سُوْرَةُ الْغَاشِيَةِ

Surah Al-Ghaashiya (88) — Ayah 6

The Overwhelming · Meccan · Juz 30 · Page 592

لَّيْسَ لَهُمْ طَعَامٌ إِلَّا مِن ضَرِيعٍ ﴿6﴾
No food will there be for them but a poisonous thorny plant,
لَّيْسَ laysa Not is
لَهُمْ lahum for them
طَعَامٌ ṭaʿāmun food
إِلَّا illā except
مِن min from
ضَرِيعٍۢ ḍarīʿin a bitter thorny plant

Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

(Ayah 6){ لَيْسَ لَهُمْ طَعَامٌ اِلَّا مِنْ ضَرِيْعٍ : ’’ ضَرِيْعٍ ‘‘} is a thorny plant which, when fresh, is called {’’شِبْرِقٌ‘‘} by the people of Hijaz, and when dry, is called {’’ضَرِيْعٌ‘‘}, which is extremely poisonous. [See: Bukhari, Al-Tafsir, Surah: {Hal Ataaka...}, after H: 4941]

Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

This is a thorny tree which, when dried, even animals do not like to eat. In any case, like Zaqqum, it will also be an extremely bitter, tasteless, and most impure food which will neither become part of the body nor will it satisfy hunger.

Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

They will have no food except dry, thorny grass [4].

[4]
The Different Foods of the People of Hell:

﴿ضَرِيْعٌ﴾ is a thorny grass whose taste is extremely bitter and its smell is unpleasant, and when it dries, it becomes poisonous. In Arabic, it is also called "shabraq." This will be the food of the people of Hell. It should be noted that in some places in the Quran, the food of the people of Hell is mentioned as the tree of Zaqqoom, and in some places as "ghisleen," which is the pus from wounds, and at this place, ﴿ضريع﴾ is mentioned. One reason for this could be that different types of criminals will have different foods. Another reason could be the difference of time, meaning that in one era one type of food will be given, and in another era, another type. The third reason could be variety, meaning that sometimes one food will be given, sometimes another, and sometimes a third.