Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Ghashiyah is a Makkan surah that reminds people about the Day of Judgment. The name Al-Ghashiyah means the overwhelming event. It refers to the Day of Resurrection because it will overwhelm and cover the people with its terrors. Ibn Kathir explains that this is one of the names of the Day of Judgment, as reported from Ibn Abbas, Qatadah, and Ibn Zayd.
The Overwhelming Event (Verse 1)
Allah says:
“Has there come to you the narration of Al-Ghashiyah (the overwhelming)?”
(Qur’an 88:1)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Al-Ghashiyah refers to the Day of Judgment. It is called this because it will overwhelm the people and overcome them with its events and terrors.
The Condition of the People of Hell (Verses 2–7)
Allah says:
“Some faces that Day will be Khashi’ah.
Laboring, weary.
They will enter into Fire, Hamiyah.
They will be given to drink from a boiling (Aniyah) spring.
No food will there be for them but from Dari‘,
Which will neither nourish nor avail against hunger.”
(Qur’an 88:2–7)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the faces of these people will be humiliated and disgraced on the Day of Judgment. Some scholars such as Qatadah said the meaning of “humbled” is that their faces will show humiliation. Ibn Abbas said they will appear humble, but their humility will not benefit them.
Allah describes them as “laboring and weary.” Ibn Kathir mentions that they performed many deeds and exhausted themselves, yet they will still enter the Fire. Al-Bukhari recorded from Ibn ‘Abbas that “Laboring, weary” means the Christians; ‘Ikrimah and As-Suddi said it means laboring in the worldly life with disobedience, and weariness in the Fire from torment and perdition.
They will enter a blazing Fire and will be given a drink from a boiling spring whose heat has reached its maximum intensity.
Their food will be Dari‘, which Ibn Abbas said is a tree from the Hellfire. Other scholars explained it as a thorny plant that becomes dry and poisonous. Ibn Kathir explains that this food will neither nourish the body nor remove hunger.
The Condition of the People of Paradise (Verses 8–16)
Allah says:
“Faces that Day will be joyful,
Glad with their endeavor.
In a lofty Paradise.
Where they shall neither hear harmful speech nor falsehood.
Therein will be a running spring,
Therein will be thrones raised high.
And cups set at hand.
And Namariq, set in rows.
And Zarabi, spread out (Mabthuthah).”
(Qur’an 88:8–16)
Explanation
After describing the people of Hell, Allah mentions the people who will be happy on that Day.
Their faces will be joyful and radiant, and they will be pleased with the deeds they performed in the world.
They will enter a lofty Paradise, elevated and secure. In Paradise they will not hear harmful or foolish speech. Instead it will be a place of peace and purity.
Allah also describes the comfort of Paradise. There will be flowing springs, raised thrones, cups prepared for drinking, cushions arranged in rows, and carpets spread out for rest. Ibn Abbas explained that the Namariq mentioned in the verse refers to pillows, and Zarabi refers to carpets.
Reflecting on Allah’s Creation (Verses 17–20)
Allah says:
“Do they not look at the camels, how they are created,
And at the heaven, how it is raised
And at the mountains, how they are rooted
And at the earth, how it is spread out?”
(Qur’an 88:17–20)
Explanation
Allah commands people to reflect on His creation as evidence of His power. Ibn Kathir explains that the camel is mentioned because it was the most familiar animal to the Arabs. It is strong enough to carry heavy loads yet gentle enough to be guided by a weak rider. People benefit from its milk, meat, and hair.
Allah also directs people to look at the sky, which He raised high, the mountains, which stabilize the earth, and the earth, which He spread out for people to live upon. These signs point to the power and wisdom of the Creator.
The Role of the Messenger (Verses 21–22)
Allah says:
“So remind them; you are only one who reminds.
You are not a Musaytir over them.”
(Qur’an 88:21–22)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the Prophet ﷺ was commanded to remind people with the message, but he was not responsible for forcing them to believe. Guidance is in the hands of Allah alone.
The Fate of Those Who Reject the Truth (Verses 23–26)
Allah says:
“Save the one who turns away and disbelieves,
Then Allah will punish him with the greatest punishment.
Verily, to Us will be their return;
Then verily, for Us will be their reckoning.”
(Qur’an 88:23–26)
Explanation
Those who turn away from the message and reject the truth will face severe punishment. All people will eventually return to Allah, and He will judge them for their deeds. Whoever did good will receive good, and whoever did evil will receive the consequence of it.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Al-Ghashiyah.