Tafsir of Al-`Ankabut 29:21

"He punishes whom He wills" is an inaugural sentence intended to clarify what occurs after the second creation—meaning, He punishes after the second creation whomsoever He wills to punish, and they are those who deny it. "And He has mercy upon whom He wills" by His mercy, and they are those who affirm it. "And to Him, glory be to Him—not to anyone else—you shall be returned," meaning you shall be brought back. The sentence serves as a confirmation of the resurrection and a prelude to what follows. The punishment is mentioned first because intimidation is more appropriate to this context than encouragement.