Another interpretation is that it implies censuring all...

Another interpretation is that it implies censuring all mankind on the Day of Resurrection, such that the believers reproach themselves for not having done more good righteous deeds and the disbelievers reproach themselves for having trodden the path of disbelief, polytheism, and sin. Some exegetes hold that the self-reproaching self reflects that of the disbeliever that reproaches him for having done evil deeds.

However, the first interpretation is in line with the preceding and the following blessed Verses. The tribunal of the conscience is so majestic and cherished that God Almighty swears by it and regards it as something significant. It is truly majestic, since it is one of the most significant of human means of salvation provided that the conscience happens to be awakened rather than enfeebled by the burden of sins.

It is also worthy of note that the object of the oath (muqassamun lahu) is omitted as the contextual meaning of the following blessed Verses reflect the same.

Thus, the blessed Verses in question say: "By the Day of Resurrection and the self-reproaching slef that you shall be all raised on the Day of Resurrection and shall be recompensed for your deeds." It is interesting that the blessed Verse swears by the Day of Resurrection that there shall be Resurrection, reflecting that it is regarded as a certainty by which one may swear against those who belie it.

Finally, different selves have been enumerated in the Qur’anic Verses, the traditions, and the prayers. The soul that bids to evil (nafs ammara bi-’l-su’) and may lead to decadence and corruption if it is unchecked by reason and faith. Thus, it is reflected in the Qur’an: "Verily [there is] the soul that bids to evil unless My Lord bestows Mercy [upon me]." Such self bids man to commit evil deeds, unless God Almighty grants mercy.

It persists in bidding man to evil so that he may be entangled with the evil consequences of his evil deeds.

In this vein, it is narrated from the Noble Imam ‘Ali (as) that the soul bidding man to evil may be likened to a hypocrite who flatters a man and pretends to be his friend so that it may overcome him and lead him to the following stages.[^1] It is reflected in the Holy Qur’an that having cast Joseph (as) into a well, his brothers returned to their father with his shirt smeared with blood, saying that a wolf had devoured Joseph (as).