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Explanatory Note
The sūrah then paints a speedy image of what happens when that event takes place, as it will indeed do:
“On that day He will call you, and you will answer by praising Him, thinking that you stayed on earth but a very short while.” (Verse 52)
The image shows those people who were bent on denying the resurrection rising up to respond to the call that brings them back to life. As they do, they praise God in clear terms. They have nothing else to say apart from praising God. This is a strange response from those who were dogged in their denial of resurrection and the Day of Judgement altogether. They simply rise, saying nothing except: “Praised be God, praised be God.” Thus this whole life is shown to be very brief, like a flickering light: “You will answer by praising Him, thinking that you stayed on earth but a very short while.” (Verse 52)
Describing this life in this way is sure to belittle its importance in the minds of those to whom this address is made. It is a very short life. Nothing of its effects is of a lasting nature. It is no more than a brief moment that has passed, accompanied by a brief enjoyment.