(10–11) “They say, ‘When we have disintegrated into the earth, will we truly be created anew?’ Rather, they disbelieve in the meeting with their Lord. Say, ‘The Angel of Death, who has been put in charge of you, will take you in death; then you will be returned to your Lord.’”

That is, those who denied the resurrection said, deeming it far-fetched: “When we have disintegrated into the earth”—that is, when we have decayed, been torn apart, and dispersed in places unknown—“will we truly be created anew?” That is, will we really be raised in a new creation? They supposed this to be among the most far-fetched of things because they measured the Creator’s power by their own.

Their words were not spoken in pursuit of the truth. Rather, they arose solely from wrongdoing, obstinacy, disbelief in meeting their Lord, and denial. He therefore said: “Rather, they disbelieve in the meeting with their Lord.” The source and purpose of their words are thus known (1). Had their aim been to ascertain the truth, He would have presented them with decisive proofs of it that would make it as plainly perceptible to inner sight as the sun is to physical sight.

It should suffice them that they know they were first brought into existence from nothing, for bringing them back is easier than originating them. Likewise, Allah sends rain upon the dead earth, whereupon it comes to life after its death and its scattered seeds sprout through that rain.

“Say, ‘The Angel of Death, who has been put in charge of you, will take you in death’”; that is, Allah appointed him to take souls, and he has assistants. “Then you will be returned to your Lord,” and He will recompense you for your deeds. You have denied the resurrection, so see what Allah will do with you.