Thus, these nations, which rejected the messengers and associated partners with their Lord, acknowledged Allah and His angels. How much more, then, would others do so? It is therefore clear that acknowledgment of the Lord and His angels is widespread among the nations. For this reason, He did not swear an oath to affirm it; rather, He swore to affirm His oneness, because most of them associate partners with Him.

Likewise, “those that scatter,” “those that bear,” and “those that sail” are things people witness, while “those who apportion affairs” are the angels. Thus, what He swore by did not itself include what He was affirming by the oath, so He stated what the oath affirmed. He, exalted is He, said:

“What you are promised is surely true, and judgment will surely come to pass.”

As for “those sent forth”—whether they are the angels descending with revelation, with the oath affirming recompense in the Hereafter, or the winds, or both—they too are known. As for “those who wrench out forcefully,” they are the angels who take souls. This entails recompense, which is among the greatest matters affirmed by these oaths.

He, exalted is He, said:

“Say, ‘The Angel of Death, who has been entrusted with you, will take your souls; then to your Lord you will be returned.’”

And He, exalted is He, said:

“Our messengers take his soul, and they never neglect their duty.”

“Then they are returned to Allah, their true Master.”

… (1) He, and none but He helps one worship Him. This certainty gives rise to seeking His help and placing one’s trust in Him,