These people may cite this verse as evidence. They also cite His words:

“So I have warned you of a blazing Fire. None will burn in it except the most wretched—who denied and turned away.”

[Surah al-Layl: 14–16]

Some ignorant people may also cite His words:

“That is what Allah uses to frighten His servants.”

[Surah al-Zumar: 16]

Such a person argues, “The threat of punishment is merely something with which He frightens you.”

They also say, “As for His words:

‘That is because they hated what Allah revealed, so He rendered their deeds void.’

[Surah Muhammad: 9]

“This concerns the disbelievers, for He said:

‘As for those who disbelieve, ruin befall them! He has rendered their deeds void. That is because they hated what Allah revealed, so He rendered their deeds void.’

[Surah Muhammad: 8–9]

“The same applies to His words:

‘Indeed, those who turned back after guidance had become clear to them—Satan enticed them and prolonged their hopes. That is because they said to those who hated what Allah revealed, “We will obey you in some matters.” Allah knows their secrets. Then how will it be when the angels take their souls, striking their faces and their backs? That is because they followed what angered Allah and hated what pleased Him, so He rendered their deeds void.’

[Surah Muhammad: 25–28]”

Thus, He—Glorified is He—has stated that these people turned back after guidance had become clear to them, and that Satan enticed them and prolonged their hopes—that is, made them hope for a long life. This was because they promised the disbelievers (1) that they would comply with them. He therefore said:

“That is because they said to those who hated what Allah revealed, ‘We will obey you in some matters.’”

For this reason, the early Muslims identified those who “hated what Allah revealed”—the people whose conduct occasioned the revelation of this verse—as the hypocrites and the Jews.

The proponents of the divine threat say, “Allah (2)—Most High—only