And when their habit was to permit the possible from all that they feared from the creation, the situation necessitated asking them: Have they prepared for what they threatened with from the Creator any means or not? In the context of questioning about the preference between it and what the righteous have been promised, it is a reminder that it is of a higher rank than the possible, for it is a reality without a doubt, and a mockery of them. So Allah, the Exalted, said: "Say, is that" meaning the great and terrifying matter that you have been promised of the blazing fire described.

And when the custom of the Arabs in expressing the virtue of something over another is to use the form of 'af'al, it is a reminder that the deprivation of good from its opposite is not hidden from anyone, or that this may be in the manner of concession and loosening the reins, a reminder for the wise that it is enough for him in returning from error the paths of possibility for what he is upon being inferior. He said: "Is it better or the Garden of Eternity" meaning the everlasting abode, "which has been promised to the righteous" meaning the truthful promise that has been affirmed by it, from whom the promise is made, for those who feared and believed in the Hour, making between them and its horrors a protection from what the messengers commanded them; then Allah, the Exalted, affirmed its matter as a confirmation of the good tidings by saying: "It was" meaning it was formed and existed by His creation, glorified is He, "for them a reward" for their belief and their deeds, "and a destination" meaning a resting place and an end, and that is praise for their reward because if it is in a spacious and pleasant place, it is more enjoyable and delightful for them, just as punishment, if it is in a narrow and dreadful place, it is more severe and painful. And this is a questioning of reprimand and reproach for those who have understanding and permit the possibilities.