(39–40) “Say, ‘O my people, continue acting according to your way; I too am acting. You will soon know upon whom a punishment will come that disgraces him, and upon whom an enduring punishment will descend.’”

That is: “Say” to them, O Messenger: “O my people, continue acting according to your way”—that is, according to the course you have chosen for yourselves: worshipping those who deserve no worship whatsoever and possess no share in the governance of affairs.

“I too am acting” according to that to which I have called you: devoting religion sincerely to Allah Most High alone. “You will soon know” who will have the favorable outcome and “upon whom a punishment will come that disgraces him” in this world, “and upon whom” in the Hereafter “an enduring punishment will descend,” from which he will neither be moved nor find release. This is a grave threat to them. They know that they are the ones who deserve the enduring punishment, but wrongdoing and obstinacy have come between them and faith.