Facsimile · p. 116
It is incumbent upon the reader of the Book of Allah Almighty to ponder the wisdom of this choice; how can it be, and Allah Almighty says: "And what can make you know what the keepers of the Fire are? It is eighteen." (Al-Muddaththir: 30-31). And He also says: "And your Lord came and the angels, rank after rank." (Al-Fajr: 22). The choice of Allah Almighty for something is only based on knowledge that indicates profound wisdom. So, what is the wisdom of choosing this number, nineteen? To answer this question, we say, and to Allah is all success: Allah Almighty says in Surat Al-Muddaththir: "Over it are nineteen." (Al-Muddaththir: 30). "And We have not made the keepers of the Fire except angels, and We have not made their number but a trial for those who disbelieve - so that those who have been given the Scripture will be certain, and those who have believed will increase in faith, and those who have been given the Scripture and the believers will not doubt, and so that those in whose hearts is disease and the disbelievers may say, 'What does Allah intend by this as an example?' Thus does Allah leave astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And none knows the soldiers of your Lord but Him. And this is not but a reminder to humanity." (Al-Muddaththir: 31-36). From these verses, we notice that Allah Almighty has explicitly informed all people of the number He chose for the keepers of Hellfire, which is nineteen. It has already been said that this choice has profound wisdom. Al-Baqaa'i said, in his interpretation "Nathm al-Durar" (885 AH): "And He chose this number for them, and it is not possible for anyone to know its wisdom except Him. And whoever wants to know its wisdom, let him ponder it." We also notice from these verses that knowing even a little about the wisdom of choosing this number, nineteen, will bring certainty to the people of the Book regarding the truth that was revealed to Muhammad, peace be upon him. It will also increase the faith of the believers and remove doubt from both of them. Rather, this knowledge will be a reminder to all people. Allah Almighty says in the preceding verses: "And none knows the soldiers of your Lord but Him."