A tree in the Hell

Q 5: What is Al-Zaqqum Tree?

A: Allah mentions Al-Zaqqum Tree in Surah Al-Dukhan in His saying: Verily, the tree of Zaqqûm Will be the food of the sinners. He also says in Surah Al-Isra’: ...and (likewise) the accursed tree (Zaqqûm, mentioned) in the Qur’ân. In Surat Al-Saffat, Allah (Exalted be He) says: Is that (Paradise) better entertainment or the tree of Zaqqûm (a horrible tree in Hell)? Truly We have made it (as) a trail for the Zâlimûn (polytheists, disbelievers, wrong-doers). Verily, it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell-fire, The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of Shayâtîn (devils); Al-Hafizh Ibn Kathir (may Allah be merciful to him) said in his interpretation of Ayah (60) in Surah Al-Isra’: “The accursed tree is Al-Zaqqum Tree. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) related that he saw (in his Night Journey) Paradise, Hellfire, and Al-Zaqqum Tree, but his people belied him to the extent that Abu Jahl (may Allah curse him) gave his orders to bring dates and butter and kept eating from them while telling others, ‘Eat from this! We do not know any Zaqqum other than this.’ This account was narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas, Masruq, Abu Malik, Al-Hasan Al-Basry, and others.” (Part No. 4; Page No. 308) Knowledge about this tree in Hell does not entail any physical obligation. Rather, what is incumbent on every Muslim is to believe in what Allah has stated about it in the Qur’an and what has been authentically reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) in this regard.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.