(28–30) “They say, ‘When will this decision come, if you are truthful?’ Say, ‘On the Day of Decision, the faith of those who disbelieve will not benefit them, nor will they be granted respite.’ So turn away from them and wait. They too are waiting.”

That is, out of ignorance and obstinacy, the evildoers demand that the punishment promised them for their denial be hastened.

“They say, ‘When will this decision come’—the decision between us and you, whereby we will be punished, as you claim—‘if you,’ O messengers, ‘are truthful’ in your claim?”

“Say, ‘On the Day of Decision,’” when your punishment befalls you, you will gain nothing from it. If, once it came, you were granted time to make amends for what you had missed—after the matter had become certain to you—there might be some point to it. But when the Day of Decision comes, the matter will be over and there will no longer be any room for trial. Thus, “the faith of those who disbelieve will not benefit them,” because it will then be faith compelled by necessity, “nor will they be granted respite”—that is, they will not be given time, with the punishment delayed so that they may rectify their affairs.

“So turn away from them,” now that their words have reached such a degree of ignorance and they demand that the punishment be hastened. “And wait” for what will befall them, for it must inevitably come. It has, however, an appointed time which, when it comes, can neither be brought forward nor delayed. “They too are waiting” for the calamities of time to befall you and watching for turns of ill fortune to overtake you. Yet the ultimate outcome belongs to piety.

The commentary on Sūrat al-Sajda is complete—by Allah’s power and grace. To Him Most High belong all perfect praise, laudation, and glory.