Ghafir (The Forgiver)

10. Those who disbelieve will be addressed [in Hell]: “Allah’s Wrath [against you] was greater towards you than your aversion towards one another when you were called to the Faith but you used to refuse.”

The verbal for yunadun is attested twice in the Holy Qur’an both of which are employed for humiliating the people of Hell, the other instance is:

“They are those who are called from a remote place,”1 .

The blessed Verse in question treats of the manner of Divine Wrath against disbelievers so as to shed further light through symmetrical juxtaposition.

The blessed Verse says:

“Those who disbelieve will be addressed [in Hell]: ‘Allah’s Wrath [against you] was greater towards you than your aversion towards one another when you were called to the Faith but you used to refuse’.”

Who is calling them in this manner? The angels responsible for inflicting torment upon disbelievers are apparently calling them thus to reproach and disgrace them whereas angels of Mercy are at all times prepared to pay homage and respect to the believing pious.

Some exegets have maintained that some disbelievers call their like; however, the first interpretation sounds more appropriate. It is worthy of note that the call shall be voiced on the Day of Resurrection as the following Verses evidently bear witness to the same.

The word maqt literally designates “hatred, detestation, aversion.” The blessed Verse indicates that inasmuch as faithless people severely detest themselves, Divine Wrath shall be beyond their aversion.

What is intended by disbelievers’ aversion and enmity against themselves? There are two interpretations for it.

According to the first interpretation, they have been their most bitter enemies of themselves since they turned away from those who called them to believe in Divine Unity. They not only turned away from the Lights of Divine Guidance but they also shattered them.

Is there any enmity more severe than blocking for oneself the path to everlasting bliss in exchange for following concupiscence and enjoying the transient mundane life?

As per the present interpretation, the clause:

“when you were called to the Faith but you used to refuse”

reflects the manner of their wrath and enmity against themselves.

According to the other interpretation, their enmity and wrath comprehends them on the Day of Resurrection, since they perceive the consequences of their acts there which will lead to their regret and repentance.

They will cry out biting their hands out of sorrow and regret saying:

“The Day when the wrong doer will bite at his hands”2 “and the disbeliever will say: ‘Woe to me! Would that I were dust!’” “And sharp is the sight of this Day”3 , “The Day when all the secrets will be examined”4 , “And when the pages of deeds of every person are laid open”5 , “You yourself are sufficient as a reckoner against you this Day”6 .

Thus they condemn themselves decisively and turn away in detestation and flee from themselves.

Now it is called:

“Allah’s Wrath [against you] was greater towards you than your aversion towards one another when you were called to the Faith but you used to refuse.”