This chapter is focused on expounding the origin and the return (al-mabdaʾ wa al-maʿād) and establishing proofs for both. It also seeks to expel anxiety about this from people’s hearts by referring to prophethood and the Book, and explaining what distinguishes those who believe in God’s signs from the sinners who have forsaken the garment of servanthood. God promises unimaginable rewards to the first group and warns the later of a severe and everlasting retribution. He says they will taste the nearer punishment before the greater one. The chapter concludes by emphasizing this warning and bidding the Prophet to wait as the sinful are waiting.
The chapter is entirely Meccan in provenance, save for verses 18 to 20, which some say are Medinan.
