“And during part of the night, prostrate yourself to Him”—that is, prostrate yourself [to Him] frequently, which can only be done by performing abundant prayer (1). “And glorify Him long into the night.” This unrestricted command has already been qualified by His words: “O you who are wrapped in your garments, stand in prayer at night, except for a little”—the verse (2).

[And His words,] “Indeed, these”—that is, those who deny you, O Messenger, after the signs have been made clear to them and they have been given both encouragement and warning. Yet none of that benefits them in the least. Rather, they persist in preferring “the fleeting world” and resting content with it, “and they leave”—that is, they abandon righteous action and neglect—“behind them,” meaning ahead of them, “a weighty Day.” This is the Day of Resurrection, whose measure is fifty thousand years by your reckoning. The Exalted also says: “The disbelievers will say, ‘This is a difficult Day.’” It is as though they were created only for this world and to remain in it.