As-Saffat: 175

"And observe them, for they shall soon observe."

Observe them—while they are, at that moment, in the worst of states and the most hideous of torments, having been overtaken by what has overtaken them of captivity and slaughter. Or, observe their tribulation, assuming an ellipsis of an added term. The command to witness this—though it has not yet occurred—is to demonstrate that, due to its extreme imminence, it is as if it were present before him and directly within his sight, especially if it is said that the command implies the present or the immediate future.

"For they shall soon observe."

That is, what will come to pass of support and victory for you. It is also said: the meaning is, observe the punishment that will befall them on the Day of Resurrection, for they shall soon observe the additional reward that will be yours. "Soon" (sawfa) is used here for threat, not for the deferral or postponement that is its literal function. The proximity of what has befallen them necessitates the proximity of what is to come for him, peace and blessings be upon him; thus, this is evidence that the deferral is not intended by it.