Tafsir of Al-Jinn 72:24

Surah Al-Jinn (72): 24

[72:24] Until, when they see what they are promised, then they will know who is weaker in helpers and fewer in number.

If it is asked: What is the thing to which the phrase following Hatta (Until) is a limit?

We reply: There are two possible interpretations:

1. First: It is related to the preceding verse: {that they will be firm upon him} (Al-Jinn: 19). The meaning is that they (the disbelievers) persistently show enmity toward the Prophet, belittle his supporters, and underestimate his numbers. Until they see what they are promised—either the Day of Badr, where God revealed His victory over them, or the Day of Resurrection—{then they will know} who is weaker in helpers and fewer in number (i.e., the disbelievers).

2. Second: It is related to an implied context suggested by the situation of the disbelievers belittling the Prophet and underestimating his numbers. It is as if the meaning is: "These people will remain in their current state until such and such happens, and then such and such will happen."

Know that a similar verse to this is found in Surah Maryam: {Until, when they see what they are promised, whether it be the punishment or the Hour} (Maryam: 75).

Know also that the disbeliever has no helper nor intercessor on the Day of Resurrection, as stated: {The wrongdoers will have no intimate friend, nor any intercessor who will be obeyed} (Ghafir: 18); {and they do not intercede except for whom He has approved} (Al-Anbiya: 28). On that Day, everyone will flee from his companion, as stated: {The Day a man will flee from his brother} (Abasa: 34), and so on, until: {The Day you will see it, every nursing mother will forget that which she gave suck} (Al-Hajj: 2).

As for the believers, they will have honor, dignity, and abundance, as God Almighty states: **{And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, “Peace be upon you”}** (Ar-Ra'd: 23-24). The Holy King (God) will greet them: {“Peace,” a saying from a Merciful Lord}.

There, it becomes clear whether strength and numbers lie with the believers or with the disbelievers.