The polytheists used to ask the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, about the time of the Day of Resurrection, hastening in a mocking manner. The Jews would ask him as a test, because Allah, glorified and exalted is He, concealed its time in the Torah and in every book. So the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, was commanded to respond that it is knowledge that Allah has kept to Himself, which neither an angel nor a prophet has been informed of. Then it was made clear to His Messenger that it is near to occur, as a threat to those who hasten and as a reassurance to those who are testing, close to something near. Or because the Hour is in the meaning of the day, or in a near time.