It was also said that it refers to the idolaters who were killed at Badr: the angels were striking their faces and backs. Sa‘id ibn Jubayr and Mujahid said: It means their buttocks, but Allah uses euphemistic language out of modesty. Ibn ‘Abbas said: When the idolaters advanced toward the Muslims, the angels struck their faces with swords; and when they turned in flight, the angels caught up with them and struck their backs.

Ibn Jurayj said: It means whatever was before them and whatever was behind them—that is, the angels struck all their bodies. Here, taking the souls means killing them.

“And taste the punishment of the Blazing Fire!” That is, the angels say to them: “Taste the punishment of the Blazing Fire!” It was also said that the angels had iron clubs with which they struck the disbelievers, whereupon fire would blaze up in their wounds. This is what Allah Most High means by His words: “And taste the punishment of the Blazing Fire!”

Al-Hasan said: This will take place on the Day of Resurrection, when the guardians of Hell will say to them: “Taste the punishment of the Blazing Fire!” Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: They say this to them after death.

“That is for what your hands have sent forth, and because Allah is never unjust to His servants. (51) Like the way of Pharaoh’s people and those before them: they disbelieved in Allah’s signs, so Allah seized them for their sins. Indeed, Allah is All-Strong, severe in punishment. (52)”