(8–18) “On the Day when the sky will be like molten lead, * the mountains will be like tufts of wool, * and no close friend will ask about another.”

“On the Day” means the Day of Resurrection, when these momentous events will occur. “The sky will be like molten lead,” because it will split apart and terror will overwhelm it completely.

“The mountains will be like tufts of wool”—that is, fluffed wool. Thereafter, they will become scattered dust and vanish. If such turmoil and upheaval befall these immense, solid bodies, then what do you think will become of the weak servant whose back is weighed down by sins and burdens?

Is it not fitting that his heart should be stricken, his mind shaken, and that he should become oblivious to everyone else? Hence He says: “No close friend will ask about another, * though they will be made to see one another.” That is, a close friend will see his companion, yet there will remain no room in his heart to ask how he is, nor to attend to anything arising from their companionship and affection. His only concern will be himself.