The Qur’an often employs metaphors to convey profound messages, and its verses are filled with layers of meaning, both spiritual and scientific. One striking example is the phrase “taste the pain,” a metaphor for experiencing intense suffering. While it’s typically understood as a metaphor, modern scientific research has uncovered a fascinating truth that reveals this expression may also be literal. In this exploration, we will examine the deeper meaning of this verse from Surah An-Nisa and how science aligns with its metaphorical and literal interpretations.

The term “taste the pain” is used frequently in modern-day dialogue to describe a punishment entailing intense or severe pain. This same term is used in the Qur’an and is typically understood as a metaphor, but new scientific research reveals how “tasting” the pain is also a literal sensation. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 56, God states:

Based on previous scientific research, we know pain receptors are located in the skin. These pain receptors, called nociceptors, are activated when the skin burns, but these are not the only receptors we use as a method of heat detection. There is another family of biological molecules, named transient receptor potential (TRP) channels that are activated and able to detect heat and burning sensations. There are 28 different types of TRP channels, but the specific channels that are activated during heat stimulation are the same ones that are associated with the sensation of taste.

Under scenarios of extreme heat and stress, the specific TRP channels that are activated in the skin cells are also activated in tongue and taste receptor cells. This means if you were being burned, you would feel the burning sensation on your skin, but you would also be perceiving strong unpleasant taste sensations too, like acidity, pepper and ginger.