Surah Az-Zumar — Verse 72

Word Meanings:

• Abwāba Jahannam (أَبْوَابَ جَهَنَّمَ): The gates of Hell, which are multiple, each designated for a specific category of sinners.
• Khālidīna fīhā (خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا): Abiding therein forever, without end or exit.
• Mathwā (مَثْوَى): A dwelling place, residence, or abode.
• Al-Mutakabbirīn (الْمُتَكَبِّرِينَ): Those who are arrogant, who proudly reject the truth and look down upon others.

Tafsir (Explanation):

On the Day of Judgment, after the disbelievers and those who rejected the oneness of Allah have been driven to Hell, they will be addressed with a command that combines humiliation and utter despair. It will be said to them: "Enter the gates of Hell, remaining therein forever." The one who issues this command is not mentioned, to magnify the terror and awe of the moment — it is a decree from the Almighty, the Just King, before Whom all arguments cease.

These gates are not a single entrance but many, each leading to a different level of punishment, and each group of sinners will be directed to the gate suited to their deeds. The phrase "remaining therein forever" crushes any lingering hope they might have of release, mercy, or intercession. There is no exit, no respite, and no end to their torment.

Then comes the concluding statement: "How evil is the abode of the arrogant!" This is a divine verdict upon those whose pride prevented them from bowing to the truth, from accepting the message of the prophets, and from submitting to their Lord. Their arrogance in this world — their refusal to say "I believe" or "I obey" — has now become the very cause of their eternal disgrace. What an evil resting place, what a wretched final destination!

A Call to Reflection:

Dear reader, pause and reflect on this scene. The gates of Hell are open, and the call is made — but this call is only for those who, in their earthly life, were too proud to worship their Creator and too haughty to follow His guidance. Allah, in His infinite mercy, has opened the gates of Paradise wide for those who humble themselves before Him. He invites you today, in this life, to enter through the gates of repentance and faith, so that you may never hear that terrible call on the Day of Judgment. Humility before Allah is the key to eternal bliss; arrogance is the key to eternal loss. Choose wisely, for the choice you make today determines which gates you will be commanded to enter tomorrow. May Allah protect us all from the fate of the arrogant and admit us into His mercy and Paradise.