“Until they see what they are promised, and then shall they know who is weaker in aid and fewer in number”
Mohammed bin Fuzail said, I asked Imam Kazim (as) about the above verse. Imam (as) replied, This refers to the Qaem (as) and his companions.” (Al Kafi volume 1 page 434; Tafseer Al Safi volume 5 page 238)
Imam Reza (as) said, “The places of prostration” (Chapter 72 verse 18) refer to the Imams (as).
“And then when the servant of Allah stands up in prayer to Him, they crowd in upon him, almost stifling” (Chapter 72 verse 19). “The servant of Allah” refers to the Messenger of Allah (sawa) and “they” refers to the Quraysh who almost became accustomed to the Prophets.
“Until they see what they are promised” (Chapter 72 verse 24). “What they are promised” refers to the (rising) of the Qaem (as) and Ameerul Momeneen (as) in Raj’at.
“And then shall they know who is weaker in aid and fewer in number” refers to the words of Ameerul Momeneen (as) to Zufar when he said, “O son of Sahhak! (grandmother of Umar) I swear to Allah that if it was not for the covenant of Allah and His Messenger (as), you would come to know which of us is “weaker in aid and fewer in number.”
Then Imam Reza (as) continued, When the Messenger of Allah (sawa) informed the people about Raj’at, they asked, “When will this happen?”
Allah said to the Prophets (as) , “Say (O Mohammed): I do not know whether that which you are promised is near, or if my Lord has appointed for it a distant time” (Chapter 72 verse 25). (Tafseer Al Qummi volume 2 page 391)