His words,

“What, then, makes you deny the Recompense after this?”

refer to recompense for deeds in this world, the intermediate realm after death, and the Hereafter. For He has sworn by the places of these messengers, who were sent with clear signs indicating Allah’s commands and prohibitions, His promises and warnings, bringing glad tidings to the believers and warning the disbelievers. By these places, He has sworn that man, after being created in the best form, will have an unending reward if he believes and does righteous deeds; otherwise, he will be among the lowest of the low. Thus, the surah explains the message entrusted to these messengers by whose places He swore.

Swearing by the places of their trials honours them, for if a person’s place is honoured on his account, that person is even more deserving of honour. Hence correspondence uses expressions such as, “To the lofty and exalted assembly, residence, or the like.” The place is mentioned with deference and veneration, while its occupant is intended.

Thus, His words,

“What, then, makes you deny the Recompense after this?”

indicate that the preceding passage has explained what should preclude denial of the Recompense. There are two interpretations of His word yukadhdhibuka.

One is that it addresses man, as stated by Mujāhid, ‘Ikrimah, and Muqātil. Al-Baghawī mentions no other interpretation. ‘Ikrimah said: “He is saying: What, after this, makes you deny these things that I have done for you?”

And it is reported from Muqātil: