Surah al-Jathiyah (Kneeling ) 45 : 8

Explanatory Note

The mark of a lying, sinful person is that he persistently holds on to what is false, looks with disdain on the truth, feels too proud to respond to God's revelations and behaves with insolence towards God. Although this hateful type of person could be found among the idolaters in Makkah, the same type is seen in every jiihiliyyah society, immersed in ignorance, whether in the past, present or future. Many are those all over the world, including some who are described as Muslims, who behave with disdain when they hear God's revelations being recited and who persist in their erring ways as though they have never heard such revelations. They do so because what God has revealed is contrary to their desire and will not approve the evil and false practices in which they indulge.

"So, give him the news of painful suffering." This statement describes the punishment such a person will receive, but the Arabic text uses the word bashhir for 'giving news', even though the word is only used for giving good news. As used in this verse to bring news of painful suffering, it thus carries connotations of ridicule. If this person does not listen to the warning, let him receive the news of his suffering in a voice that signals good news. What mockery!