree of Zaqqum?
Indeed, We have made it a torment for the wrongdoers.
Indeed, it is a tree issuing from the bottom of the Hellfire.
Its emerging fruit as if it was heads of devils.
And indeed, they will eat from it and fill with it their bellies.
Then indeed, they will have after it a mixture of scalding water.
Then indeed, their return will be to the Hellfire.”

Key Lessons

Zaqqum is compared sarcastically to the food of Paradise.
It grows from the bottom (asl) of Hell.
Its fruit resembles devils’ heads.
It causes internal torment followed by boiling water.

2.2 Surah Ad‑Dukhan (44:43–46)

“Indeed, the tree of Zaqqum
Will be food for the sinful.
Like murky oil, it boils within bellies
Like the boiling of scalding water.”

Reflection

Here Allah emphasizes the internal suffering:

It boils like oil.
It burns from inside.
It is مخصوص for the sinful (Al‑Atheem).

2.3 Surah Al‑Waqi‘ah (56:51–56)

“Then indeed you, O those astray who deny,
Will be eating from trees of Zaqqum,
And filling with it your bellies,
And drinking on top of it boiling water,
Drinking like thirsty camels.
That is their hospitality on the Day of Recompense.”

Key Points

Addressed to deniers of the Hereafter.
They eat despite its horror due to extreme hunger.
They drink boiling water afterward.

3. Description of Zaqqum in Hadith

The Prophet ﷺ further explained the horror of Zaqqum.

3.1 Hadith — If a Drop Fell on Earth

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“If a drop from Zaqqum were to fall into the world, it would spoil the life of the people of the earth. So how will it be for the one whose food it is?”

(Sunan Tirmidhi)

Lesson

Even one drop would corrupt earthly life.
Indicates extreme bitterness, heat, and toxicity.

3.2 Forcing the People to Eat

Scholars mention narrations describing:

The people of Hell will resist eating it.
Angels will force it into their mouths.
It will tear their insides.

4. Classical Tafsir on Zaqqum

4.1 Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Ibn Kathir writes:

Zaqqum grows from the depths of Hell.
Its fruits are hideous.
Devils’ heads signify extreme ugliness.
It is a humiliation before physical punishment.

4.2 Tafsir Al‑Tabari

Al‑Tabari explains:

Arabs knew devils as the ugliest imagery.
Qur’an used familiar horror symbolism.
The resemblance is visual, not literal devils.

4.3 Tafsir Al‑Qurtubi

He states:

Zaqqum is real, not metaphorical.
Fire does not burn it because Hell’s fire is its soil.
Allah can create life within fire.

5. Wisdom Behind Creating Zaqqum

Scholars highlight divine wisdom:

5.1 Psychological Punishment

Before physical pain, fear and disgust begin punishment.

5.2 Consequence of Arrogance

Those who indulged in luxury now eat horror.

5.3 Contrast With Jannah

Jannah	Jahannam
Pure fruits	Zaqqum
Sweet drinks	Boiling water
Honor	Humiliation

6. Is Zaqqum Literal or Symbolic?

Ahlus‑Sunnah consensus:

It is real.
Physical tree.
Actual punishment.

Metaphorical interpretations are rejected by mainstream scholars.

7. Are There Similar Trees on Earth?

Some attempted comparisons:

7.1 Middle Eastern “Zaqqum Tree”

A desert plant was nicknamed Zaqqum, but:

Not Qur’anic Zaqqum.
Only symbolic naming.

7.2 Deadly Poison Trees

Examples cited:

Manchineel tree
Poison ivy
Strychnine tree

But none match Qur’anic description:

Growing in fire
Devils’ head fruit
Boiling internally

Conclusion: No earthly equivalent exists.

8. Who Will Eat from Zaqqum?

Qur’an specifies:

Disbelievers
Hypocrites (according to some scholars)
Denier leaders
Habitual sinners (depending on judgment)

9. How to Avoid the Fate of Zaqqum

Islam is not just warning — it gives protection.

9.1 Tawheed

Belief in One Allah.

9.2 Following the Prophet ﷺ

Sunnah protects from deviation.

9.3 Tawbah (Repentance)

Sins forgiven before death.

9.4 Charity & Justice

Opposite of ظلم condemned in verses.

9.5 Fear of Akhirah

Remembering Hell prevents sin.

10. Spiritual Lessons

Worldly pleasure ≠ success.
Arrogance leads to humiliation.
Allah’s warnings are mercy.
Hell is real, detailed, and avoidable.

11. FAQs About Zaqqum

Q1. How many times is Zaqqum mentioned?

Three main Qur’anic passages.

Q2. Is it literal?

Yes — according to classical scholars.

Q3. Why devils’ heads?

To express maximum ugliness.

Q4. Will Muslims eat it?

Only if punished in Hell (scholarly difference).

Q5. Does it exist now?

Yes — created within Hell.

12. Brief Summary

Zaqqum is the tree of Hell.
Mentioned in multiple Qur’anic chapters.
Food for the sinful.
Boils inside bodies.
Explained in Hadith & Tafsir.
No worldly equivalent.
A warning to humanity.