A multitude from the ancients. 39 And a multitude from the later generations. 40 And the companions of the left - what are the companions of the left? 41 [They will be] in scorching fire and scalding water 42 and the shadows of black smoke 43 Neither cool nor agreeable. 44 They were endowed with good things 45 and would persist in heinous sinning, 46 And said: "What! When we are dead and turned to dust and bones, shall we then be raised again? 47 and perhaps, too, our forebears of old?" 48 Say, [O Muhammad], "Indeed, the former and the later peoples 49 Are going to be assembled on the appointed time of a Day Known. 50 Then lo! ye, the erring, the deniers, 51 you shall eat (the fruit) of the Tree of Zakkum. 52 and fill your bellies with it, 53 And thereon ye will drink of boiling water, 54 and you will drink as the lapping of thirsty camels. 55 This is their reception on the Day of Justice. 56 We created you, why will you not believe! 57 Have you thought about what (sperm) you ejaculate? 58 Do you create it, or We are its creator? 59 It is We who have ordained death for all of you; and We cannot be prevented 60 that We may exchange the likes of you, and make you to grow again in a fashion you know not. 61 And ye certainly know already the first form of creation: why then do ye not celebrate His praises? 62 Tell Me! The seed that you sow in the ground. 63 Is it you who cause them to grow or do We? 64 If We so wished, We could have reduced your harvest to rubble, and you would have been left wonder-struck to exclaim: 65 (Saying): "We are indeed Mughramun (i.e. ruined or lost the money without any profit, or punished by the loss of all that we spend for cultivation, etc.)! [See Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, Vol. 17, Page 219] 66 Nay, but we have been deprived [of our livelihood]!" 67 Have you thought about the water you drink? 68 Is it you that send it down from the clouds, or are We the senders? 69 If We pleased, We would have made it salty; why do you not then give thanks? 70 Have you seen the fire which you kindle? 71 Is it you who produced its tree, or are We the producer? 72 We have made it as a reminder of hell and as a utility for travellers in the jungle. 73 So exalt the name of your Lord, the Most Great. 74