Tafsir of Ar-Rum 30:16

Surah Ar-Rum (The Romans): Verse 16

(And as for those who disbelieved...)

This means there is no respite or abatement for them, just as Allah Almighty said: {Whenever they wish to escape from it because of anguish, they will be returned therein} and He said: {The punishment will not be lightened for them} (Al 'Imran: 88).

In these two verses, there are matters containing subtle points:

The mention of the believers began first, even though the context is about mentioning the disbelievers. This is because the reward reaches the believer before the punishment reaches the disbeliever. This is so the disbeliever may see and confirm that the believer has attained the reward before he himself is subjected to punishment, which increases his distress. If the disbeliever were admitted to the Fire first, he might think that everyone shares in the torment. Thus, mentioning the believers first serves to intensify their suffering.

In the case of the believers, righteous deeds are mentioned, but in the case of the disbelievers, evil deeds are not mentioned. This is because righteous deeds are considered in conjunction with faith. Mere faith is sufficient for salvation, but not for attaining high ranks. The believer only reaches a high station through his faith and righteous deeds. As for the disbeliever, he is in the lowest ranks merely by virtue of his disbelief. If the verse said: "And those who disbelieved and did evil deeds will be present for punishment," the punishment would be for those who commit both (disbelief and evil deeds).

If one asks: What about the one who believes but commits evil deeds? He is not mentioned in either category. We reply: He occupies a position between the two positions—not as the Mu'tazilites claim. Rather, he is subject to punishment, but not one of perpetual presence (in the Fire). In the Hereafter, he will be in joy, but not one of ultimate bliss. All of this is according to the promise (of Allah).

Regarding the believers, He said: {in a garden} (روضة) using the indefinite form (Tankir). Regarding the disbelievers, He said: the punishment (العذاب) using the definite form (Ta'rif). This is to magnify the garden through indefiniteness, just as one says about a person: "He has wealth and status" (مال وجاه), meaning much and great.

Regarding the believers, He said: {they will be made joyful} (يحبرون) using the verbal form (present tense), and did not say "they will be joyful" (محبورون). Regarding the disbelievers, He said: {they will be present} (محضرون) using the noun form, and did not say "they will be brought" (يحضرون). This is because the verb implies renewal (of the state), whereas the noun does not imply that. Therefore, His saying {they will be made joyful} means that something that pleases them comes to them every hour. As for the disbelievers, once they enter the punishment, they remain present (محضرين) therein.

{So exalt Allah when you enter upon the evening and when you enter upon the morning. And to Him is all praise in the heavens and the earth, and [exalt Him] in the late afternoon and when you enter upon the time of noon. He brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and revives the earth after its lifelessness. And thus will you be brought forth.}