Overview (Verses 37 - 40)

The sūrah then refers to the conflicting views and beliefs advanced by various groups concerning Jesus, his birth, nature and status. All are highly objectionable as compared with the clear and simple truth.
 
“Yet are the sects at variance among themselves.” (Verse 37) Constantine, the Roman Emperor, held one of three famous synods, attended by 2,170 bishops. They differed a great deal about Jesus. Each group expressed a certain view. Some said that he was God who descended to earth in person, giving life to whomever He willed and caused others to die, before returning to heaven. Some said that he was God’s son, while others claimed that he was one of the three entities forming the Godhead: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. A different group claimed that he was one of three deities: God was one, Jesus another and his mother the third. However, another group said that Jesus was God’s servant, messenger, spirit and word. Others made yet different claims. All in all, no more than 308 agreed on any one view. The Emperor decided to support that view, expelling all those who did not agree, and persecuting those who opposed it, particularly those who advocated God’s oneness.
 
Since such deviant beliefs were established by synods composed of large numbers of bishops, the sūrah warns unbelievers about what happens to those who deviate from the faith based on God’s oneness. This warning tells them of a scene that will take place on a great and eventful day witnessed by much larger numbers:
 
Woe, then, to the unbelievers when a momentous day arrives. How well they will hear and see on the day they will appear before Us. Truly the wrongdoers are today in evident error. Hence, warn them of the Day of Distress, when everything will have been determined while they remain heedless, persisting in unbelief (Verses 37-39)
 
Woe to them when they witness a momentous day, referred to here in an indefinite mode to impart to it a more awesome air. It is a day witnessed by all human beings and jinn, as well as the angels. All shall stand in the presence of God Almighty, to whom the unbelievers ascribe partners.
 
The sūrah then derides them for turning away from all the pointers to the right guidance in this present life. On that day theirs will be the sharpest of hearing and seeing: “How well they will hear and see on the day they will appear before Us. Truly the wrongdoers are today in evident error.” (Verse 38) Their situation is amazing: they do not hear or see when hearing and seeing are the means to discern guidance and follow it in order to escape doom. Yet they hear and see extremely well when these faculties are used to stress their humiliation. They will be made to hear what they dislike and see what they are wont to avoid.
 
“Hence, warn them of the Day of Distress.” (Verse 39) That is a day when distress will be at its most acute, when distress will be a quality of the day itself. They need to be warned, because such distress is of no use to anyone: “When everything will have been determined while they remain heedless, persisting in unbelief” (Verse 39) It is as though the day is directly linked to their unbelief and heedlessness.
 
God’s Messenger is commanded to warn people against that day, which will come, no doubt. For, everything and everyone on earth shall return to God, like inheritance that reverts to the Only Heir: “We alone shall remain after the earth and all who live on it have passed away. To Us they shall all return.” (Verse 40)