And when this condition was known to them; they do not dispute it in any way; rather, when they fall into it, they sincerely dedicate their supplication; and they command it; and they renounce the partners. The knowledge of this necessitates for its possessor that he does not become heedless of the One who is capable of it for any time; rather, he should not cease from thanking Him out of fear of His cunning. The wise person, when reminded of a matter he knows with certainty, is worthy of accepting it; so if he does not accept it and is warned of the consequence of a possible matter; he strives to avoid it. He was astonished by them in their turning away from Him - glorified and exalted is He - while the decisive evidence of His oneness stands; and that He is capable of what He wills of punishment and reward; and their inclination towards what does not benefit them in any way. So He said: "And when it is said to them"; meaning: from any speaker; "Fear"; meaning: fear a great fear in which you deal with yourselves; "what is before you"; meaning: by what you might fall into of the destructive pitfalls; in both abodes; "and what is behind you"; meaning: what you have neglected in it; and you did not strive for it; and there must be accountability for it; because Allah, who created you, is the most just of judges; "that perhaps you may be shown mercy"; meaning: you may be treated with the treatment of the one who is shown mercy with honor.