Surah Al Ahqaf Notes (33-35)

Source: Ibn Kathir

Evidence for Life after Death

(33) Do they not see that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and was not wearied by their creation, is Able to give life to the dead? Yes, He surely is Able to do all things.

Allah says those who deny resurrection on Judgement Day, and doubt that the bodies will be raised on that Last Day -- Do they not see,

(that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and was not wearied by their creation,) meaning, the creation of the heavens and earth did not exhaust Him.' Rather, He commanded them: "Be,'' and they were, without any refusal or delay. They obeyed and responded to Him with submission and fear. Is He not then able to revive the dead This is similar to what Allah said elsewhere,

(Verily, the creation of the heavens and earth is greater than the creation of the people. But most people do not know.) (40:57) 

Allah responds to the above question by saying,

(Yes, He surely is Able to do all things.) Then Allah says, as a threat and a warning to whoever disbelieves in Him,

(34) And on the Day when those who disbelieve will be exposed to the Fire (it will be said to them): "Is this not the truth?" They will say: "Yes, By our Lord!" He will say: "Then taste the torment because you used to disbelieve!"

(And on the Day when those who disbelieve will be exposed to the Fire (it will be said to them): "Is this not the truth'' ) meaning, it will be said to them, "Isn't this the truth Is this magic, or do you not see''

(They will say: "Yes, by our Lord!'') meaning, they will have no choice but to confess.

(He will say: "Then taste the torment because you used to disbelieve!'')

Commanding the Prophet to persevere

(35) Therefore be patient (O Muhammad SAW) as did the Messengers of strong will and be in no haste about them (disbelievers).On the Day when they will see that (torment) with which they are promised (i.e. threatened, it will be) as if they had not stayed more than an hour in a single day. (O mankind! This Quran is sufficient as) a clear Message (or proclamation to save yourself from destruction). But shall any be destroyed except the people who are Al-Fasiqun (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah)?

Allah then commands His Messenger to observe patience with those who rejected him among his people. He says,

(Therefore be patient as did those of determination among the Messengers.) meaning, as they were patient with their people's rejection of them. "Those of determination'' among the Messengers are Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, `Isa and the last of all of the Prophets, Muhammad. Allah has specifically mentioned their names in two Ayat: Surat Al-Ahzab (33:7) and Surat Ash-Shura (42:13).

(and be in no hurry for them.) which means, `do not rush the punishment for them.' 

This is similar to Allah's saying:

(And leave Me alone to deal with the rejectors, those who are in possession of good things of life. And give them respite for a little while.) (73:11)

(On the Day when they will see that which they are promised, it will be as though they had not remained (in the world) except an hour in a day.) Which is similar to Allah's saying,

(On the Day they see it (the Hour), it will be as though they had not remained (in the world) except for a day's afternoon or it's morning.) (79:46) 

(A clear message.) meaning, this Qur'an provides a clear concept.

(But will any be destroyed except the defiantly rebellious people) Which means that Allah does not destroy anyone except those who choose the way of destruction. It is part of Allah's justice that He does not punish anyone except those who deserve the punishment -- and Allah knows best. This concludes the explanation of Surat Al-Ahqaf. And all praise and blessings are due to Allah. Both success and protection from faults are by His help.