﴿As if they﴾ in their turning away from the reminder, due to the intensity of their aversion and their hastening to flee. ﴿They are like wild donkeys﴾, meaning from the wild donkeys, which are the most averse of creatures. Therefore, most of the comparisons of the Arabs in describing camels with speed of movement are with wild donkeys in their running when they approach water and sense something that alarms them. In the comparison of the disbelievers to wild donkeys, especially in this situation, there is a clear condemnation and a manifest disparagement of their condition. It is a testimony against them of foolishness, lack of intellect, and absence of certainty. ﴿They are like startled animals﴾, meaning they are causing aversion with the utmost desire for it, to the extent that they seem to seek it from themselves, as it is in their nature and disposition. This is based on the reading of the majority. The people of Medina and the Levant read it with a fathah, meaning that it has caused them to be frightened.