Overview (Verses 7 - 14)

Differences and Blind Guessing

The same may be said about the second oath: "By the sky and its starry pathways you people are at variance in what you say abandoned by whoever wishes to turn away."(Verses 7-9) This oath is by the sky that is perfectly built, with pathways that are carefully interconnected, like the links of a chain. This may be one form clouds take as they gather in the sky, looking like a watery or sandy surface during or after a windy period. On the other hand, this description may be true of the permanent order of orbits that are perfectly coordinated and probably interconnected.

This oath, by the perfectly arranged sky, confirms that the unbelievers are at variance in what they say and believe. Their stand is shaky, lacking roots and foundations. People may abandon belief at will, or stick to it if they wish. There is no general agreement or coordination as to its validity. The situation is one of perpetual confusion and worry. Such is falsehood: shifting grounds and a maze without markings or light. It is always shifting like a desert sand, lacking firm basis and accurate measure. When people agree on some aspect of faith, they soon diverge and find themselves in dispute. Their confusion is seen even more clearly when it is shown against the background of the sky, which is perfectly ordered and coordinated.

The surah goes on to state that the unbelievers are deluded about the major question of the life to come. Their opinions are without a firm or true basis. They argue and dispute about a clear question of truth.
 
It then goes on to portray the Day of Judgement in such a way as they can actually see it:

Perish the ones given to blind guessing who are steeped in error, heedless of the truth. They ask: 'When will this Day of Judgement come?' That will be a day when they will be sorely tried by the fire. Taste this your trial' This is what you were keen to hasten. (Verses 10-14)

Such people indulge in blind guessing. It is God who invokes their killing. How terrible! Needless to say, such an invocation is a firm sentence, one that is certain to be enforced. "Perish the ones given to blind guessing." (Verse (10) Further clarification of their identity is added: "who are steeped in error, heedless of the truth." (Verse 11) They are so steeped in delusion and falsehood that they are unable to wake themselves up. The surah shows them to be totally unaware of anything around them, as if they are excessively drunk. They cannot see for themselves something that is very clear to anyone with a sound mind. "They ask: When will this Day of Judgement come?" (Verse 12) It is not a question that seeks information; rather, it is an expression of doubt and denial. Therefore, the surah shows them their position on that day which they claim to be highly improbable: "That will be a day when they will be sorely tried by the fire." (Verse 13) They will burn in the fire just as some metals are exposed to fire to determine their make up. This burning is coupled with strong remonstration: "Taste this your trial! This is what you were keen to hasten." (Verse 14) A quick scene showing their miserable end is the most fitting answer to their question that sought no information. This powerful scene of their end contrasts with the state of confusion that plagues their lives. Moreover, it confirms that God's invocation of their deaths is fulfilled in a most terrible way.