[Saffat 37:52] “Who used to tell me, ‘Do you believe it is true?’ -

[Saffat 37:53] ‘That when we are dead and have turned into dust and bones, that we will either be rewarded or punished?’ ”

[Saffat 37:54] He said (to others on the thrones), “Will you take a glimpse (into hell) below?”

[Saffat 37:55] He therefore looked down and saw him amidst the blazing fire.

[Saffat 37:56] He said, “By Allah, you had nearly ruined me!”

[Saffat 37:57] “And were it not for the munificence of my Lord, I too would have been seized and brought forth (captive)!”

[Saffat 37:58] “So are we never to die?” (The people of Paradise will ask the angels, with delight, after the announcement of everlasting life.)

[Saffat 37:59] “Except our earlier death, and nor will we be punished?”

[Saffat 37:60] “This is, most certainly, the supreme success.”

[Saffat 37:61] For such a reward should the workers perform.

[Saffat 37:62] So is this welcome better, or the tree of Zaqqum?

[Saffat 37:63] We have indeed made that a punishment for the unjust.

[Saffat 37:64] Indeed it is a tree that sprouts from the base of hell.

[Saffat 37:65] Its fruit like the heads of demons.

[Saffat 37:66] So indeed they will eat from it, and fill their bellies with it.

[Saffat 37:67] Then after it, indeed for them is the drink of boiling hot water.

[Saffat 37:68] Then surely their return is towards hell.

[Saffat 37:69] They had indeed found their forefathers astray.

[Saffat 37:70] So they hastily follow their footsteps!

[Saffat 37:71] And indeed before them, most of the former people went astray.

[Saffat 37:72] And indeed We had sent Heralds of warnings among them.

[Saffat 37:73] Therefore see what sort of fate befell those who were warned!

[Saffat 37:74] Except the chosen bondmen of Allah.

Section 3

[Saffat 37:75] And indeed Nooh prayed to Us – so what an excellent Acceptor of Prayer We are!

[Saffat 37:76] And We rescued him and his household from the great calamity.