Surah al-Qiyāmah (The Resurrection)

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.

[Surah al-Qiyāmah (75): verse 36]
“Does man think that he will be left without purpose?” (36)

Al-Shāfiʿī, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “That is, left unattended, neither commanded nor forbidden?”

Others said: “Neither rewarded nor punished.”

The two explanations amount to the same thing, for reward and punishment are the ultimate outcome of commands and prohibitions. He, glorified be He, created them to command and forbid them in this world, and to reward and punish them in the Hereafter.

Thus, He, glorified be He, rebuked anyone who claimed that he would be left without purpose—the rebuke of One who has instilled in reason the recognition that this is objectionable and repugnant, and that it is unbefitting to attribute such a thing to the Wisest of judges.