Tafsir of Qaf 50:22

Translation of Mafatih al-Ghayb (Fakhr al-Din al-Razi)

Verse Context: Regarding the Almighty's saying:

This address is either directed to him (the disbeliever) or it is said to him, just as the Almighty said: { And those who feared their Lord will be driven to Paradise in groups until, when they reach it and its gates are opened... } (Az-Zumar: 71 - Note: The verse cited in the original text, Az-Zumar: 73, is slightly different in context, but the structure implies a reported speech.) And the Almighty said: { It will be said, "Enter the gates of Hell..." } (Az-Zumar: 72).

The address is general:

1. As for the disbeliever: His entry into this ruling (heedlessness) is already known.
2. As for the believer: His knowledge will increase, what was hidden from him will become apparent, and he will see his knowledge with certainty—the certainty of one who considers the lesson. In relation to those states and the severity of the terrors, he will be like one who was heedless.

This carries the two interpretations we mentioned concerning the Almighty's saying: { You could never avert it from yourself } (Qaf: 19).

Heedlessness (Ghaflah) is a kind of covering, like confusion (Libas), but more severe. This is because confusion involves doubt, whereas the heedless person's heart is completely veiled from the matter, and this is the ultimate covering (Ghulf).

This means: We removed your heedlessness from you.

{ So your sight, this Day, is sharp }—whereas before it was dull.

And your companion (Qarin) is sharp, whereas in the world, he was a close friend (Khalil). This is alluded to by the Almighty's saying: