Surah al-Waqi`ah (The Occurrence) 56 : 89

Overview (Verses 88 - 96)

The Final Destination

The surah now explains the fate of the soul that has turned its back on this world to begin its new and permanent life:
 
If that dying person is one of those who are drawn close to Go4 he will have repose, fulfilment and a garden of bliss. If he is one of those on the right, a greeting of peace will welcome you by the ones on the right. But if he happens to be one of those who denied the truth and went astray, he will be welcomed with scalding water, and the heat of a blazing fire. (Verses 88-94)

In the early part of the surah we saw images of the blessings granted to those who are close to God. The soul of such a person will now see what awaits it: 'repose, fulfilment and a garden of bliss.' The very sound of these words overflows with comfort, ease and happiness.

" If he is one of those on the right." This person is now directly addressed with a greeting sent to him by his brethren who are on the right. It is a gentle and delightful greeting, giving him reassurance. He begins to look forward to his forthcoming life with the people on the right.

"But if he happens to be one of those who denied the truth and went astray he will be welcomed with scalding water, and the heat of a blazing fire." (Verses 92-94) How miserable a welcome! How terrible is the suffering of scalding water and blazing fire! It all appears before such a person and he knows that he will have to experience it.

Now that this climax has been reached, the conclusion is profound and serious in its tone: "This is surely the indubitable truth. Extol, then, the glory of the name of your Lord the Supreme." (Verses 95-96) The great weight assigned to this absolute truth in God's scales thus combines with the inevitable event mentioned at the beginning of the surah. The final feeling reflects the effect of this firm belief with glorification of God, the Supreme.