َ وَامْرَأَتُهُ حَمَّالَةَ الْحَطَبِ ﴿۴﴾ فِي جِيدِهَا حَبْلٌ مِنْ مَسَدٍ ﴿۵﴾

﴾4﴿ Wamra-atuhoo hammaa latal-hatab
﴾5﴿ Fee jeedihaa hablum mim-masad

﴾4﴿ And his wife, the carrier of firewood
﴾5﴿ Around her neck is a rope of twisted palm fiber

[4] This passage highlights the disgrace of Abu Lahab’s wife to complete the picture of Abu Lahab’s own disgrace. Both husband and wife were equally vile, so they are equally tormented in punishment. The phrase "حَمَّالَةَ" (carrier) is an intensified form of "حَمْل" (to carry). "الْحَطَب" literally means wood or firewood. Scholars have provided various interpretations regarding its meaning—whether it is to be understood literally or figuratively. If taken literally, there are two explanations:
1. According to Ibn Zayd, this woman used to bring thorny branches and throw them on the paths of the Prophet (May Allah bless him and give him peace) and his companions at night to obstruct their way to the Sacred Mosque or cause them harm. This was a despicable act of hostility.
2. Despite being wealthy, she was extremely stingy, carrying firewood on her head and shoulders from the mountains to her home instead of buying it. This highlights the extreme miserliness and meanness in her character.
If taken figuratively, there are also two interpretations:
1. She was a tale-bearer, spreading gossip among people, especially against the Prophet (May Allah bless him and give him peace), to create discord and division. This is a dishonorable and disgraceful act.
2. "Firewood" is metaphorical for sins—she committed multiple transgressions, including disbelief (kufr), polytheism (shirk), gossiping, and mocking the Prophet (May Allah bless him and give him peace). Instead of calling him Muhammad, she insulted him by calling him "Mudhammam" (the dispraised one).
[5] This passage describes the wretched state of Abu Lahab’s wife, either in this world or in the Hereafter. If referring to this world, there are three interpretations:
1. She used to carry bundles of firewood in a manner where she tied a rope around her neck like laborers and placed the bundle on her back.
2. Once, while carrying thorny branches, the rope of the bundle got tangled around her neck, causing her to strangle and die.
3. She wore a necklace of pearls and beads, similar to how many superstitious people and mystics wear them today.
If referring to the Hereafter, the word "مسد" (Masad) is a metaphor for the chains of Hell, which will be placed around her neck as a form of eternal punishment. In Arabic, "مسد" refers to a rope woven tightly from palm fibers, known for its strength and durability, making it difficult to break. Such a rope could also be used to hang or strangle someone.