(42–43) Then Allah Most High said: “Never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only grants them respite until a Day when eyes will stare fixedly, * rushing headlong with their heads raised, their gaze not returning to them and their hearts utterly void.”

This is a severe warning to the wrongdoers and a consolation for those who have been wronged. Allah Most High says: “Never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do.” Although He grants them respite, lavishes provision upon them, and allows them to move throughout the lands in safety and ease, none of this indicates that they are in a good state. Allah gives the wrongdoer time and respite so that he may increase in sin; then, when He seizes him, He does not let him escape: “Such is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the towns while they are wrongdoing. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe.” Wrongdoing here includes both a person’s wrongdoing in his relationship with his Lord and his wrongdoing against Allah’s servants.

“He only grants them respite until a Day when eyes will stare fixedly”—that is, they will not blink because of the dreadful horrors they behold and the terrifying turmoil that has thrown them into alarm.

“Rushing headlong”—that is, hastening to answer the caller when he summons them to stand before Allah for the Reckoning. They will be unable to resist, escape, or find refuge. “With their heads raised”—that is, holding them aloft, for their hands will have been shackled to their chins, thereby forcing their heads upward. “Their gaze not returning to them and their hearts utterly void”—that is, their hearts will be hollow, having risen to their throats, yet filled with every kind of anxiety, anguish, sorrow, and agitation.