(75) “Say, ‘Whoever persists in error, let the Most Compassionate extend him further in it, until, when they see what they have been promised—either the punishment or the Hour—they will come to know who is worse in position and weaker in forces.’”

Having mentioned their false argument, which demonstrates their intense obstinacy and deep misguidance, Allah now informs us that whoever persists in error—content with it for himself and striving along its path—Allah will extend him further in it and increase his attachment to it, as punishment for choosing it over guidance. Allah Most High says: “So when they deviated, Allah caused their hearts to deviate.” “We turn their hearts and eyes away, just as they refused to believe in it the first time, and We leave them to wander blindly in their transgression.”

“Until, when they see”—that is, those who say, “Which of the two groups has the better position and the finer assembly?”—“what they have been promised—either the punishment,” through being killed or otherwise, “or the Hour,” which is the gateway to recompense for deeds, “they will come to know who is worse in position and weaker in forces.” That is when the falsity of their claim will become clear to them, and they will realize that it was a claim destined to vanish. They will know with certainty that they are the people of evil and are “weaker in forces.” Yet this knowledge will be of no benefit to them, for they will be unable to return to this world and act differently from how they acted before.