مِّمَّا خَطِيئَاتِهِمْ أُغْرِقُوا فَأُدْخِلُوا نَارًا فَلَمْ يَجِدُوا لَهُم مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ أَنصَارًا (25)
(71:25) And so they were drowned on account of their sins, and then cast into the Fire, *19 and did not find any other than Allah, *20 to come forth to their help.
*19) That is, "Drowning was not their end, but after death their souls were immediately subjected to the punishment of the Fire." This precisely was the treatment that was meted out to Pharaoh and his people, as has been stated in Surah Al-Mu'min: 45-46. (For explanation, see E.N. 63 of Al-Mu'min). This verse also is of those verses which prove the punishment of barzakh (intermediary stage between death and Resurrection).
*20) That is, "None of the gods whom they looked upon as their supporters and helpers came to their rescue." This, in fact, was a warning to the people of Makkah, as if to say: "If you too are subjected to the torment of Allah, these gods on whom you have placed all your reliance, will avail you absolutely nothing. "