Islam As It Is
The Hereafter
~ 71 ~
rock. When it tried to re-enter it, it was unable to do
so, even after a mighty struggle. When the Prophet
asked what this meant, the Angel told him that this
represented a person who, having uttered
contentious words and seen their evil consequences,
wanted to take back his words but was unable to do
so. At another point, people were cutting off pieces
of their own flesh and eating them. The Prophet
was told that these were the ones who accused and
derided their fellow men.
Next were individuals whose nails were made of
copper. With these they were scratching their own
faces and chests. These turned out to be people who
sought to expose the faults of others, attacking their
honour and dignity. There were some too, with lips
like those of camels, consuming fire. The angel told
the Prophet that they were the devourers of
orphans’ property. Then came people with enlarged
stomachs full of writhing snakes. Passersby were
trampling on them, but they could not escape, for
they were rooted to the spot, unable to move.
“These,” said the Angel, “are the usurers.” Further
on there were people who had piles of meat placed
on both sides of them. On one side was good, fresh
