Yet, the act of justification is to be dismissed, for when...
Yet, the act of justification is to be dismissed, for when some hell-dwellers tell others: “…Had it not been for you, we would certainly have been believers” [^2] , they will be addressed in this way: “…Nay, you (yourselves) were not believers.” [^3] However, to make up for a sin is out of the question, for when they ask Allah, saying: “…therefore send us back, we will do good…” [^4] , this will be the answer: “…By no means!
it is a (mere) word that he speaks…” [^5] which signifies: The case is not so for he utters such words verbally but he will be acting just in the same way if he be returned to his previous position in the world.
As for offering apologies it is also out of the question, for the Qur’an says: “They will not be allowed to put forth excuses.” [^6] As the issues involved in the Divine Court are keeping account and record of everything, as well as bearing testimony and witnesses, there will be no rooms left for apologizing, rationalizing or securing the other side’s consent. The verse says: “And (remember) the Day We will raise up a witness from every nation.
However, He proclaims in this holy verse that the Divine punishment on that day recognizes no alleviation nor postponement. Therefore, as soon as the pagans noticed the Hell Fire, and were subjected to the Divine punishment, there would be no alleviation involved for their chastisement, and no respite will be given to them, and their torment will be perpetual, because the time of regretting and repenting has passed.