(39) “The first of them will say to the last of them”—that is, the leaders will say to their followers—“You have no advantage over us.” In other words, we all took part in error and misguidance and committed deeds that brought about punishment, so what advantage do you have over us? “So taste the punishment for what you used to earn.”

It is well known, however, that the punishment of the leaders and imams of misguidance will be more severe and appalling than that of their followers, just as the bliss of the imams and foremost figures of right guidance will be greater than the reward of their followers. Allah says, “As for those who disbelieved and hindered others from the way of Allah, We will add punishment to their punishment because of the corruption they spread.”

These verses and others like them show that all categories of those who deny Allah’s signs will abide eternally in the punishment. They all share in its essential penalty, although its severity will vary according to their deeds, obstinacy, wrongdoing, and fabrications. They also show that the affection they shared in this world will turn into enmity and mutual cursing on the Day of Resurrection.