and the consensus of the early generations. Moreover, certainty is attained by others as well. Even the wicked will, on the Day of Resurrection, see that what they were promised is true and certain. This is not the place for an extended discussion establishing that Allah, Mighty and Majestic, will be seen or examining the evidence of both sides, for—praise be to Allah—the matter is too clear to warrant lengthy discussion (1).

“Then indeed they will burn in Hellfire.” That is, these wicked people “will indeed burn in Hellfire”: they will suffer its heat or punishment. We ask Allah to keep us safe. Then, by way of rebuke and reproach, it will be said to them, “This is what you used to deny.” Thus, physical punishment and pain from burning in the Fire will be combined for them with the torment of the heart through reproach and the anguish of regret, when it is said, “This is what you used to deny.” They therefore say, “If only we could be sent back! Then we would not deny the signs of our Lord, and we would be among the believers.” Allah Most High says:

“Rather, what they used to conceal has now become manifest to them. If they were sent back, they would certainly return to what they had been forbidden. They are indeed liars.” [Cattle: 28].

After mentioning the condition of the wicked and the punishment awaiting them, Allah Most High mentions the condition of the righteous and the bliss awaiting them. He says:

“No indeed! The record of the righteous is surely in Illiyyūn. And what will make you realize what Illiyyūn is? It is an inscribed record, witnessed by those brought near. Indeed, the righteous will be in bliss, gazing from couches. You will recognize in their faces the radiance of bliss. They will be given sealed nectar to drink, whose seal is musk. For that, then, let those who compete strive to outdo one another. Its blend will be from Tasnīm—a spring from which those brought near drink.”

“No indeed! The record of the righteous is surely in Illiyyūn.” In this verse, Allah, Mighty and Majestic, makes a statement emphasized by the particle inna, for inna is one of the particles of emphasis in Arabic. If you say, “The man is standing,” this is an unemphatic statement. But if you say, “Indeed, the man is standing,” it becomes an emphatic statement. Thus Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says: “Indeed, the record of the righteous…”