And Sufyān narrated from al-Aʿmash, from Abū al-Duhā, from Masrūq, who said:

When this verse was revealed:

“It is not according to your wishes, nor the wishes of the People of the Scripture. Whoever does evil will be recompensed for it,”

the People of the Scripture said, “We and you are alike,” until the verse was revealed:

“And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer…”

The verse beginning “And who is better in religion…” was also revealed concerning them.

It has also been narrated that Mujāhid said: Quraysh said, “We will not be resurrected,” or, “We will not be called to account.” The People of the Scripture said:

“The Fire will never touch us except for a few days.”

Then Allah, Mighty and Majestic, revealed:

“It is not according to your wishes, nor the wishes of the People of the Scripture.”

This would mean that the verse addresses the disbelievers among the unlettered and the People of the Scripture, because they believed that they would not suffer everlasting punishment. The first account, however, is more widely transmitted and more clearly supported by the evidence. There is consensus that the surah was revealed in Medina, so it addresses the believers, as do the other surahs revealed in Medina.

Furthermore, it is widely reported through numerous channels that when the words of Allah Most High were revealed:

“Whoever does evil will be recompensed for it,”

this weighed heavily upon the Companions of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, until the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, explained to them that worldly afflictions are part of this recompense, and that through them the believer receives his recompense. It is thus clear that they are addressed by this verse, not merely the disbelievers.

Furthermore, His words after this:

“And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or