Thus, all these descriptions apply to the angels according to their respective duties. Allah Most High swears by the angels because they are among the best of created beings. Allah Most High swears only by something of great significance, whether in itself or because it is one of the signs of Allah, Mighty and Majestic.

Then He says: “On the Day when the first blast convulses creation, followed by the second.” Here, “On the Day when the first blast convulses” is connected to an omitted verb. The implied meaning is: Remember, O Muhammad, and remind the people of this tremendous Day: “On the Day when the first blast convulses creation, followed by the second.” These are the two blasts of the Trumpet. The first blast will cause people to quake and become terrified; then every last one of them will die, except whomever Allah wills. At the second blast, they will be raised from their graves, and all people will rise from their graves at once. Allah Most High says: “It will be but a single rebuking cry, and behold, they will be upon the open plain.” [al-Nāziāt: 13–14]

When the first blast convulses creation and is followed by the second, people will be divided into two groups: “Some hearts that Day will tremble in fear, their eyes downcast. They say, ‘Will we truly be restored to our former state, even after we have become decayed bones?’ They say, ‘That, then, would be a losing return.’” These are the hearts of the disbelievers. “Trembling in fear” means intensely afraid. “Their eyes downcast” means abased: they will scarcely be able to stare or look intently; rather, their eyes will be lowered—we seek refuge in Allah—because of their humiliation. Allah Most High says: “You will see them exposed to it, humbled by disgrace, looking with a furtive glance.” [al-Shūrā: 45]

As for the second group, their hearts will be the very opposite of these. Evidence for this division lies in His words, “Some hearts that Day,” with “hearts” expressed in the indefinite form. The meaning is therefore that other hearts will be the opposite.

“It will be but a single rebuking cry, and behold, they will be upon the open plain.” It will be a rebuking cry from Allah: they will be rebuked and shouted at, whereupon they will rise from their graves as one man upon the surface of the earth, after having lain within it. Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says: “It will be but a single blast, and behold, they will all be brought before Us.” [Yā-Sīn: 53] At this single word, all creation will emerge alive from their graves and then be brought before Allah, Mighty and Majestic, so that He may recompense them. Hence He says: “It will be but a single rebuking cry, and behold, they will be upon the open plain.” This is like His saying, Most High: “Our command is but…”