﴿ وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْنَا ٱلْمُسْتَقْدِمِينَ مِنكُمْ وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْنَا ٱلْمُسْتَـْٔخِرِينَ ﴾

“And well do We know [the hearts and deeds of all human beings - both] those who lived before you and those who will come after you;”

(And verily We know the eager among you) i.e. those who have died of your fathers and mothers; it is also said that this means: those who come forward to the first line (and verily We know the laggards) those who are still alive among their sons and daughter; it is also said that this means: those who withdraw to the last line.