(17–24) “Indeed, those who believe, those who are Jews, the Sabeans, the Christians, the Magians, and those who associate partners with Allah—Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, Allah is Witness over all things. Do you not see that whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on earth prostrates to Allah, as do the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the animals, and many people? Yet there are many upon whom the punishment has become due. Whoever Allah disgraces, none can honor. Indeed, Allah does whatever He wills. These are two adversaries who have disputed concerning their Lord,” up to His words: ⦗536⦘ “And they were guided to the path of the Praiseworthy.”
The Most High informs us about the various communities of the earth: those who were given Scripture—the believers, the Jews, the Christians, and the Sabeans—as well as the Magians and the polytheists. Allah will gather them all on the Day of Resurrection, judge between them with His just judgment, and recompense them for their deeds, which He has preserved, recorded, and witnessed. Hence He says, “Indeed, Allah is Witness over all things.” He then sets out this judgment between them in detail, saying, “These are two adversaries who have disputed concerning their Lord,” each claiming to be in the right.
“As for those who disbelieve” includes every disbeliever, whether Jewish, Christian, Magian, Sabean, or polytheist.
“Garments of fire will be cut out for them”—that is, garments of pitch will be made for them and set ablaze, so that the punishment envelops them from every side.
“Boiling water will be poured over their heads.” Because of its intense heat and terrible force, this extremely hot water will melt the flesh, fat, and entrails within their bellies. “And for them are iron maces,” held by stern and mighty angels, who strike them and beat them down therein. “Whenever they wish to emerge from it because of their anguish, they will be returned to it.” Thus, the punishment will never abate for them, nor will they be granted respite. They will be told in rebuke, “Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire”—that is, the fire that burns hearts and bodies.
“Indeed, Allah will admit those who believe and perform righteous deeds into Gardens beneath which rivers flow.” It is well known that this description applies to none but the Muslims, who believe in all the Scriptures and all the messengers. “They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold”—that is, gold bracelets will be placed around the wrists of their men and women alike.
“And their clothing therein will be silk.” Their bliss is thus made complete by the mention of the varieties of delightful foods encompassed by the word “Gardens”; the freely flowing rivers—rivers of water, milk, honey, and wine; and the various kinds of clothing and splendid ornaments.