Overview (Verses 49 - 54)

Mercy: the Essential Quality
 
All they are waiting for is a single blast that will overtake them while they are still disputing. No time will they have to make bequests, nor will they return to their own people. The Trumpet will be sounded, and out of their graves they will rise and hasten to their Lord. They will say: ‘Woe betide us! Who has roused us from our resting place? This is what the Lord of Grace had promised. The messengers told the truth.’ It takes nothing but one single blast, and they will all have been brought before Us. (Verses 49-53) Here we see the answer to the question about the time of resurrection: it comes in the form of a quick image, a single blast that ends all life. “All they are waiting for is a single blast that will overtake them while they are still disputing. No time will they have to make bequests, nor will they return to their own people.” (Verses 49-50) It takes them suddenly, in a moment, as they argue and dispute going about their day-to-day lives, expecting nothing of the sort. Then it is all over. All perish in the situation and the condition they are in. They have no chance to make a will or to arrange something for loved ones who may stay behind. No one can return to his family to say a word to them. In fact every single person faces the same end, with all life finished.
 
The Trumpet is then sounded and they all rise from their graves, moving hurriedly, shocked, in fear. The question on everyone’s lips is: “Who has roused us from our resting place?” (Verse 52) As the shock begins to wear off, it is replaced by a growing realization: “This is what the Lord of Grace had promised. The messengers told the truth.” (Verse 52) Then comes the final blast and all those bewildered individuals, moving hurriedly and aimlessly, take their positions: “It takes nothing but one single blast, and they will all have been brought before Us.” (Verse 53) Only a short moment and all are stationed in place, ranged in rows as if they were in a parade. The supreme decree explaining the nature of the moment as well as the forthcoming reckoning and reward is announced to all: “Today, no one shall be wronged in the least: you will be requited for nothing other than that which you did in life.” (Verse 54) The quick succession of these three images forms a complete and coherent answer to those who have been voicing doubts about the Day of Resurrection.