Page 233
ʾinna fī dhālika la-ʾāyatan li-man khāfa ʿadhāba l-ʾākhirati dhālika yawmun majmūʿun lahu n-nāsu wa-dhālika yawmun mashhūdun
There is indeed a sign in that for those who fear the punishment of the Hereafter. That is a day on which all mankind will be gathered, and it is a day witnessed [by all creatures].
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah Hud – Verses 103 - 104
103. “Surely in that is a sign for him who fears the chastisement in the Hereafter, that is a Day (when) mankind are to be gathered to, and that Day witnessed (by all).”
104. “And We do not postpone it, but to an appointed term.”
In the previous noble verses, it was explicitly stated that as a general rule those who deny the truth will be dealt with accordingly, and will receive their deserved punishment. This subtle verse of the holy Qur’an also states that these instructive accounts and the awful, painful events which our predecessors experienced, are some signs toward the path of truth for those who fear the punishments of the Hereafter to seek the truth and follow Divine guidance.
The verse says:
“Surely in that is a sign for him who fears the chastisement in the Hereafter...”
In every aspect, this fleeting world is very insignificant as compared to the Hereafter even in punishment and reprisal. The next world is much more expansive in extent, and those who believe in the Resurrection will be trembling when they confront these worldly Signs. Towards the end of the verse, the Qur’an refers to two characteristics of the Day of Resurrection, by saying that it is the Day which is going to be witnessed by all, in such a way that all human beings will be present and see it for themselves.
The verse says:
“…that is a Day (when) mankind are to be gathered to, and that Day witnessed (by all).”
In view of the fact that some persons may claim that such a Day is a remote probability and it is not clear as to when it will arrive, so the Qur’an hastens to add that that Day will not be postponed except for a limited amount of time. This will be only done for the sake of expediency so that the people of the world may apprehend those scenes elucidated in the Qur’an for their education and that the programs of the prophets can be implemented as far as possible.
The verse says:
“And We do not postpone it, but to an appointed term.”