Surah Ya-Sin (36): Verse 49

Then the Almighty said: {They look not save for a single Cry} (36:49).

This means they await nothing except a single, terrifying sound.

The use of the indefinite form (ṣayḥatan wāḥidatan) suggests abundance or magnitude.

Addressing the apparent contradiction:

If it is argued that they were not truly waiting, but rather firmly believed in its non-occurrence, we offer two responses:

1. The "waiting" is actualized by their actions. They were behaving in ways that warranted immediate destruction and the hastening of punishment and the Hour, were it not for the decree, power, and knowledge of God.
2. Since their question, "When is that?" was not a genuine inquiry seeking a specific time, their "waiting" is not literal. The questioner implies waiting when asking "When?" (as seen in previous verses).

Matters indicating the terror and magnitude of the Cry:

They mentioned several aspects regarding this Cry here:

1. Indefiniteness (Tankeer): Just as one says, "So-and-so has much wealth" (māl), or "He has a bold heart" (qalb), the indefinite form here signifies something immense.
2. Singularity (Wāḥidah): It means it requires no second cry to complete the action.
3. Encompassing Nature (Ta’khudhuhum): It will seize them all, reaching everyone from the east to the west of the earth. Undeniably, a phenomenon like this must be immense.

And His saying: {It will seize them while they are preoccupied with their disputes} (36:50), {And they will not be able to make any bequest, nor return to their families} (36:51).