(4) Destroyed [i.e., cursed] were the companions of the trench[1895]
[1895]- Or "May they be destroyed" or "cursed." The "companions of the trench" (or ditch) were agents of a tyrannical king who refused to allow his people to believe in Allāh. Their evil deed in obedience to their ruler earned for them the curse of Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) .
(7) And they, to what they were doing against the believers, were witnesses. [1896]
[1896]- After casting the believers into a trench filled with fire, they sat at its edge, watching them burn to death. This event occurred before the time of Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) .
(10) Indeed, those who have tortured[1898] the believing men and believing women and then have not repented will have the punishment of Hell, and they will have the punishment of the Burning Fire.
[1898]- Or, in this instance, the literal meaning of "burned" is also appropriate.
