Tafsir of Al-Ahzab 33:63

Al-Ahzab (The Confederates): Verse 63

[63] People ask you about the Hour (the Day of Resurrection). Say: "The knowledge of it is with Allah only." And what will make you know? Perhaps the Hour is near.

Tafsir:

When Allah (SWT) clarified their state in this world—that they are cursed, humiliated, and killed—He intended to clarify their state in the Hereafter. Therefore, He mentioned the Resurrection and what will happen to them therein, saying:

{People ask you about the Hour}

Meaning, about the time of the Resurrection.

{Say: "The knowledge of it is with Allah only."}

It is not clear to you. Allah concealed it for a wisdom: to prevent the accountable person from presuming (to act freely) and to keep them in fear of it at all times.

Then the Almighty said:

{And what will make you know? Perhaps the Hour is near.}

This is an indication of warning (intimidation). This is because when someone says, "Allah knows when such-and-such an event will occur," it implies that the event is delayed. Do you not see that if someone demands their right from a debtor, and the debtor asks for a month or two months' respite, the creditor might be patient? But if the debtor says, "Be patient until so-and-so returns from his journey," and the creditor replies, "Allah knows when so-and-so will come," it is possible that the arrival of so-and-so might occur before the end of that period. Therefore, here He said: {And what will make you know? Perhaps the Hour is near.} Meaning, it is in Allah's knowledge, so do not seek to delay it, for it might occur soon. Qarīb (near) is a fa'īl form, which is the same for masculine and feminine. Allah says: {And do not cause corruption in the land after it has been set right} (Al-A'raf: 56), and for this reason, He did not say, "Perhaps the Hour is qarībah (feminine form)."

[64] Indeed, Allah has cursed the disbelievers and has prepared for them a blazing Fire,

[65] wherein they will abide forever. They will not find any protector or helper.

Tafsir:

{Indeed, Allah has cursed the disbelievers}

(This verse continues the theme of their fate, linking the worldly rejection to the ultimate punishment.)

{and has prepared for them a blazing Fire,}

{wherein they will abide forever. They will not find any protector or helper.}