Al-Ahqaf (The Dunes)

34. And on the Day when those who disbelieve will be exposed to the Fire [God will say to them]: “Is this [Hell] not the truth?” They will say: “Yes by our Lord!” He will say: “Then taste the torment, because you used to disbelieve!”

Physical and mental torments are side by side on the Day of Resurrection. On that Day, confessing Divine Sovereignty shall be of no avail. In this Verse God Almighty informs His Noble Prophet (S) that when disbelievers are exposed to Hell fire on the Last Day, it will be said unto them that they did not believe the prophets’ warnings.

They will say:

“Aye, by God what they said unto us were totally right but we failed to believe their promises and warnings.”

The angels in charge of tormenting disbelievers in Hell will say unto them

“You declined the prophets’ Calls and felt animosity toward them. Now you taste a severe torment as a recompense for your vicious deeds.” “Because you used to disbelieve!”

may refer to the fact that Hell fire blazes through wickedness, denial of Truth, and animosity toward Divinely appointed prophets and messengers.

At that time, man reproaches his own self saying:

“The prophets uttered the Truth, but you denied it.”

Upon tasting the torment they admit to their ignorance, but their belief will be of no avail and they have to suffer the consequences of their disbelief.