(29–36) “Indeed, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed * and, when they passed by them, wink at one another in mockery * and, when they returned to their families, they returned rejoicing * and, when they saw them, they said, ‘These people are surely astray’ * though they had not been sent as guardians over them * So today those who believed are laughing at the disbelievers.”

After Allah Most High mentioned the recompense of the evildoers and that of the believers (1), and [mentioned] the vast disparity between them, He stated that in this world the evildoers used to mock the believers, deride them, laugh at them, and exchange mocking winks when they passed by, out of contempt and scorn. Despite this, you would see them utterly at ease, with no thought of fear ever crossing their minds. “And, when they returned to their families”—morning or evening—“they returned rejoicing”; that is, happy and exultant (2). This is one of the gravest (3) forms of delusion: they combined the utmost wrongdoing with a sense of security (4) in this world, as though a writ and covenant had come to them from Allah declaring that they were among the blessed. They pronounced themselves rightly guided and the believers astray, fabricating lies against Allah and daring to speak about Him without knowledge.

Allah Most High said: “Though they had not been sent as guardians over them.” That is, they were not sent as overseers over the believers, charged with monitoring their deeds, such that they should be so intent on accusing them of error. Their conduct was nothing but obstinacy, stubborn defiance, and mockery, with no basis or proof. Therefore, their recompense in the Hereafter matched their deeds. Allah Most High said: “So today”—that is, on the Day of Resurrection—“those who believed are laughing at the disbelievers,” when they see them tossed about in the depths of torment, while their fabrications have come to nothing, and the believers enjoy perfect comfort and tranquility.