The Disbelievers Being Forced into the Fire

As previously mentioned, the blessings and benefits that believers experience in this world are connected to their blessings and rewards in the Hereafter. Conversely, the blessings given to disbelievers are disconnected and ultimately linked to punishment in the Hereafter, as the verse states: “And whoever has disbelieved—I will grant him enjoyment for a little; then I will force him to the punishment of the Fire, and wretched is the destination.” Similarly, “We grant them enjoyment for a little; then We will force them to a massive punishment” [31:24]. Thus, the outcome of their corruption is that they will suffer on the Day of Resurrection.

While their actions are voluntary, the punishment they receive is involuntary; this is because the outcome of their deeds is inherently harmful. Their being thrown or dragged toward Hell reflects this compulsion: “[The angels will be ordered,] ‘Seize him and shackle him. Then into Hellfire drive him’” [69:30-31]. And again: “The Day they are thrust toward the fire of Hell with a [violent] thrust” [52:13]. “When shackles are around their necks and chains; they will be dragged in the boiling water; then in the Fire they will be filled [with flame]” [40:71-72].

Ultimately, the oppressive disbelievers will become the fuel for Hell’s fire: “And as for the unjust, they will be, for Hell, firewood” [72:15]. This punishment is not merely external, where they burn in Hell; rather, they undergo an inner transformation leading to a terrible end: “...and wretched is the destination.” Just as fruit rots or a person falls ill due to poor eating habits and overeating, disbelievers, too, will experience an internal metamorphosis. Their nature will transform in the Hereafter, revealing itself as something monstrous—either as fire and fuel for Hell or as a manifestation of their inhuman inner state, resulting in a dreadful transformation.