Tafsir of Al-Jinn 72:25

This is a response to what the polytheists said upon hearing [the warning]. The state of their affair dictates that they said, by way of denial and mockery, "When is this promised time?" In fact, it is narrated from Muqatil that al-Nadr ibn al-Harith said this. Thus, it was said: "Say that it is inevitably occurring, but as for its timing, I do not know when it will be."

It is more appropriate that their questioning and this response pertain to what will occur on the Day of Resurrection, which they vehemently deny, and the timing of which is hidden from all creatures to the utmost degree of concealment. The intended meaning of al-amad (time/term) is a distant time, based on the context of the contrast with "near." Otherwise, linguistically, it is inclusive [of both near and far], which is why it is described as "distant" in the words of the Almighty: "...and she wishes that there were a far distance between her and it."

It has also been said that the meaning of "near" signifies the proximity of its end; as if it were said: "I do not know whether it is an occurrence expected at any moment, or if it is delayed with a set term appointed for it." The first [interpretation] is worthier and more proximal.