The third verse speaks of the unjust people, the

People of the Pharaoh who just the opposite of the martyrs. Their condition after death has been described as ““They are exposed to the fire every morn and eve, and on the Day when the Hour of reckoning is established “Give the people of the Pharaoh the severest punishment.”

It is clear that the fire that the people of Pharaoh face morning and evening is the fire of Purgatory because they have left this world and the Day of Judgment has not been established. More over they will not be punished in this manner during the Day of Reckoning but they will then face the ever lasting punishment. (As per the words of this world.)

 This verse of the Qura’n is living proof of the eternal life of the soul for if the soul is not left then what is brought before the fire morning and evening? Only the lifeless earthly body? What is the benefit then and how will it be affected? It is therefore, necessary that the soul be alive with all its senses so that it can face punishment morning and evening in purgatory.

The words “Guduww” and “Ashiyy” morning and evening may have been used because these times are the ones in which the evil ones display their power, pomp and wining and dining and that is why God’s curse is imposed in them.

The verse then speaks about their being subjected to fire when the word “Yu-razuun” is something different. This may refer to being close to the fire and they may be close to the fire in purgatory but will be pushed in to it on the Day of Judgment.

Many commentators consider this verse to be about the punishment in the grave and purgatory. (1) And it is certain the punishment in the grave and purgatory has no meaning without the life and existence of the soul.

The Holy Messenger of Islam says:

“Whoever among you goes from this world is to him and if he belongs to Hell then he is shown this place of the Qiyamah night and day. If he belongs to paradise then that is shown hell and it is said, “This will be your station on the Day of Reckoning and these words will be the cause of his despair or happiness.”(2)

We learn from this Hadith that the punishment and comfort in purgatory is not limited to the martyrs and the people of the Pharaoh but everyone is included

1. Tafsir Majmaul Bayan vol.7-8 page 525, Tafsir Kabeer vol.27 page 73, Tafsir Qartabi vol.8 page 5763 and Tafsir Al Mizan vol. 7-8 page 354.

2. This Hadith has been taken from Sahih Bokhari and Sahih Muslim and recorded in Majmaul Bayan (vol.7-8 page 524)