They question what their devils have narrated to them, and [likewise] the interpretation of the words of the Almighty: {In which they will remain for ages (Ahqaba)} 1 . An "age" (Huqub) is eighty years; among them are those who remain for half an age, or less, or more—and it is not as they [the commoners] believe. As for the interpretation of "ages," they refer to the lifespans of the bodies of the people of metamorphosis (Ahl al-Masukhiyya).
[25] It was narrated on the authority of Humran ibn A'yan that he said: I asked my Master Abu 'Abd Allah—exalted is His might—regarding the metamorphosed beings: "Do they remember what they have done?" He said: "Yes, they remember what they have done. Allah uncovers the veil from their hearts; so whenever they see something they recognize, their regrets are renewed, and this is an increase in their sorrows and torment."
The words of the Almighty: {On the Day when some faces will turn white and some faces will turn black. As for those whose faces turn black, [to them it will be said], "Did you disbelieve after your belief? Then taste the punishment for what you used to reject"} 2 .