Conversation between People of Paradise, Hell in Surah Al-Muddaththir
That world is created by people’s conducts and deeds, and based on those deeds, they will be divided into two groups of the righteous and the evil-doers and each will be in a different position.
This is among the subjects discussed in Surah Al-Muddaththir. It is the 74th chapter of the Quran that has 56 verses and is in the 29th Juz.
It is Makki and the 4th Surah revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH). It was revealed in the early months after Muhammad (PBUH) was appointed to prophethood.
The word Muddaththir means ‘the cloaked one’ and refers to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
In the initial verses of the Surah, God calls on the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to stand up and deliver his warning to people.
Another part of the Surah is about a person who called the Prophet (PBUH) a sorcerer. God highlights the greatness and lofty status of the Quran and threatens those who call it magic: “I will cast him into hell.” (Verse 26)
According to Allameh Tabatbaei, in his Al-Mizan Exegesis of the Quran, this Surah has three main topics. First it orders the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to rise and warn people. The order is given in a way that shows it is among the first commands after the appointment to prophethood. Second, it highlights the greatness and lofty status of the Quran. And third, the Surah threatens those who deny the Quran and call it magic and rebukes those who rejected the divine call.
The Surah also talks about the characteristics of the people of paradise and people of hell.
It mentions a conversation between the two groups. The people of paradise ask the other group why they ended up in fire and they point out four reasons.
“‘What caused you to be thrust into the Scorching (Fire)?’ They will reply: 'We were not among those who prayed, and we did not feed the needy. We indulged and persisted in useless disputes, and rejected the Day of Judgment, till death overtook us.” (Verses 42-47)
