Tafsir of Al-Waqi'ah 56:71

The Event (Al-Wāqiʿah): (71) Have you seen the Fire which...

Regarding the Tree of Fire (Zaqqūm), there are several interpretations of its nature:

1. The Tinder Tree: It is the tree from which fire is kindled, like the marrakh and athal trees (used as flint and tinder).
2. The Fuel Tree: It is the tree suitable for igniting fire, like firewood. If such a tree did not exist, starting a fire would not be easy, as fire does not catch onto everything as it does onto wood.
3. The Source of its Flames and Fuel: It represents the roots of its flames and the fuel of its wood. If it were not inherently flammable, it would not be suitable for cooking or heating things. The rest of the meaning is apparent.