(22–26) “Gather those who committed wrongdoing, their counterparts, and whatever they used to worship * besides Allah, and lead them to the path of Hellfire. * Detain them, for they are to be questioned.”

That is, when they are brought forth on the Day of Resurrection, behold what they used to deny, and see what they used to ridicule, they will be ordered toward the Fire that they denied. It will be said: “Gather those who committed wrongdoing”—who wronged themselves through disbelief, polytheism, and sins—“and their counterparts,” meaning those whose deeds were of the same kind as theirs. Each person will be joined with those whose deeds resemble his own.

“And whatever they used to worship besides Allah,” including the idols and rivals they claimed for Him. Gather them all together, “and lead them to the path of Hellfire”; that is, drive them violently toward Hell.

After their destination in the Fire has been determined and they know that they belong to the ⦗702⦘ abode of ruin, it will be said: “Detain them,” before bringing them to Hell, “for they are to be questioned” about what they fabricated in this world, so that their lies and disgrace may be exposed before all witnesses.