Surah 21. Al-Anbiya, Ayah 13

For an explanation of the phrase ma utriftum fihi, see surah {11}, note [147].

The Qur'an does not say whose words these are, but the tenor of this passage indicates, I believe, that it is the scornful, self-accusing voice of the sinnirs' own conscience: hence my interpolation, between brackets, at the beginning of this verse.

See last note. 'You thought your homes so comfortable: why don't you go back to them? You will be called to account. Perhaps there may be rewards to be given you, who knows?' This irony is itself the beginning of the Punishment. But the ungodly now see how wrong they had been. But their signs and regrets now avail them nothing. It is too late. They are lost, and nothing can save them.