English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

Allah asks: has the news of the overwhelming Day reached you – the Day that will overwhelm the people with its horrors, so that hearts and faces are humbled?

This opening question is to awaken the heart and draw full attention to what is coming next.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

On that Day, some faces will be humbled, lowered and disgraced, reflecting the humiliation of their hearts and the punishment they are facing.

The face shows the inner state; those who were arrogant in the dunya become utterly humbled in the Hereafter.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

They worked and toiled, becoming exhausted – either in worldly pursuits with no benefit in the Hereafter, or in false worship not accepted by Allah.

True success is not in any effort, but in effort that follows revelation and is sincerely for Allah.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

They will enter and burn in a blazing Fire, extremely hot and intense, far beyond any fire known in this world.

Their tiring efforts led them not to rest, but to an even more exhausting punishment.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

They will be given to drink from a boiling spring, whose heat and severity add to their torment instead of giving relief.

Even the drink of Hell is a punishment, not a mercy.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

They will have no food except from dharīʿ – a thorny, dry plant of Hell, extremely bitter and harmful, with no benefit or nourishment.

What they chose in the dunya of sins and arrogance turns into pain, hunger, and humiliation in the Hereafter.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

It neither nourishes the body nor removes hunger – it is pure punishment, not provision or comfort in any way.

They chased worldly pleasures and neglected lawful provision, so their “food” in the Hereafter brings no benefit.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

In contrast, some faces on that Day will be smooth, radiant and full of delight, showing the honour Allah has given them.

Their outward beauty reflects inner tranquility, faith, and the joy of meeting Allah.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

They are pleased with the striving they did in the dunya, because they now see its reward multiplied and secure with Allah.

Every sincere deed, even if small, becomes a cause of happiness when its fruits appear on the Day of Judgment.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

They are in a high Garden: high in rank, high in status, and high in its physical elevation, far away from any harm or impurity.

Their position in the Garden reflects their level of faith and obedience in the worldly life.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

They will not hear in it any useless or sinful speech – no vain talk, no insults, nothing that disturbs the heart or ear.

The people of Paradise enjoy perfect peace: their hearing, sight and hearts are all protected from harm.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

In it is a flowing spring – water constantly running, pure and delightful, from which they drink and enjoy without interruption.

The scenes of Paradise are living, moving, and refreshing, unlike the stagnant pleasures of this world.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

There are couches raised high – elevated in place and in honour, perfectly arranged for the comfort of the residents of Paradise.

This hints at the nobility and elevation of the people who sit upon them.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

And cups placed ready – always prepared for them, not needing effort; servants and blessings surround them constantly.

There is no hardship in Paradise – even the small details of comfort are perfectly arranged.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

Cushions neatly arranged – beautiful and inviting, expressing relaxation, honour, and endless hospitality.

Order and beauty in Paradise reflect the perfection of Allah’s generosity to His friends.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

And carpets spread out – rich, soft coverings everywhere, completing the picture of ease and comfort for the people of the Garden.

The description of furniture and surroundings helps the heart imagine the reality of Paradise, even though it is far greater than words.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

Do they not look at the camels – such a familiar creature to them – how Allah created them with perfect design, strength, and suitability for deserts and travel?

Reflecting on creation is a path to knowing the Creator and increasing certainty in the Hereafter.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

And at the sky – how it has been raised without visible pillars, perfectly held up by Allah’s power and filled with signs of His wisdom.

Looking upwards reminds the heart that there is a Lord above Who manages every detail of creation.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

And at the mountains – how they have been set up as pegs and stabilizers for the earth, massive and firm, pointing to Allah’s might and wisdom.

Every mountain range is a sign; yet many people pass by without reflection.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

And at the earth – how it has been spread out and smoothed so that people can live, travel, build, and benefit from it with ease.

All of these signs point to one conclusion: the One Who created and managed them can surely resurrect and judge His creation.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

So remind (O Prophet) – your task is only to deliver the reminder and clarify the truth; you are not responsible for forcing guidance on people.

This sets a principle for callers to Allah: convey clearly and sincerely, and leave hearts to Allah’s will.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

You are not a controller over them – you are not tasked with compelling belief or taking people to account; that belongs to Allah alone.

This brings balance: strong daʿwah with wisdom, but without overstepping into control or compulsion.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

Except the one who turns away and disbelieves – such a person deserves Allah’s punishment due to his own choice and rejection of the truth.

The door of guidance is open, but whoever insists on turning his back bears the consequences.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

Then Allah will punish him with the greatest punishment – the punishment of the Hereafter, which is far more severe and lasting than any pain in this world.

This threat is tied specifically to turning away from the reminder and rejecting it after it has been made clear.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

Indeed, to Us is their return – all people will come back to Allah after death, without any escape or refuge elsewhere.

Remembering the return to Allah helps purify intentions and correct the path in this life.

English Tafsir (Al-Saʿdi – concise):

Then indeed, upon Us is their reckoning – Allah alone will fully account for their deeds, with complete justice and perfect knowledge of what is hidden and open.

This final verse seals the surah with awe: the return and the reckoning are both in Allah’s Hand, so prepare for meeting Him.

Summary of the Meanings (based on Tafsir Al-Saʿdi):

Allah begins with a powerful question about the news of the overwhelming Day, then describes two kinds of faces: one humbled, exhausted, and in blazing fire with boiling drink and harmful food that neither nourishes nor removes hunger; the other radiant, pleased with its past striving, resting in a high Garden full of peace, flowing springs, couches, cups, cushions, and carpets.

Then the surah calls us to look carefully at signs around us: the camel, the sky, the mountains, and the earth. Each one is designed with wisdom and power, proving that the One Who created and arranged them is fully able to resurrect people and gather them for judgment.

Finally, Allah clarifies the mission of the Prophet ﷺ: to remind and convey, not to control hearts. Whoever turns away and disbelieves faces the greatest punishment. The surah ends by reminding that everyone will return to Allah and that He alone will take them to account, encouraging sincere repentance and firm preparation for the Meeting with Him.