Tafsir of As-Sajdah 32:22

This is a summary explanation regarding those who respond to the verses of Allah Almighty with aversion, following the previous description of those who respond to them with prostration, glorification, and praise. The particle "then" (thumma) is used to express the rational improbability of turning away from them, given their utmost clarity and their guidance toward the felicity of both worlds—as in the saying of Ja'far bin 'Ulayyah al-Harithi:

And the calamity is not unveiled except by the son of a noble woman, Who sees the depths of death, then visits them.

The intended meaning is that such a person is more unjust than any other wrongdoer.

"Indeed, We will take retribution from the criminals." It has been said: This means from everyone characterized by criminality and who acquires blameworthy matters, even if they are not in this specific position. If this is the case for them, then how much more so for one who is more unjust than every unjust person and more criminal than every criminal? Thus, the sentence establishes the taking of retribution from him through a demonstrative path.

It is also permissible that the term "the criminals" refers specifically to the aforementioned person who turns away. The noun is used in place of the pronoun referring back to "the one" (man) in consideration of its meaning; the original construction would have been "We will take retribution from them (minhum)," so that it may be understood that the reason for the retribution is the commitment by this person, who has turned away, of such a great crime.

Al-Baghawi interpreted "the criminals" here as the polytheists. Al-Tibi—may mercy be upon him—said after reporting this: There is no doubt that the discourse is regarding the condemnation of those who turn away, and this style is more condemnatory, for it establishes that when a disbeliever is described with injustice and criminality, it carries the weight of the extremity of his disbelief and the peak of his rebellion. Furthermore, this verse serves as a conclusion to the states of the deniers who ask, "Or do they say, 'He has fabricated it?'" And the transition to the story of the Interlocutor [Musa] serves as a consolation for the heart of the Beloved [Muhammad], peace and blessings be upon them both, to the end of what he mentioned, so let it be consulted.