Az-Zumar (The Groups)

32. Then, who does more wrong than one who utters a lie against Allah, and denies the truth when it [i.e., the truth] comes to him? Is there not in Hell an abode for disbelievers?

The word

“truth” (sidq)

in the blessed Verse indicates Divine Word Revealed to the Prophet (S) as the Holy Qur’an.

The preceding Verses treated of people on the Day of Judgment and disputations occurring then.

The Verse in question resumes the same discussion dividing people into

“the lying”

and

“the trustworthy.”

The former have two characteristics as reflected in the Qur’anic Verse in question:

“Then, who does more wrong than one who utters a lie against Allah, and denies the truth when it [i.e., the truth] comes to him?”

Polytheists and disbelievers uttered many a lie concerning God; for instance, some regarded angels His daughters, some others regarded Jesus (as) his son, some considered idols as intercessors interceding on their behalf, and some others forged false injunctions as to lawfulness and unlawfulness.

Nonetheless, when the Truth, i.e., the Holy Qur’an Revealed to the Prophet (S), came unto them, they denied It.

The Verse closes with a brief clause demonstrating the retribution of these people:

“Is there not in Hell an abode for disbelievers?” It is worthy of note that the word mathwa is taken from thawa’ which indicates “residence, residing, abiding,” hence the former ad hoc designates permanent abode or residence.

Hell embodies all its excruciating torments.