As for the Hereafter, it is “better for those who fear Allah” in its essence and qualities, its permanence and everlasting duration. It contains whatever souls desire and eyes delight in: bliss for hearts and spirits, and abundant joy and gladness. Yet it is not for everyone; it is only for those who fear Allah—those who obey His commands and refrain from what He has forbidden and prohibited. “Will you not then understand?” That is, will you not use your reason to discern which of the two abodes is more deserving of being preferred?

﴿33–35﴾ “We certainly know that what they say grieves you. It is not you whom they deny; rather, it is the signs of Allah that the wrongdoers reject. Messengers before you were also denied, yet they patiently endured rejection and persecution until Our help came to them. None can alter the words of Allah, and some accounts of the messengers have already reached you. If their turning away weighs heavily upon you, then—if you are able—seek a tunnel into the earth or a ladder into the sky and bring them a sign. Had Allah willed, He would have brought them all together upon guidance. So do not be among the ignorant.”

That is, We certainly know that what the deniers say about you grieves and distresses you. We did not ⦗255⦘ command you to exercise patience except so that you might attain lofty ranks and precious states. Do not suppose that their words arise from uncertainty about your mission or doubt concerning you. “It is not you whom they deny,” for they know your truthfulness, your comings and goings, and all your circumstances. Indeed, before the commencement of your mission, they used to call you al-Amīn (the Trustworthy). “Rather, it is the signs of Allah that the wrongdoers reject.” That is, their rejection is of the signs of Allah that He manifested at your hands (1).

“Messengers before you were also denied, yet they patiently endured rejection and persecution until Our help came to them.” So be patient as they were patient, and you will triumph as they triumphed. “Some accounts of the messengers have already reached you”—accounts by which your heart is strengthened and reassured.

“If their turning away weighs heavily upon you”—that is, if it causes you distress because of your deep concern for them and your desire that they believe—then exert your utmost effort in that regard. Yet it is not within your power to guide anyone whom Allah does not will to guide.

“Then—if you are able—seek a tunnel into the earth or a ladder into the sky and bring them a sign.” That is, do so, but it will not benefit them in the least. This puts an end to his hope of guiding the likes of these obstinate people.

“Had Allah willed, He would have brought them all together upon guidance.” His exalted wisdom, however, entailed that they should remain astray. “So do not be among the ignorant”—those who do not understand the true nature of matters or assign them their proper place.