means a question seeking information, whereas His saying, “We shall surely question them all,” means questioning by way of rebuke and reprimand.

Ikrimah narrated from Ibn Abbas concerning the two verses: The Day of Resurrection is a long day, containing many stations. At some of these stations they will be questioned, while at others they will not be questioned. A parallel is His saying, “This is a Day when they will not speak” (al-Mursalat 77:35), while He says in another verse, “Then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will dispute before your Lord” (1) (al-Zumar 39:31).

“So proclaim openly what you have been commanded, and turn away from the idolaters (94). Indeed, We are sufficient for you against the mockers (95).”

Concerning His saying, “So proclaim openly what you have been commanded,” Ibn Abbas said: “Make it manifest.” It is also narrated from him: “Carry it out.”

Al-Dahhak said: “Announce it.”

Al-Akhfash said: “Separate”—that is, distinguish by means of the Quran between truth and falsehood.

Sibawayh said: “Execute what you have been commanded.” The root meaning of proclamation is separation and distinction. In this verse, the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, was commanded to make the call openly.

It is narrated from Abd Allah ibn Ubaydah that he said: He had remained discreet until this verse was revealed; then he and his Companions came forth (2).

“And turn away from the idolaters”: this was abrogated by the verse commanding fighting (3).

“Indeed, We are sufficient for you against the mockers”: Allah, exalted is He, says to His Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him: Proclaim Allah’s command openly, and fear no one besides Allah. For Allah will protect you from those who oppose you, just as He protected you from the mockers. They were five men among the leaders of Quraysh: al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah al-Makhzumi—who was their chief—al-As ibn Wa’il al-Sahmi; al-Aswad ibn Abd al-Muttalib ibn al-Harith ibn Asad ibn Abd al-Uzza ibn Zam’ah, against whom the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, had prayed, saying, “O Allah, blind his sight and bereave him of his child”; al-Aswad ibn Abd Yaghuth ibn Wahb ibn Abd Manaf ibn Zuhrah; and al-Harith ibn Qays ibn al-Talatilah.

Gabriel came to Muhammad, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, while the mockers were circumambulating the House. Gabriel stood, and the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, stood beside him. Al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah passed by, and Gabriel said, “O Muhammad, what do you think of this man?” He replied, “What an evil servant of Allah.” Gabriel said, “You have been spared him,” and gestured toward al-Walid’s shin.

He then passed by a man from Khuza’ah, an arrow-maker who was feathering arrows. He was wearing a Yemeni mantle and dragging his lower garment. A splinter from an arrow caught on his garment, but pride prevented him from “lowering his head” (4) to remove it. It kept striking his shin until it scratched him; he fell ill from it and died.