Surah 41. Fussilat, Ayah 24

Sc., "unless God wills to reprieve them": see the last paragraph of 6:128 and the corresponding note [114]; also the hadith quoted in note [10] on 40:12 .

Lit., "they will not be of those who are allowed to make amends": an allusion to the request of the doomed, on the Day of Judgment, to be granted a "second chance" on earth, and to God's refusal of this request (cf. {6:27-28} and 32:12 ).

If they have patience: there is sarcasm in the meaning. "Let them not be impatient: they will soon find a home in the Fire of Hell! If they ask for grace and forgiveness then, it will be too late."