Verse 66 says...

Verse 66 says: “Do they only wait for the Hour that it shall come upon them all of a sudden while they are unaware?” The rhetorical question expresses the real circumstances of such people according to which those who do not listen to anyone providing advice out of one’s kind heart and thereby paves the path for his perdition. In this respect, it is said that such a person waits for his own death!

The word “Hour” (sa’a) in this Verse and many other Verses indicate the Day of Resurrection, the happenings of which occur immediately as if they all happen in one single hour. However, the word at times signifies the last moment of the world. Since the two meanings are not too far from each other, it may indicate both. The coming of the Day of Resurrection to occur all of a sudden is depicted in the blessed Verse in question.

Two points are here raised: firstly, its sudden occurrence (baghtatan), and secondly, people being uninformed of the hour of its occurrence. It is needless to say that something may suddenly occur but we are informed of it beforehand and prepare ourselves to encounter its aftermath; however, it would be unfortunate when a dire incident occurs all of a sudden and we happen to be totally unaware of its occurrence.

The sinful live in such state, in other words, they are caught by surprise to the extent that according to some traditions narrated from the Noble Prophet of Islam (S): “The hour shall come when (people are preoccupied with their daily affairs) men milk ewes and [other] me unroll fabric [for trade];” then the Noble Prophet (S) recited the blessed Verse: ‘Do they only wait for the Hour that it shall come upon them all of a sudden while they are unaware?’” [^1] It would be very painful to be unaware of an irretrievable occurrence and be caught in surprise.

Verse 67 depicts the state of the friends extending their hands toward each other in pursuit of corruption and the gaudy mammon saying: “Friends on that Day will be foes to each other except the pious.” The word: akhilla’ (“friends”) is the plural form of khalil (“friend”) derives from khulla (“friendship”).

Depicting the scenes of the Day of Resurrection, the Verse in question clearly reveals that the word: “Hour” also used in the preceding Verse indicates the Day of Resurrection, when all bonds of friendship break off unless those established for God and in His Name.