“Indeed, the Day of Decision is the appointed time for them all: the Day when no relative will avail another relative in any way, nor will they be helped—except those upon whom Allah has mercy. Indeed, He is the Almighty, the Most Merciful. Indeed, the tree of zaqqum is food for the sinful.” (40–44)

“And We did not create the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in play. We created them only in truth.” It was said that this means: for the sake of truth—namely, reward for obedience and punishment for disobedience. “But most of them do not know.”

“Indeed, the Day of Decision” is the Day on which the Most Merciful will judge between His servants. “Is the appointed time for them all”: on the Day of Resurrection, the first and the last will all come forth.

“The Day when no relative will avail another relative in any way”: no relative will benefit his relative or ward anything off from him. “Nor will they be helped”: they will not be shielded from Allah’s punishment.

“Except those upon whom Allah has mercy”: this refers to the believers, for some of them will intercede for others. “Indeed, He is the Almighty” in His vengeance against His enemies, “the Most Merciful” toward the believers.

“Indeed, the tree of zaqqum is food for the sinful” [that is, one characterized by sin] (1), namely Abu Jahl.