19:84

Asad Hence, be not in haste [to call down God's punishment] upon them: for We but number the number of their days. 73

Asad (19:85) On the Day when We shall gather the God-conscious unto [Us,] the Most Gracious, as honored guests,

Asad (19:86) and drive those who were lost in sin unto

hell as a thirsty herd is driven to a well –

Asad (19:87) [on that Day] none will have [the benefit of]

intercession unless he has [in his lifetime] entered into a bond with the Most Gracious. 74

[[ Asad’s notes

73 Lit., "We number for them but a number". Cf. also the first sentence of verse 75 above.

74 Lit., "except him who has...", etc. According to the classical commentators - including some of

the most outstanding Companions of the Prophet - the "bond with God" denotes, in this context, the realization of His oneness and niqueness; for the wider implications of this term, see surah 2, note 19. Consequently, as pointed out by Razi, even great sinners may hope for God's forgiveness - symbolically expressed by the right of intercession" which will be granted to the prophets on Judgment Day (see note 7 on 10:3)- provided that, during their life on earth, they were aware of

God's existence and oneness. ]]