And when it was known that when they heard this warning, they said in mockery and blindness to the path of truth and in arrogance: "When will it come to pass?" He began his saying in response to them, the response of one who is not hastened by urgency or annoyance, for he does not fear missing it nor is he harmed by the persistence of the enemy and their striving to harm His allies. He clarified what is permissible for the messengers, that it is hidden from them what is hidden from mankind, and Allah, the Exalted, informs them of what is hidden from others: "Say" in response to them if they deny the coming of the punishment and ask in mockery about the time of its occurrence. As for its existence, it is inevitable, for the warning has been made clear by one who does not break the promise. As for specifying its time, He has concealed it, glorified is He, for it is more effective in threatening. This is the meaning of His saying: "If" meaning what "I know" in any way of the ways, even if I were to attempt that and cause it. He increased in confirming its concealment and that it remains in the realm of what is asked about in the form of inquiry. He said, presenting what He conceals from them: "Is it near what you are promised?" meaning it will be now or close to this time, such that it is expected to be near. "Or" is it far? "He makes for it" meaning for this warning. And when the delay might imply negligence towards the ally, He said, repelling that: "My Lord" meaning the One who is gracious to me whether He brings it forward or delays it. "A term" meaning a significant appointed time in every regard, such that even in distance it cannot be expected to be now or to be anticipated before that term. So it is in every case expected, so be on utmost caution, for it is inevitable that it will occur. The occurrence of it is not in question, but the discussion is about specifying its time.