And between them will be a partition, and on [its] elevations are men who recognize all by their mark. And they call out to the companions of Paradise, "Peace be upon you." They have not [yet] entered it, but they long intensely.
{And between them is a partition}
Meaning: between Paradise and Hell, or between the two groups. It is the wall mentioned in His saying: {So a wall will be set up between them} (Al-Hadid: 13).
{And on the heights (al-A‘rāf)}
Meaning: upon the heights of the partition—which is the wall erected between Paradise and Hell—and these are its summits. It is the plural of *‘urf* (crest), metaphorically derived from the crest of a horse or the comb of a rooster.
{Are men}
From the Muslims, those who are the last to enter Paradise due to the deficiency of their deeds. It is as if they are those "deferred for the command of Allah," detained between Paradise and Hell until Allah permits them to enter Paradise.
{They recognize each}
From the groups of the blessed and the wretched.
{By their marks}
By the signs with which Allah, the Exalted, has made them known to them; Allah inspires them with that, or the angels make them known to them.
{And when their eyes are turned toward the companions of the Fire, they say, "Our Lord, do not place us with the wrongdoing people." And the companions of the heights will call to men they recognize by their marks, saying, "Of what use to you was your gathering and what you used to be arrogant about? [Is it] these whom you swore that Allah would never touch with mercy? Enter Paradise; no fear will there be concerning you, nor will you grieve."}
