(19–20) “What of one against whom the decree of punishment has become inevitable? Can you then save someone who is in the Fire? * But those who fear their Lord will have lofty chambers, with other chambers built above them, beneath which rivers flow. This is Allah’s promise. Allah never fails in His promise.”

That is, what of one against whom the decree of punishment has become binding because he persists in his error, defiance, and disbelief? There is nothing you can do to guide him, nor can you save one who will inevitably be in the Fire.

But true wealth—all wealth—and true triumph—all triumph—belong to those who fear Allah, for whom He has prepared such honor and varieties of bliss as are beyond all measure.

“They will have lofty chambers,” meaning elevated, ornamented dwellings. Such is their beauty, splendor, and purity that their exterior can be seen from within and their interior from without. Because of their loftiness and elevation, [they] (1) can be seen just as a distant star is seen on the eastern or western horizon. Hence He says, “with other chambers above them,” meaning one above another, “built” of gold and silver, with the most fragrant musk as their mortar.

“Beneath which rivers flow”—gushing rivers that water flourishing gardens and pure trees, which yield all kinds of delicious fruits and ripe produce.

“This is Allah’s promise. Allah never fails in His promise.” He has promised those who fear Him this reward, so it must assuredly be fulfilled. Let them, therefore, fully uphold the qualities of piety, so that He may grant them their rewards in full.