Caught Unawares
\r\n Al-Naba (The Tiding) Chapter 78: Verses 21-23
![](\"/_img/quran-issue702.gif\")
"Surely the Hell is an ambush, a resort for the rebellious; therein they shall abide for ages."
The word mirsad (ambush) denotes a spot which is especially chosen to entrap game; a spot where it is caught unawares. Hell is described as an ambush because God's rebels, being unaware, are fearless of it. As a result, they strut about, considering the world to be simply a den for their own self-indulgence, altogether incognizant of the possibility of being caught and punished. Thus Hell, being hidden from their eyes, is like an ambush wherein they are likely to be entrapped.
\r\nThe word ahqab (ages) used here denotes long periods of time, each period following the other in succession. Some misconstrue this word in the sense that while life in Paradise will be eternal, it will not be so in Hell. For these periods, no matter how long they are, will come to an end at some point. It is both unfair and reprehensible that a Quranic verse be interpreted in a sense that runs contrary to the thrust of other Quranic verses. On as many as 34 occasions, the Quran specifies that the inmates of Hell will remain there for ever. In three instances, the point is further reinforced, adding that it will be their eternal abode. By the same token, the pious will have Paradise as their eternal abode.
\r\nCompiled From:
\r\n "Towards Understanding The Quran" - Sayyid Abul Ala Mawdudi, Part 30, pp. 10, 11