^{Theme
This Surah warns the disbelievers of the evil consequences of persecution and tyranny and consoles the believers that if they remain firm and steadfast against tyranny and coercion, they will be rewarded for it, and Allah Himself will avenge their persecutors. In this connection, the story of the people of the ditch (Ashab al-Ukhdud), who had burnt the believers to death by casting them into pits full of fire is related. By means of this story the believers and the disbelievers have been taught a few lessons:
That just as the people of the ditch became worthy of Allah’s curse and punishment, the chiefs of Makkah are also becoming worthy of it.
That just as the believers at that time had willingly accepted to sacrifice their lives by being burnt to death in the pits of fire instead of turning away from their faith, so also should the believers now endure every persecution and never give up faith.
That Allah, to Whom belongs the Kingdom of the earth and heavens, is Praiseworthy and is watching what the two groups are striving for.
Therefore, the disbelievers will not only be punished in Hell for their disbelief but, in addition to that, they also will suffer punishment by fire as a fit recompense for their tyranny and cruelty. The believers who are firm in their belief and do good deeds will go to paradise. This indeed is the supreme success. Then the disbelievers are warned that Allah’s grip is very severe. If they are proud of the strength of their hosts, they should know that the hosts of Pharaoh and Thamud were even stronger and more numerous. Therefore, they should learn a lesson from the fate these people of the past met. No one can escape Allah’s jurisdiction and the Qur’an that they are belying is unchangeable: it is inscribed in the Preserved Tablet, which cannot be destroyed in any way.}