Tafsir of Ad-Dukhan 44:49

(Taste) etc.

Both Al-Bukhari and Muslim recorded in their Maghazi (chronicles of military campaigns), on the authority of Ikrimah, that Abu Jahl said to the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Neither you nor your companion can do anything to me. You know well that I am the most protected of the people of the valley (Makkah), and I am the 'Al-Aziz' (the Mighty) and 'Al-Karim' (the Noble)." Allah Almighty killed him on the day of Badr, humiliated him, and taunted him with his own words: "Taste! Indeed, you are the Mighty, the Noble."

It is also narrated that the accursed one once said: "O assembly of Quraish, tell me, what is my name?" They mentioned three names to him: Amr, Al-Jullas, and Abu al-Hakam. He replied: "You have not hit upon my name. Shall I inform you of it?" They said: "Yes." He said: "My name is Al-Aziz, Al-Karim." Thereupon, the verses "Indeed, the tree of Zaqqum..." were revealed.

This—and what resembles it—provides no basis for restricting the ruling of the verse solely to him; for every sinner who makes such a claim will be addressed in this manner on the Day of Resurrection.

It is also said: The meaning is "Taste, for you were the 'Mighty' among your people, the 'Noble' in their sight; yet that did not avail you in the least, nor did it benefit you anything." The term "taste" is used metaphorically for perception (experiencing the punishment).

Al-Hasan ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with them both) recited—while upon the pulpit—as did Al-Kisa'i: "Annak" (that you are), with the hamza opened (fatha), meaning "because you are."