It was revealed concerning Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl, who fled to the sea in the year of the Conquest. A violent wind overtook them, and Ikrimah said, “If Allah saves me from this, I shall certainly return to Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and place my hand in his.” Then the wind subsided, and Ikrimah returned to Mecca, embraced Islam, and became an exemplary Muslim. (1)

Mujahid said: “Among them are those who are moderate in speech while concealing disbelief.” Al-Kalbi said: “Moderate in speech—that is, among the disbelievers—because some of them were more vehement in speech and more excessive in fabrication than others.”

“None rejects Our signs except every perfidious ingrate.” Khatr is the worst kind of treachery.

“O mankind, fear your Lord and fear a Day when no father will avail his child in any way, nor will a child avail his father in any way. Indeed, Allah’s promise is true. So do not let the life of this world deceive you, nor let the Deceiver deceive you concerning Allah. Indeed, Allah alone has knowledge of the Hour. He sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. No soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (33–34)

“O mankind, fear your Lord and fear a Day when no father will avail”—that is, will neither recompense nor benefit—“his child, nor will a child avail”—that is, benefit—“his father in any way.” Ibn Abbas said: “Every person will be preoccupied with himself.”

“Indeed, Allah’s promise is true. So do not let the life of this world deceive you, nor let the Deceiver deceive you concerning Allah”—that is, Satan. Sa‘id ibn Jubayr said: “It is for a person to commit sins while hoping for forgiveness.”

“Indeed, Allah alone has knowledge of the Hour”: this verse was revealed concerning al-Warith (2) ibn Amr ibn Harithah ibn Muharib ibn Hafsah, a man from the desert-dwellers. He came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and asked him about the Hour and when it would occur. He said, “Our land has become barren, so when will...”