Surah ad-Dukhan (Smoke) 44 : 29

Explanatory Note

The scene begins with an image of the splendid comfort in which they dwelled: gardens, fountains, plants, high position, honour and blessings in which they revelled. Yet all this is taken away from them, or they are removed from it, so as to give it to others. In another sarah, the Qur'an says: " We bequeathed it all to the Children of Israel." (26: 59)

Whilst the Children of Israel did not inherit Pharaoh's kingdom per se, they were nonetheless given a similar kingdom in another land. What is meant, then, is that the same kind of kingdom and blessings that were taken away from Pharaoh and his people were given to the Children of Israel.

What happened next? Those same tyrants, who had gloried in their power and who were held in awe by people, were removed altogether. None grieved for them. Neither earth nor heaven felt their loss. Nor were they given any reprieve: "Neither heaven nor earth shed tears over them, nor were they allowed a respite." (Verse 29)

The statement carries connotations of humiliation and total disregard. No one on earth or in heaven was sorry about how these tyrants met their end. They were crushed like ants under foot. The whole universe hated them because they had split themselves away from it.