فَلَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ تَوْصِيَةً وَلَا إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِمْ يَرْجِعُونَ
Then they will be unable to make a final request, nor will they return to their families
فَلَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ تَوْصِيَةً وَلَا إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِمْ يَرْجِعُونَ
Then they will be unable to make a final request, nor will they return to their families
This verse makes the suddenness of the preceding event still clearer. The blast overtakes those living at that time so swiftly that they have no opportunity to make a final request, leave instructions or return to their families.
Giving instructions or making a will is something people may try to do when they sense that death is approaching. They may want to settle an obligation, arrange their affairs or speak to loved ones for the last time. Yet the Quran describes a moment when there will be no time even for these things. Someone away from home will not be able to go back.
The scene invites us to value the opportunities still available. We can meet our obligations, make amends, help people in need and show love to those close to us today. No one is guaranteed that those opportunities will last indefinitely.
The connection with the call to give in وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ أَنْفِقُوا مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ اللَّهُ قَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنُطْعِمُ مَنْ لَوْ يَشَاءُ اللَّهُ أَطْعَمَهُ إِنْ أَنْتُمْ إِلَّا فِي ضَلَالٍ مُبِينٍAnd when they are told, 'Give from what God has provided you,' those who disbelieve say to those who believe, 'Should we feed someone whom God would have fed if He had willed? You are clearly astray!' is especially striking: someone who can help and fulfil a responsibility today should not continually put it off until tomorrow. A time will come when acting within this earthly life is no longer possible.