Tafsir of Al-Waqi'ah 56:44

Tafsir of Surah Al-Waqi'ah (Verse 44)

Verse: (44) Not cold, nor... (The verse continues in the context of the description of the dwellers of the Fire).

Al-Razi's Commentary (Building upon linguistic observations):

Al-Zamakhshari suggests that the "honorable" (كريم) shade is one whose benefit is sought by the distressed person, warding off the harm of the heat.

If this were the case, then "cold" (بارد) and "honorable" (كريم) would mean the same thing.

The more likely interpretation is that the benefit of shade involves two aspects:

1. Warding off heat.
2. Being a place where one is honored/respected.

This is because:

• In the cold, a person seeks the sun to warm themselves if lightly clothed.
• However, among the honored ones (the dwellers of Paradise, or in contrast to the dwellers of the Fire), one is always in a place that wards off both heat and cold.
  • Heat is obvious.
  • Cold is warded off by warming the place with a fire.

Therefore, shade in the heat is desired for its coolness.

But in the cold, shade is desired for the honor associated with it, not for its coldness.

Thus, the statement {Not cold} seeks the coolness it provides, and {nor honorable} refers to a place prepared for sitting.

Places that fall under shade (like under trees or against walls) are often chosen as seating areas, making them protected from filth. Other places become refuse heaps. When the sun eventually shines on these shaded spots, they are sought after for their cleanliness and suitability for sitting. In such a time, they are desired for their honor (as designated seating) rather than their coolness.

The phrase {Not cold, nor honorable} can imply this meaning.

Alternative Interpretation (Sensory vs. Intellectual Benefit):

It can also be argued that shade is sought for something related to the senses or something related to intellect/reason.

1. Sensory: This is its coolness (برده).
2. Intellectual/Rational: This is the respect/honor (كرامة) associated with it (i.e., being a designated, clean place to rest).

This shade possesses neither the sensory benefit (coldness) nor the intellectual benefit (honor).

This aligns with what Al-Wāḥidī reports from Al-Farrāʼ: The Arabs often follow every negated term with karīm (honorable/noble) when the negated term itself implies nobility. For example: "This house is not spacious, nor noble."

The Conclusion:

The reality is as we have stated: the description of perfection is either sensory or intellectual.

• The sensory aspect is explicitly stated by its term (coldness).
• The intellectual aspect, due to its subtlety from the senses, is indicated by a comprehensive term (karīm), because honor (karāmah) is one of the most famous attributes of praise among the Arabs.

Therefore, negating both {Not cold, nor honorable} means there is no praise whatsoever associated with this shade, neither sensory nor intellectual.

Then, the Almighty said: