(1–15) “In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. By those sent forth with goodness * then those that sweep violently * and those that spread far and wide * then those that distinguish decisively * then those that deliver a reminder * leaving no excuse or giving warning * surely what you are promised will come to pass * when the stars are effaced * and when the sky is cleft open * and when the mountains are blown away * and when the messengers are assigned their appointed time * For what Day have they been deferred? * For the Day of Decision * And what will make you realize what the Day of Decision is? * Woe on that Day to the deniers!”

Allah Most High swears by those sent forth with goodness to the truth of resurrection and recompense for deeds (1). They are the angels whom Allah Most High sends to carry out matters pertaining to His decree and governance of the world, as well as matters pertaining to His revealed law and His revelation to His messengers.

“With goodness” is a circumstantial qualifier of “those sent forth”; that is, they are sent with goodness, wisdom, and benefit—not with evil or futility.

“Then those that sweep violently”: They are [also] the angels whom Allah Most High sends. He describes them as hastening to obey His command and swiftly carrying out His orders, like a raging wind. Alternatively, “those that sweep violently” refers to fierce winds that blow swiftly.

“And those that spread far and wide”: This may refer to the angels (2), who spread what they have been charged with spreading; or it may refer to the clouds through which Allah revives the earth, bringing it back to life after its death.

“Then those that deliver a reminder”: They are the angels, who convey the noblest of commands: the Reminder, through which ⦗904⦘ Allah shows mercy to His servants and reminds them of what benefits them and serves their interests. They deliver it to the messengers.

“Leaving no excuse or giving warning”: that is, leaving people no excuse and warning them. They warn people of the terrors ahead of them and cut off their excuse (3), so that they have no argument against Allah.

“Surely what you are promised”—namely, resurrection and recompense for deeds—“will come to pass”; that is, its occurrence is inevitable, without any doubt or uncertainty.

When it occurs, the world will undergo transformations and terrible horrors that will alarm hearts and intensify distress. The stars will be effaced—that is, they will scatter and leave their places—and the mountains will be blown away, becoming like scattered dust. They and the earth will become a flat, level plain, with neither depression nor elevation to be seen. That Day is the Day appointed for the messengers; they have been deferred until judgment is passed between them and their nations. Hence He said:

“For what Day have they been deferred?” This is a question intended to exalt and magnify that Day and inspire terror.